BDE: Mrs. Chana Hass, a”h, Legend of Hachnosas Orchim

Yitzy Fried 

The Viznitzer Chassidus in Monsey was thrown in deep shock and sadness on the last of Yom Tov with the news of the sudden passing of a renowned matriarch and isha chashuva from within their community in the early hours of acharon shel Pesach. She was in her late 60’s. 

The nifteres was the daughter of Reb Yosef Halevi Rosenberg of Kleinwardein, raised by Yidden known for their temimus and ehrlichkeit. Arriving in America, they became close to the Imrei Chaim of Viznitz, and the Rosenberg’s remain an illustrious family within the chassidus to this day. 

She married, ybl”ch, Reb Leibish Hass, the son of Rav Menashe Hass, a renowned talmid chochom and marbitz Torah. Together, they raised a family of chassidim l’sheim ultiferes. 

Her crowning attribute was her overflowing hachnosas orchim, regularly hosting guests from all over in their Kaiser Village home. 

“From childhood, I recall how her husband would walk home with scores of guests who would come to the Rebbe for Shabbos and Yom Tov,” recalled an acquaintance. “In the Hass home, they could get warm meals and a place to stay.” 

The nifteres did not limit her activities inside the home. “She was also active in many causes, ladies auxiliaries and committees to assist mosdos and chessed organizations,” related a longtime Viznitzer chossid.  “She dedicated her life to chessed,” he said wistfully. 

The night of Acharon shel Pesach, Mrs. Hass did not feel well. On the following morning, she went out for some fresh air and tragically collapsed. She was nifteres a short time later. 

The shocking news soon arrived in the Viznitzer Beis Medrash, striking at the heart of the chassidus as two of its most illustrious families have suffered such a terrible loss. 

The nifteres was zoche to marry off her youngest child in recent years, and she leaves behind children and grandchildren who are a pride and joy to her family and to the Viznitzer chassidus. 

The levaya will take place at 12:00 this afternoon in front of the Viznitzer Beis Medrash. 

Yehi Zichra Baruch.