With great sadness, Chabad of Oregon announces the sudden and untimely passing of Rebbetzin Rochel Chaiton of blessed memory on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV.
Immediately after their marriage in 1988, Rebbetzin Chaiton joined her husband, Rabbi Yossi Chaiton, as a Chabad Shlucha in Portland.
For over three decades, she shared the joy and sweetness of Yiddishkeit and was integral in developing Portland’s Jewish community. Hundreds of children learned Aleph Bet and experienced a “joyful Jewish beginning” under her tutelage, and her classroom was full of her lively and happy art.
She deeply cared about individuals and would make an extra effort to reach out to those who had no family or place to celebrate Shabbat. When she would host a women’s class, it would not only lift the soul, but her celebrated desserts would lift the spirit as well. As an attendant of Mikvah Shoshanah, she was appreciated for her gentle, kind, and discreet manner. She had the unique ability to selflessly celebrate and encourage those around her.
After she and Rabbi Chaiton moved to Las Vegas closer to their grandchildren, she consistently stayed in touch with community members, sharing an encouraging word and taking pride in their growth.
She is survived by her husband, Rabbi Yoseph Chaiton and her sons: Rabbi Dovber (& Mushkah) Chaiton of Las Vegas and Shmueli Chaiton of Brooklyn, N.Y. and grandchildren.
The funeral will be held today, Jan. 3, in New York’s Old Montefiore cemetery, in proximity to the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Shiva will be in New York and then in Las Vegas.
Donations can be made to Chabad of Summerlin, specifying it is for the Rebbitzen Rochel Chaiton memorial fund, where Rabbi Dovber Chaiton serves as a Rabbi. Condolence notes and memories can be sent to his email dch8on@gmail.com.