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A Letter of Thanks from Nadiv’s Mother

Mrs. Rivka Kehaty, the mother of Nadiv Kehaty OBM wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks during the Shiva for her son. “I dont know if this is an appropriate thing to do during shiva… but I could not let everything being done for Nadiv’s wife and children go by with silence from us.” Read the full letter in the Extended Article.

A Thank You From a Mother

I am Rivka Kehaty, Nadiv Kehaty’s mother.  I am writing this while sitting shiva for my son. I am sitting alongside his beloved wife, Toby and Nadiv’s 2 sisters. On the other side of the room is Nadiv’s Tatti and Nadiv’s two brothers.  Nadiv’s children come in and out. We are at the home of his much loved shver and shvigger, the Ezagui’s, who have not sat down for a second as they serve every one.

I don’t know if writing a note like this is an appropriate thing to do during shiva and we are very private people, but I could not let everything being done for Nadiv’s wife and children go by with silence from us.

Our enormous thanks to the wonderful hatzalah team who responded and cared for Nadiv as if he was a family member. Thank you to the team at Memorial hospital for all they did.  Busy people in the community and those flying in from all over the world, making such an effort to be with us.  Many are helping with the children, bringing food, going and doing, shlepping and arranging.

We want to especially express our deepest thanks and appreciation to each one of you- “out there.”  Erev Pesach and things so hectic and finances so tight- you do not understand what this outpouring of love and support is doing for us.

We have read every post comment, every tribute in every form and website online. Also every text, email and voice message.  As we sit here in the deepest pain imaginable, our family shares with each other any new comment written. Any new post.  It brings us a smile and a reconfirmation of how others saw our darling Nadiv.

The Gofundme and the Charidy efforts were something I had never heard of before.  My children show me the screen and say, “Mommy, look! Can you believe this!?”   The totals are not simply “funds.”  Each number has been a long warm hug to Nadiv’s family.  It is as if each one of you are returning Nadiv’s big wave and exuberant greetings from across the street!  I know Nadiv is in shemayim thanking you for helping whom he held most dear- his wife Toby and his children, Moshe, Yuda, Shoshana and Yacov.

The originators of the Gofundme and Charidy are very loved, trusted and important people in Nadiv’s life.   Many of the writers of the beautiful posts and comments are treasured friends of Nadiv’s. Those that wrote such beautiful notes and yet didn’t even know him- believe me- he’d become instant friends with you, too!

Nadiv’s warm, funny, and encouraging words to everyone he encountered gave them a boost of confidence to go on with their day.  I just wanted to tell everyone that your comforting words and efforts to help his family will help us to go on in a world without Nadiv Dov Ber Kehaty.

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10 Comments

  • A beautiful letter

    Heartbreaking to read but beautiful. Nothing else to say except….DONATE!

  • D. Voskovsky

    It is no wonder that Nadiv is loved by all. He comes from such an amazing and special family. Rivka, you and your family are one of a kind. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • Sruly Clapman

    I did not know Nadiv personally,but I knew who he was very very well.

    He was the funniest charismatic guy around, I would like to share a few memories I had of him.
    1. I was in the glasses store the day before his wedding ( it was Fisheles) and he came to pick up his glasses ( he said his family was in the car waiting ) he was cracking jokes, and making faces in the mirror while trying his new glasses.

    2. I was at a Yossi Jackobson Farbrengen in Chovivay Torah, and he randomly cracked such a funny joke the people couldn’t stop laughing for a few minutes.

    Whenever I saw him in the streets I would say to myself THIS GUY IS LIVING EVERY MINUTE TO THE FULLEST. I would like to emulate him.

  • Chayim

    Thank you so much and I am inspired to increase in my avodas Hashem and hiskashrus so that we should only hear good news!

  • SEREL MANESS

    MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU,NO,L DO NOT KNOW YOU OR THE FAMILY,BUT FEEL YOUR PAIN,WITH MY TEARS,MAY HE ARISE IMM WITH THE GEULA!

  • Leah

    I wish there was more I could do besides donate! I wish I could have known this wonderful man! May his memory be a blessing and his neshama have an aliyah! May his family be comforted among the mourners of Tzion!

  • DS

    I actually cried when I read your letter! May Hashem bless you and help you through this difficult time!

  • Zalman G

    I remember Nadiv from Yeshiva. He was a lovely person. He was so full of life. So sad he’s gone now. God Bless the family.

  • Susan Markovich

    Dear Rivkah,
    You never seize to amaze us with your love and kindness and thank you for always teaching us how a true tzadekes should be.
    You inspire everyone around you and make the world a better place!
    We love you!