Rivian Minkoff

Rivian Minkoff, of Kingston, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the age of 93. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, to whom she had been married for over 61 years.

She is survived by her children, Marcia Rosenthal (Larry), Marc (Rivka) and Larry; and her brother, Yossel Stepen. She was blessed with eleven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in Chicago, she was the daughter of Albert and Ida Stepen. They were a very close family, which included sisters, Ceil (Eddie) and Dorothy (Seymour); and brothers, Harvey (Barbara) and Yossel (Muriel); and many nieces and nephews.

Rivian was a consummate volunteer to Jewish organizations for over six decades. In a dedication to her upon receiving the Shofar Award of the Israel Ben Zion Academy, United Hebrew Institute, in 1995, the following was written: "…a woman of astounding energy, unbelievable fortitude, enormous talent, acute intelligence and unshakable moral fiber. Her generous contributions to the quality of Jewish life in the Wyoming Valley are immeasurable. She has managed to balance home, career, religious exigencies and community outreach with apparent ease. No job was or is too menial or difficult. She faces all of her responsibilities with good-natured equanimity, with calm determination and always with a keen sense of humor. She has chaired committees, served on boards, and held several offices."

Rivian was a long-standing member of Congregation Ohav Zedek. She served on its board in several capacities, including as an appointee to the Executive Committee, and served as its delegate to the Wilkes-Barre Jewish Federation for many years. Rivian researched and compiled a comprehensive history of Congregation Ohav Zedek for the J.C.C.'s 150th Anniversary of Jewish communal life. She served as president of the Ohav Zedek Sisterhood. She was a member of the Jewish Family Service Board and helped settle Russian families in the Wyoming Valley. She was regional vice-president of the Union of Orthodox Congregation Sisterhoods, leading workshops and presenting papers at regional conferences.

Rivian was devoted to the United Hebrew Institute, which was the Orthodox day school in Kingston. After serving on its school board for several years, driven by her pioneering spirit, she became the first woman to chair a Torah Umesora school board.

She was a founding member of B'nai B'rith Women, a contributing editor to the historical book The Jews of Wilkes-Barre, a lifelong member of Hadassah and a member of the Hebrew Ladies Aid Society. For many years, she managed the podiatric practice of her husband, Charles, and son, Larry. Rivian was known for her beautiful voice. She sang in a Klezmer band and wrote and performed in many programs over the years.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday from Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, 348 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. The burial will follow in Ohav Zedek Cemetery, Hanover Township. Shiva will be observed beginning Monday at Ohav Zedek (242 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre) following the burial. Shiva will continue from Tuesday, April 29, through Sunday, May 4, in the family's respective residences. Memorial contributions can be made to Congregation Ohav Zedek, 242 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa, 18701.