Rebbitzin Chava Edelman, known for her love of children and the Jewish people, died on Aug. 9, 2025, after battling cancer for about three and a half years. The Bayside resident was 41.
She is survived by her husband, Rabbi Cheski Edelman, and their children: Sender, Rosie, Fishel, Fayga and Mushka. She is also survived by her parents, Rabbi Avraham and Shprintza Kavka, among other beloved friends and family.
Chava was a devoted wife, mother, educator and friend. Together with her husband, she led the Shul Bayside with dedication to her mission and the vision of the Rebbe.
“I think it was natural for her. That’s really what it was,” said Naomi Deitsch, Chava’s youngest sister. “She just stepped into the role and right away used all of her energy to make sure she was doing the best she could. She really thought about it day and night.”
Chava always had her arms open and ears ready to listen. She made community members feel like part of her extended family, often inviting them into her home for shabbat and holiday dinners. Even when she was ill, she continued welcoming people, taking walks with community members so she could spend time talking with them.
“It wasn’t like she stopped that part of her life because it was her job,” said Esther Kavka, Chava’s sister-in-law. “It wasn’t just her job. It was her life.”
Chava enjoyed coming up with new activities for Hebrew school, always brainstorming ways to keep the children engaged. Even while ill, she continued planning lessons and events, looking for creative ways to make Hebrew school exciting.
“I think she was really driven by the mission of the Rebbe to reach out to every Jew,” said Rabbi Edelman. “Just fully, completely given over to the preciousness of each and every Jew, and her main passion was the kids.”
While Chava was going through treatment, her sister Naomi once found a bag filled with what looked like random items. When she asked Chava about it, Chava explained it was an art project she was preparing for the Hebrew school.
“Even in her lowest points, she was trying to be creative, to give back, and to make Hebrew school fun and exciting for the children,” Naomi said.
Everyone who spoke to Chava felt like they were her friend, always welcome in her presence. People around her felt her compassion, love and care.
“She was a very special lady,” said community member Kara Sapoznik. “My husband and I grew up not knowing much about our Jewish identity, and we were nervous about coming into an Orthodox shul. Chava made us feel so comfortable.”
As a teacher, Chava was kind, gentle and generous. One of her students and Kara’s daughter, Mia, 10, said she could understand Chava’s lessons so easily.
“If someone asked me what Chava was like, I would say she was the most helpful and strong person,” Mia said.
Chava was also a loving mother to her five children. She knew their favorite breakfasts and how each of them liked it prepared, and she always understood what they individually needed.
When Chava became ill, the community rallied around her. A prayer group recited the entire Book of Psalms 532 times in her honor. Community members visited her at home, bringing books, socks, and other small things she needed, and some took on mitzvah projects in her name.
In the midst of all this support, while still gravely ill, Chava once turned to her sister and said in Hebrew, “How happy are we? How lucky are we with our lot?”
“Chava felt so deeply blessed by the love of this community and the support she received,” Naomi said. “She truly loved every single person who was a part of it, and she felt the love she received in return.”
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