The following Blog was written on the day that I heard the news of the passing of a very warm and kind person named Selma Bacher. She was a role model to me of what a kind and caring human being should be and that made a large impression when we lived in Johannesburg. She was very approachable and I felt comfortable asking Rabbi Koppel and Selma many things related to being part of their community.

בסייד

The sad news came this (Monday) morning, May 3, 2021, that Mrs. Selma Bacher had passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Together with her husband, Rabbi Koppel, they represented a family that always had an open home and took upon themselves to become one of the major cornerstones to lay the foundation for building the Johannesburg, South Africa Lubavitch community. I was very fortunate to witness this young community as it grew and expanded to become a major force in the South African Jewish Community that it is today.

Five days after landing in Johannesburg, I was married and together with my wife Leah, we were invited to Sheva Brachas at the Bachers. What a special meal and special family. They treated us like royalty and that led to a special relationship we shared with Selma and Koppel.

Selma was the principal at the Chabad Girls High School as well as one of the teachers for many years. Selma was well respected and loved by all teachers and students.

Selma will be sorely missed by Leah and I and her friendly smile and personality will be a fond memory to us for the rest of our lives.

Her funeral is scheduled to take place at 4pm Israel time or 3pm in Johannesburg at the following link-

MAY HASHEM COMFORT THE BACHER FAMILY AMONG THE MOURNERS OF TZION AND YERUSHALAYIM