Esther Captan

Born on September 1, 1944, in Cairo, Egypt, Esther was the daughter of the late Bertha and Abraham Rakib. In 1967, she left Egypt due to increasing persecution of Jews, first traveling to Italy before arriving in Newark, New Jersey in 1968. Through determination and resilience, she worked tirelessly, and ultimately succeeded, nearly a decade later, in bringing her parents and siblings to America.

Married for 58 years, Esther and Nader grew up in the same building just one floor apart, their bond began in their youth and led to their marriage in August 1967. They built a life together rooted in commitment and love.

A devoted educator for over 40 years, Esther taught at JEC High School for Boys, Bruriah High School for Girls, Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA), and Ma’ayanot. She taught French, Arabic, and Cooking, and led the Debate Club, inspiring generations of students who became part of her extended family. Esther traveled extensively with her students, bringing them to France, London, Italy, Germany, and Israel. She was honored as Educator of the Year in recognition of her passion and dedication.

Esther attended Mere de Dieu, a private French high school, and later completed a French Embassy program to fast-track her teaching certification. Proud of her Jewish identity, she was a founding member of the Monroe Township Jewish Center and played an instrumental role in helping secure the land for the synagogue.

Esther was a loving and devoted mother to Allen Captan, Solange Captan and her husband, Dean Mansdorf, and Kevin Captan and his wife, Samantha Captan. She was a deeply cherished grandmother to Ephram and Jordanna Mansdorf, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her siblings, Jenny Brous, Joseph Rakib, and Selim Rakib (also known as Pierre Rakib), and by her many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, with whom she shared especially close and loving relationships.

Her passing was a reflection of the life she lived, surrounded by those she loved most. She was with her children, her beloved husband, her siblings and their spouses, her nieces, nephews, and her cherished grandchildren by her side, offering prayers as she took her final breath.

She lived with energy, warmth, and generosity, always ready to help others. She loved cooking and hosting, traveling, and connecting with everyone she met. Her family was at the center of her life, and she took immense pride in her children and grandchildren.

She often called her family “the gem of all gems,” but to those who knew and loved her, she was truly the gem in her own Esther crown. Known affectionately as Esther, Madame Captan, Etty, and Mama, she brought joy and presence to every room she entered.

As she would always say, “Love you more.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 9:30 AM at Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Home, 402 Park Street, Hackensack, NJ.

Interment will follow at King Solomon Memorial Park, 550 Dwasline Road, Clifton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Esther’s memory to organizations that were meaningful to her and her family,

Love Your Brain (https://www.loveyourbrain.com/ways-to-give),

The Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate),

The Israel Defense Forces (https://www.idf.il/en/).

May her memory be a blessing.

Friends attending the Service can arrive Friday at 8:45 AM for ample time to pay respects to the family.

Parking lot is located across Park Street opposite the funeral home.