By COLlive reporter
Mrs. Rochel Kaplan, Head Shlucha of Maryland for over 50 years, who had taught and inspired people through her teaching and writings, passed away on Monday, 19 Shevat 5784.
She was 69.
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., she was the daughter of Rabbi Peretz and Chaya Yutta Hecht OBM. She learned and later taught at Beis Rivkah of Crown Heights.
In 1974, the Rebbe sent her and her husband Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan to lead the Chabad Center and Lubavitch of Maryland, which they have done for over 50 years. Today, there are 32 Chabad centers throughout the state.
She is the founder and director of the Aleph Learning Institute offering ongoing educational opportunities for adults, and director of Mikvah Mei Menachem of Baltimore, the latter of which is designed for Jewish brides and married women.
Another of her endeavors was writing poetry. She published two books, “G-d in the Details” and “Triumph of Truth: Poetic Words to Express and Empower When You are Speechless,” focused on inspiration during times of struggles and challenges.
She told Chabad.org she was drawn to books from an early age, and appreciates both their content and form. “I am a typesetter’s daughter, and I know what the printed word is about. I appreciate the quality of the written page.”
Asked about the origins of her inspiration, Kaplan said, “I write from my own life experiences, my own challenges; I allude to it. I find with poetry—any writing, but poetry for sure—you are writing from your depths. Speaking my truth, it comes automatically.”
She added that the process is “almost like a gift of self-expression, a gift from G‑d. The first time it was a challenge. This time, I tried to organize it a little better. The whole framework of the concepts addresses struggles and challenges. There is a lot of positivity, and there is also trust, faith, humor and laughter.”
“If Chabad epitomizes welcoming the stranger, Rebbetzin Rochel Kaplan has been a dedicated ambassador,” Haydee M. Rodriguez wrote about her in a profile for the Baltimore Jewish Times.
Speaking during the Covid pandemic, when she lost 2 relatives, Mrs. Kaplan said: “In all my humility, I can say that I take my strength from the Almighty. He is my rock, and we all need to hold on tightly to our belief. Inasmuch as we are creations by Hashem, the creator, we must trust that his will is with us and for us and supporting us for the life that he bequeaths us.
“It is time to wake up and love life and be thankful for what we were gifted and truly celebrate every breath, every day and every opportunity. Our soul is our essence, and it is there to carry us through hard times and to uplift us. The time is now. The day is short. Much has to be done.”
In addition to her leadership roles, educational programs and fundraising efforts, Mrs. Kaplan was also a mother and grandmother. “My children and grandchildren are my assets, my lottery and my wealth,” she told the Baltimore Jewish Times. “G-d in his great mercy provides. When he gives offspring, he provides for their needs. We must work hard at caring for his children, as we partner together to make this world an abode for G-d to dwell with us.”
B DE. Felt like She was like a second mother to me. Always so caring for other people. Ariel G.
I miss her already
May Hashem comfort those whos lives you have graced.
Really very sad, enough of galus, also I am from Randallstown, Maryland
So hard to hear this! 😪 Hamakom yenachem eschem besoch shaar aveley Tziyon v’Yerushalayim. Rochel did so much over the years and brought to fruition a beautiful mikvah in Baltimore. May the family only know of simchas from here on. I am so sorry! Esther Moses
she was very warm and welcoming person she will be missed!!!
A dugma Chaya to us all. May we have Moshiach NOW!
Something especially unusual that she undertook was getting names of families which needed help and revamping homes, by having them painted, new closets built for more storage and more.This was all done for free and in a most humble and discreet way.
She used her every moment and talent to spread goodness and kindness.
Rebbitzen Rochel Kaplan was such a wonderful, caring, and giving woman. She will be greatly missed, not only by her immediate family but by the Jewish community here in Baltimore. Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.
But she has very wonderful children.
May you be comforted. You are the jewels in your mothers crown
Such a loss. What a beautiful, capable, good person. Mrs. Kaplan was a gem of gems
Bde she was so special she will be missed by the baltimore community and everyone who knew her may we only share in simchas
So so sad.
May Hashem comfort this precious family amongst the mourners of Tzion.
A shining gem!
BDE🥲
Growing up in Bethesda and becoming Chabad in the 1970’s I remember the excitement of the establishment of Chabad in Rockville and meeting such a glamorous, committed young shlucha. Rochel had such a positive impact on me as a college student.
I remember her as a wonderfully vibrant, devoted mother and shlucha.
Such a loss for her family, friends, community and all the generations of people who’s lives she touched throughout her life.
To Rabbi Shmuel and the family I wish you all
Hamakom yinachem eschem b’soch shaar aveilei Tzion v’Yerushalayim
so sad to hear of this tragic loss. my family has the upmost respect and admiration for Rebbitzen Rochel Kaplan and for the tireless work she did on behalf of the baltimore jewish community. she will be sorely missed. BD’E
Rochel Kaplan touched so many lives in Baltimore, never asked for fame,. She exuded pure goodness and brought so many woman to the mikvah, koshered homes and educated generations. She leaves a great void in the Baltimore community and our hearts and her legacy will live on through her deeds and the lives she enriched.
I did not know her, but she sounds like a remarkable woman, and I know that she will be sorely missed.
So sorry to hear this news, so young and so full of life. As the Rebbe’s head Shlucha she accomplished so much and had such a positive impact on so many! But her greatest impact was her beautiful family she leaves, all impacting the world and bringing it closer to Moshiach! May hashem comfort them all!