Menachem Raitport New York Death and Obituary – The Crown Heights community is mourning the tragic and untimely passing of Rabbi Menachem (Mendy) Raitport, a beloved figure in the neighborhood and a committed advocate for communal development and safety. Rabbi Raitport, aged 57, died on Tuesday night, the 25th of Nissan, 5785, in a car accident while traveling back to New York from Florida, where he had spent the Pesach holiday with his family. His death has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the larger community he served so selflessly.
Rabbi Raitport was a prominent and familiar face in Crown Heights, not only for his involvement in religious and community affairs but also as the longtime proprietor of Crown Kosher Meat Market, located on Kingston Avenue. For decades, his butcher shop was a neighborhood institution, offering high-quality kosher meat along with the warmth of a welcoming and friendly environment. Rabbi Raitport was known for engaging with his customers in meaningful conversations, often sharing advice, wisdom, and kindness with all who entered his shop. His work ethic and dedication to the principles of Kashrus (Jewish dietary laws) were matched by his unwavering commitment to his community.
In addition to his role at Crown Kosher, Rabbi Raitport worked as a Menaker in Shechita (kosher slaughtering), providing his expertise to respected Hechsherim (kosher certification agencies) like CHK and Skver. His work in this area ensured the highest standards of kosher practice, making his contributions integral to maintaining the community’s spiritual and religious standards.
Beyond his professional commitments, Rabbi Raitport was also deeply involved in civic engagement. He ran for political office several times, always motivated by a desire to uplift the Crown Heights community and address issues such as public safety, education, and fair representation. Though he never held public office, his campaigns were a testament to his dedication to public service and his belief in the importance of community participation. His efforts highlighted his deep care for his neighbors and his willingness to stand up for their needs, regardless of the outcome of his political endeavors.
Rabbi Raitport was a man of exceptional integrity, humor, and compassion. Those who knew him recall his deep kindness, his readiness to help others, and his passion for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. His legacy of service extended not just to his Jewish community but also to the broader public, reflecting his commitment to making the world a better place for all.
As a family man, Rabbi Raitport was devoted to his wife, Esther, and their eight sons—Eliyahu, Yehuda, Shloimy, Dovid, Dubi, Avrami, Zevi, and Chanoch. Together, they built a home founded on Torah values, mitzvot (commandments), and a profound love for one another. His relationship with his family was one of the central pillars of his life, and his passing has left a significant emotional impact on all who were close to him.
Rabbi Raitport is survived by his loving parents, Harav Yitzchok and Shaindel Raitport of Boro Park, who are well-known philanthropists within their community. He is also survived by siblings, extended family, and many close friends. His brother, Sholom Dovber Raitport, predeceased him, and Rabbi Raitport always carried the memory of his late sibling with great reverence.
The funeral (Levaya) for Rabbi Menachem Raitport will take place on Thursday, passing by 770 Eastern Parkway at 12 PM, a place of deep significance for members of the Chabad-Lubavitch community. His burial will follow at 1 PM at Montefiore Cemetery, where family, friends, and community members will gather to bid farewell to a man who lived a life of dedication, service, and love.
Rabbi Menachem Raitport’s passing is an immeasurable loss to the Crown Heights community. His legacy of faith, service, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing, and may his soul be bound in the bond of eternal life.
