The Double Queen: Batsheva Esther (Barbara Hantman)
"Show me a brick that breaks a back,
Show me a hammer to fight on,
Show me a candelabra lit—
Show me a king composing psalms."
—Barbara Hantman, New World Jerusalem
Welcome to Threadlines
Welcome back to Threadlines, our monthly celebration of the extraordinary individuals who bring Mansawear to life. This month, we honor Barbara Hantman—known by her Hebrew name, Batsheva Esther—an educator, poet, caregiver, devoted friend, and one of Mansawear's most loyal supporters.
A Royal Introduction
Barbara and I first met in November 2024 when she visited the boutique to purchase a Ruthie Maxi Skirt. I was immediately charmed by her warmth, but equally captivated by her Hebrew name, Batsheva Esther, which honors two of the Bible's most influential women.
Batsheva (Bathsheba), the mother of King Solomon, represents wisdom, resilience, and legacy. Queen Esther is remembered for her extraordinary courage in risking her own life to save the Jewish people. Together, their names evoke strength, grace, and quiet leadership.
Her Royal Highness, Times Two
When I call Barbara a "Double Queen," I'm referring not only to her namesakes, but also to the way she lives her life. First, she is pure Mansawear royalty, boasting an extensive collection of our custom and ready-to-wear pieces. Second, she treats everyone she encounters with genuine dignity and kindness—from family and lifelong friends to her doorman, housekeeper, driver, building super, and neighbors. Like the women whose names she bears, Barbara leads through compassion rather than fanfare.
A Daughter's Greatest Gift
Perhaps nowhere is Barbara's character more evident than in her devotion to her mother.
After a distinguished ten-year career teaching English in New York City public high schools, she spent the next 20 plus years as a substitute teacher in the Queens public schools so she could devote more time to caring for her mother. Because of her love and commitment, her mother was able to remain in the comfort and familiarity of her own home throughout her later years, passing away peacefully in her nineties.
It was a remarkable gift—one given through patience, sacrifice, and unwavering love.
A Life Written in Verse
Over the past two years, I've come to appreciate another of Barbara's gifts—her remarkable way with words. A lifelong educator and accomplished poet, Barbara is the author of Knickerbocker Harmonies, a collection of Jewish-themed poetry that reflects on aging, family, faith, love, nature, and patriotism through a distinctly Jewish-American perspective.
Many of the collection's most moving poems explore the relationship between mother and daughter, drawing from Barbara's own experiences caring for—and ultimately saying goodbye to—her beloved mother. Through themes of love, grief, memory, and changing family roles, her poetry reminds us that our deepest relationships continue to shape us long after loss.
Barbara served as Corresponding Secretary for the Fresh Meadows Poets—a distinguished group of Queens writers—and regularly took the stage as a featured monthly poet and lecturer for the New York Poetry Forum.
A New Chapter
Following her mother's passing, Barbara relocated from Queens to Rochester to be closer to her brother and his family—a transition beautifully symbolized by the cover artwork of Knickerbocker Harmonies. Although the role of caregiver changed, her generous spirit did not. Today, she continues to pour that same love and devotion into her nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Sweet Traditions
When she's not reading or writing poetry, Barbara has another well-known passion—fine chocolate, especially the exquisite chocolates of Vienna.
That's why whenever I return from Ghana, I always make sure to bring her Mansa Gold Chocolate—a small tradition that has become one of my favorite ways to thank a treasured customer and dear friend.
Faith and Community
It's somehow fitting that a woman named Batsheva Esther remains deeply connected to her Jewish faith. Barbara has long been a member of Rabbi Harold Swiss’s beloved "Little Synagogue" in Manhattan, a community known for its warmth and scholarship.
Since making Rochester her home, she has continued that tradition of faith and community through worship and active participation in her local Chabad congregation.
Here’s To the Reigning Double Queen
Thank you, Barbara, for reminding us that true royalty is found not in titles or crowns, but in the grace with which we care for others, the words we leave behind, and the lives we quietly enrich every day.
Shop Batsheva Esther’s Favorites
Explore Barbara’s favorite Mansawear styles, including the signature Cheo-Ana Jacket, Ruthie Maxi Skirt, and other made-to-measure pieces designed to reflect her timeless elegance.
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