Boro Park Mourns: Rachmastrivka Rebbetzin Miriam Twersky, Sister of Skverer Rebbe, Passes Away at 90

The Chassidic world is mourning the passing of the Rachmastrivka Rebbetzin, Rebbetzin Miriam Twersky, who was niftar at the age of 90.

The Rebbetzin was the widow of the late Rachmastrivka Rebbe of the United States, Harav Chai Yitzchok Twersky, and the only sibling of the current Skvera Rebbe, shlita.

She passed away at a local hospital surrounded by her sons, the Rachmastrivka Rebbes, and daughters, after a severe medical deterioration brought on by septic shock.

A Royal Chassidic Lineage

The Rebbetzin was born in Călărași, Romania, to her illustrious father, the previous Skverer Rebbe, Harav Yakov Yosef Twersky. In 1948, following the horrors of the Holocaust, she immigrated to the United States with her family.

On the 26th of Adar I, 1954, she married the late Rachmastrivka Rebbe in a historic Manhattan wedding attended by the leading Torah giants of the generation, including the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz and the Satmar Rebbe, Harav Yoel Teitelbaum.

The couple initially lived near her father in Williamsburg and later in the newly established enclave of New Square, where her husband served as the Rosh Yeshiva. In 1981, following the petirah of his father, the Rebbe assumed the mantle of leadership, and the family relocated to Boro Park. For decades, the Rebbetzin stood as a steadfast pillar at her husband’s side, helping to lead a Chassidus that encompasses hundreds of families and renowned Torah institutions across Boro Park, Monsey, Lakewood, and Beitar Illit.

Bearing Profound Tragedy with Faith

The Rebbetzin was revered as an exalted personality who accepted the decrees of Heaven with pure faith and love, even when struck by horrific family tragedies. She endured the heartbreaking loss of three of her adult children during her lifetime:

The Rebbetzin bore her profound grief with silence, remaining a source of maternal strength for Rachmastrivka Chassidim worldwide. Following the petirah of her husband the Rebbe nearly three years ago in August 2023, her physical health weakened significantly.

A Glorious Dynasty Continues

The Rebbetzin leaves behind a magnificent legacy of Torah leadership. Her surviving sons all serve as prominent Rebbes and community leaders across the globe:

Her eldest grandson (son of Rav Mordechai) serves as the Rachmastrivka Rebbe of Spring Valley.

She is also survived by her daughters, Rebbetzin Chava (married to the son of the Chernobyl Rebbe of Bnei Brak) and Rebbetzin Chana Sima Twersky, as well as dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With her passing, her only brother, the Skverer Rebbe, shlita, remains the sole surviving child of the previous Skverer Rebbe.

Details regarding the levaya, which is expected to draw thousands of Chassidim to the Rachmastrivka Bais Medrash in Boro Park, will be announced as they are finalized.

Boruch Dayan Ha'emes.