Zlata Geisinsky ob"m

Reflections

2010-09-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

As the Jewish People descend from before the throne of Hashem, I reflected upon wht Rabbi Geisinsky said just a few hours before- that Zlata was still alive- that she would never die. And only now, as I mourn her loss, as the tears stream out of my eyes, I only wish that I had come to the same conclusion he did a long time ago. What he said is true, and it is also the reason why Judaism, Yiddishkeit, will never die. Becuase each loved one, each death, they are sad events, but they also pave the path that we must take in our lives. Zlata always strove to help others at any time, any day. I remember helping her each Shabbat in the kitchen, bringing down plates of salad and chulant, but I couldn't eve understand why I was helping her. Sure, it was respect for elders. Sure, Judaism is all about helping others. But why was I REALLY helping. Only now do I realize that I was helping her because I wanted to BE her. I wanted to mirror her actions, because in her was a holy soul, on a level that people can aspire to all their lives and not reach, yet this woman had it. Whatever it was the made Moshe holy, she had it. What Sarah had, she had. What Rebecca had, she had. What Leah had, she had. She had life in her, and she was radiant in her passion for serving Hashem in any way. But she was taken away. For what reason, only Hashem knows. But what I beliebe Hashem said to me on Yom Kippur was- Zlata isn't here. She did great things. Who's going to do great things now? YOU ARE! Finally, Nachamu, Nachamu Ami! Be comforted, be comforted, My people! As Rabbi Sender said- You want comfort- BE THE COMFORT! Go out and do something. Do something Zlata would have done. Give tzedakah to a poor person instead of just walking by. Go to that mincha and help make a minyan. Do a mitzvah! In doing what Zlata did her whole life, you keep her alive.

Wonderful memories of Zlata

2010-07-23T11:30:00.001-07:00

Zlata and Benny did incredible work for the entire Jewish community of Potomac and suburban Maryland. Zlata was a form of social glue who kept together an increasing, expanding universe filled with new and old friends. Benny helped me learn halachot taharat mishpacha and Zlata helped my wife and I implement it after our wedding, often with great amusement and merriment at our humored expense. If there is one aspect of your life that you really don't want others sharing in, that's it, but Zlata made us laugh and take joy in even the challenging things. We loved her and miss her. Big bear hugs to Bentzion

Josh First

Harrisburg, PA

Zlata

2010-07-21T14:05:00.001-07:00

Twelve years ago I spent a summer in Potomac as a counselor. Although I didn’t get to know Zlata that well, she took great care of us. She arranged our meals and made sure that we had everything that we needed. She had a great sense of humor and always made us feel like family in her home.

The thing that I remember most about Zlata, aside from her revolutionary Taco salad, was that she refused to let us call her Mrs. Geisinsky or Rebbetzin and insisted we call her Zlata. Despite the fact that we were 18-year-old “pishers” she was uncomfortable with titles and didn’t think that she was better than anyone else, even though clearly she was.

Zlata – you will be sorely missed.

Sruli

2010-07-18T01:02:00.001-07:00

In 1995 I spent the summer as a counselor in CGI of Potomac. It was an amazing time, but eventhough I was young and carefree I remember noticing with awe the love and attention Zlata paid her family. Even after a long day, she had energy and focused attention for her kids and she was fully present and enjoying them. Her kids were still very young and yet you could tell that was where she wanted to be.

There was a dinner rotation each night, but she always welcomed us wholeheartedly and offered us whatever food she had on hand. It seemed like she was always at the counter cutting vegetables.

Sometimes after camp we would come and hang out together in the dining room exhausted and hot, but drawn to her magnetic warmth and she would knead our shoulders and ask us about our day. I remember her pointing out differant things here and there and telling us how Benny bought her a present every month for the first year of her marriage and how nice it was for her. When I graduated high school and my parents took me to buy a gift, I chose a thinner version of the necklace she wore all the time. I remember holding it in the store downtown debating if it was really my taste or if I was attracted to it because of the warm memories it brought up.

Sometimes she would say "let's go" and we would go along on errands and just chill. Once we were out together and she pointed out some pencil boxes and offered to personalize them for our siblings as coming home gifts. We were quite a large group and we all sat around as she decorated those boxes for us in paint markers (flowers for the girls and stars for the boys).

As a mother now b"H, I tell my kids stories of my adventures away at differant camps as a girl. They know that summer in Maryland was my favorite one. I know now it's not just because of the group of girls that clicked well or the hillarious head counselor and her crazy adventures and the fun excursions we went on. I realize that summer contributed to my personal aspirations as a family-person and mother.

Zlata's neice was a counselor with us that summer and it struck me even then how positively Zlata spoke of her extended family. She was excited a married neice was coming soon with her new baby for a visit, oy so and so is having a hard time, wondering how this one was doing, delighted for that one for whatever reason...laughing and happy for them; wishing eveyone well.

The way she made her children a priority was inspiring. Eventhough they were young and she must have been tired she seemed so content around her kids. Like that was exactly where she wanted to be. When a package of new clothes came for Aidie she was so excited and had her try everything on giving feedback like a friend and stroking her hair whispering to us how beautiful her daughter is. Same on Friday nights. She would listen to Sendy sing at the table and kvell to us in the kitchen. Her twins were very small and she was constantly smushing them and kissing them telling us how she herself adored her own twin and what a gift it was. I remember her kind of pinching our arms telling us what a good girl "my" Rochie is.

As a busy mom myself b"H I think back on this and try to remind myself to revel in the moment with my kids and really enjoy them. To get off the phone and stop trying to rush out with a friend whenever I have a free moment and to just relax and hang with my kids fully. So they feel as important and adored as they are. Obviously I love my family to pieces, but I want them to know it to the core like her kids do.

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Zlata

2010-07-16T16:07:00.001-07:00

When I think Zlata, I think sunshine, light, warmth.

When I think Zlata, I think life, laughter, caring.

When I think Zlata, I think kindness, wisdom, beauty, fun.

Zlata was a generous giver-she cared, she made you feel special.

I was truly privileged and happy to have had Zlata in my life – it made it richer.

I will never forget seeing Zlata at my father’s funeral. It was bitterly cold and snowing ,

the roads unsafe, but she came to support me, and I felt warm.

After I left Hebrew Academy, I was ill. Zlata called me and with genuine concern interrogated me

about each symptom, and comforted me greatly.

For me Zlata will always be alive. I will always remember her smiling, singing along with radio “ Unforgettable…”

with gusto, sweeping through the classroom, laughing with the children and teachers, adjusting her hair, delightedly kissing baby Moishe,

just bursting with life and energy.

I love you, Zlata!

Sofya.

2010-07-13T16:44:00.001-07:00

We belong to Chabad in California now. When we heard of Zlatas passing we were very shocked and in disbelief.

We remember we used to go to Chabad of Rockville and Bethesda. Zlata was always a welcoming, kind, and gracious lady. We are very sorry and we send our deepest sympathy to Rabbi Geisinsky and all the family.

The Solomons

Moach Shalet al haLev

2010-07-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

Moach Shalet al haLev-Zlata lived this.
She was simply an unusual woman-
Individuals like her do not come around every day.

May G-D grant the family strength, courage, wisdom, and comfort.

There are so many who cry with you from this tragedy....

We are so so so blessed to have had her here on this world, and even more so to have known her, even a bit....

G-D-Please bring the Moshiach NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ad Matai????????????

Much much love

Shabbos Dinners

2010-07-12T17:41:00.001-07:00

A couple of years ago, my good friend Moishe invited me over to his house for Shabbos. As I walked in the door, I realized that I had forgotten to mention to his mother that I was a vegetarian. I sheepishly went up to her and told her, and apologized for not letting her know earlier. She's said "Oh, that's fine. Here, come, I'll make you something. What do you want?" I was shocked by her kindness and readiness to make a whole other meal for another person. I spent many Shabbas nights at their house. Every night she would take the time to make me a little something.

It made me feel happy knowing that there are people in the world so ready and able to do things for others on short notice. Rebbetzin Geisinsky was one of these people.

Levi

Our dear Zlata

2010-07-12T15:35:00.001-07:00

   The suddenness and tragic loss of our dear Zlata still has not fully penetrated through the depths of my sadness. Although she was not present at our pre-school graduation, every note, of every song sung brought her light and countenance into view. For all of her years at the MJBHA, I worked with her as her "music specialist".
The graduation each year was her crowning glory to make sure that each graduate shined. And shine they did! Years ago, she would even record the students voices as she showed pictures of them enjoying a day in preschool. That was before computers and power-point! She was ahead of the times with her creativity!
    Zlata's birthday lunches for teachers were legendary. Her generous spirit and the delicious food were all in evidence at these monthly gatherings. Her recipes were always wonderful, and I still make many of her recipes. Always being told that they were "so easy"!
But what has stayed with me, were her words of wisdom at one of these gatherings. She told the birthday "girl" to "take on" something special for that day. Maybe give a little more tzedakah or maybe do a small "chesed". Nothing major, but just a gesture of thankfulness to Hashem to be celebrating another year.
Since then, I have valued her words, and do "just a little" to make the birthday meaningful. And I have passed her insight along to others.
     The halls, classrooms, and gatherings will be different, but her warmth, glow, and spirit will remain in each of our hearts. "Morah Judy"

My memories

2010-07-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

In my brief time knowing Zlata, I felt above all her warmth. We are neighbors to Chabad Bethesda, and would on occasion show up for services, or for the women’s events, or simply stick our heads in while on a walk around the neighborhood. Me and my family were always warmly welcomed, invited in, and even fed. The house was always warm with Zlata’s spirit, as well as her wonderful cooking. We were welcomed into her life and her family’s life, invited to simchas, weddings, a bris, a kiddish, a learning opportunity. Zlata exuded warm and hospitality. I see it mirrored in her children (those I have come to know). She bestowed this blessing of warmth and hospitality on so many of us. I am glad to have experienced it, and my mitza to honor Zlata will be to be as warm and hospitable to those around me and ensure that people of all ilks feel welcome around me.

- Shelley

The friend

2010-07-12T13:03:00.001-07:00

Craisins. I've made jokes about them and I first had them in Zlata's broccoli
salad 9 or 10 years ago. The table was filled with guests of ages ranging from
2-70. Zlata made you feel as if you were the most important guest and at the
same time a family member. For real. To make her laugh was a huge treat for
Akiva and I. I forfeited our interest in being seen as Baal Tshuvah's who could
pass for ffb's but that was long ago, and frankly Akiva never cared. To see that
beautiful lipsticked mouth smile and then laugh and the shoulders shake was a
huge delight beyond the desserts and the deep brochos given to us by Moshe after
our wedding for long life , many kids, and grandfatherly wishes from a 3 year
old.Zlata got a kick out of her assistant shluchim who were in her family .
Akiva once walked 11 miles with Rabbi G. back from the Bethesda shul and we ate
and then ate again at midnight.

When Zlata was 40 she told me she was too tired fro a new shlichus but "Benny
wants it.' Too tired? I had the same experience in the basement of the first
shul in Bethesda- elegant, fun, a ton of work by the family and warmth and more
warmth which could cure and inspire and force goodness without a iota of
agression ever. Zlata made you feel as loved as a four year old, respected as an
expert on what you were conversing with her about, and humble. A female Aaron ha
Kohein? A woman of such goodness and chassishidhkeit, I always wanted to be
better and do more after time with her. She had no "projects' she had human
friends who became her family.

Walking around Trader Joe's kvelling over the new shul after Aidie's engagement
was to see a queen in a market. Here's the deal. She was a queen who could
sweep. Accessible and royal and sweet and adorable and immensely cute.

When we saw Mendy in Florida, we couldn't wait to call Zlata and give her nachas
right away; she adored hearing of her children's successes in reaching others.

There is a family in L.A. of 10 kids; none liked school except for the youngest
who had Aidy as her teacher. This thrilled Zlata.

Today I sponsored "One Minute of Torah" in her memory as I did the first week of
shiva. Money has been given to a food bank twice and a scholarship donation has
been made in her name for next year for a child to get a jewish education. There
will be more.

The day of her passing a doctor who has just gotten a fellowship at John's
Hopkins called to tell me she knew I loved Zlata so she had to call. While a
resident, she often worked in emergency Pediatrics until the wee hours of the
night. Who took her to the mikveh? Zlata.

I keep saying "Zlata" out loud when I want to avoid saying something which will
not bring peace. so far a C-. I'll aim for better.

Broccoli salad, duty before preference, an understanding of pettiness and no
time for it. An available sister even though she had plenty of family. You could
be included. We are included. And your family is loved. So loved.

Zlata

2010-07-12T00:45:00.001-07:00

B"H

אשת חיל מי ימצא? הרב גזינסקי מצא.

A woman of valor who will find? Rabbi Geisinsky found her, he found Zlata and very sadly lost her.

The loss is painful. Zlata is a loss to her husband, her children, and her family. She will be missed by her students, teachers, friends and the whole community. We all grieve and mourn her. It is difficult to cope with the loss, but we have to do it. Zlata did not want anybody worrying and being concerned about her during her life, and I am sure that she would not have wanted people to be devastated by her death. We can celebrate her life by sharing memories of her short, and yet full life.

I first met Zlata, after my father passed away, and I came to Chabad to say Kaddish. Rabbi Geisinsky and his wife Zlaza welcomed me with open arms. They showed great interest in my deceased father, and made me feel good by telling me that my father who passed away on "Kaf B'av" which in Hebrew is כאב and means pain, died on the same day that an important Chabad Rabbi died. I don't know why, but this eased my pain. The thought that my father is being in good company, comforted me.

I continued coming to Chabad because I felt comfortable there. It felt like being at home. I got attached to the Geisinsky family. I built a special bond with Zlata. We had a lot in common, both being involved in early childhood education. She always showed interest in the wellbeing of my family, and was excited to hear about my twin grandchildren, telling me that she is a twin herself. We would talk about our children, grandchildren, and the children we educate in school. I was honored when she invited me to her daughter's wedding. It was a pleasure watching her at the wedding, pouring her love towards her daughter, along with giving attention to every guest that was there.

Zlata was a great cook. I was always looking forwards to Shabbat with the Geisinskys. I loved the "cholent" she made. It reminded me of home. It reminded me of my mother's excellent cooking. When we came on Shabbat to the synagogue, Rabbi Geisinsky would say jokingly: Are you here for my part of the service or Zlata's? Well, it was a pleasure to combine the spiritual with the culinary.

Zlata was a good listener. She always wanted to know what ails you, but she did not talk about the things that ail her. She always cared about others. She was worried about her parents, family, and friends, but she did not divulge to others the pain that she was afflicted with. She did not want to become a burden to anyone. She always gave attention to others, and was touched by any attention that was given to her, as small as it was. Last year, I enjoyed celebrating her birthday with her.

Zlata has been a real "Eshet Chayil" that will me missed by all. She left many memories to many people. We will always remember her fondly.

Coming to the the Chabad synagogue is not going to be the same without her.

While I, Varda Cohen, have known Zlata for a relatively short time, her impact on my life will last forever.

2010-07-11T13:46:00.001-07:00

There is very little doubt in my mind that when Zlata got up there, the Rebbe was waiting to welcome her.

And while the behavior and comportment of each of the Rebbe's emissaries is exemplary in every respect, Zlata --as are her husband and children-- was from the old mould of the Rebbe's emissaries: the mould that produced the likes of Rabbi Shlmo Zalman Hecht and Rabbi Shlomo Matusof of blessed memories.

No doubt that is why she was able to fulfill in its ultimate dimension the Rebbe's directive to his emissaries: to seek out and exercise a positive influence on each and every Jew.

May G-D grant her husband and children abundant spiritual and material blessings to grow her legacy "from strength to strength."

simon

Zlata Geisinsky, Z'TL - from Lori Solat & Family, Israel

2010-07-11T06:54:00.001-07:00

Dr. Levisohn and Mrs. Koss, MJBHA:

I am writing to you from The Holy Land with deep sadness after hearing of the untimely passing of Mrs. Zlata Geisinsky.

I have to tell you that she affected me deeply. Whether at MJBHA or sometimes seeing her at the Potomac Mikvah, she was so wonderful.

She was one of the first people that my husband and I met at MJBHA when deciding where to send, my then Kindergartener, Jordyn, now 10.

She was so firm and confident that MJBHA was certainly for us! My kids never went to the Pre-school at MJBHA, (only K-3rd grade) but she was always so helpful to me, if I needed anything. We would often talk, especially after Eric & I decided to make Aliyah. I remember one time, in Potomac, I saw her and we spent about 45 minutes talking about Aliyah and how she knew it was the right thing for me and my family. She was so attentive and kind, I will always remember that wonderful, inspirational conversation.

I know that this is an incredibly sad time for the Geisinsky's, the community at-large and also the MJBHA school community as well. Please know that those of us here in Israel are also deeply shocked & saddened by Zlata's passing. We will keep MJBHA & her family in our thoughts and prayers. May her memory be for a blessing.

May the Geisinsky Family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Fondly,

Lori Solat and Family, Maale Adumim, Israel

--
Lori Solat
106/2 Rechov Mitzpe Nevo
Ma'ale Adumim, Israel 98411
USA Voip line: 301-299-1360
Lori cell: 052-320-9499
Eric cell: 052-320-6212

Zlata's legacy is alive in her family

2010-07-10T00:08:00.001-07:00

I did not know Zlata well. I saw her for important holidays in the women's section during prayer. I couldn't help but watch her. She was so full of life. She welcomed newcomers and regulars alike - with a warm smile that said each of us was family. I could tell she was the matriarch of hers. Only as time went on did I realize what a vital a force she was to them. Life was joyous because of her. She was their pillar of strength and a moral compass. She encouraged her husband, her children and everyone she touched with her selflessness and her love.

This love remains with those left behind, as devastated as we are at the moment. Her spirit reaches even further, to everyone she touched - even briefly, with a word here, a word there, or no words at all, with just a smile. That was enough. Zlata's legacy is her extended family, even those she adopted during a prayer service or over a cup of coffee. Following her example, her teachings and her good deeds, her family and acquaintances will continue her work - because it is the right thing to do, because she would have wanted it that way.

Our prayers are with the rabbi and his family in this heart-wrenching time.

Raphael, Alex, Jason, Donna and Remy Sayada

zlata

2010-07-09T18:30:00.001-07:00

Zlata's passing leaves a large whole in the Geisinsky family as well as all of us who knew her that cannot be filled. I will always remember her shabbat dinners, and her onegs after Saturday services. When we had been served several courses and lunch had seemed to be over, out would come the best part; her famous beef stew. I always was sorry that I hadn't left enough room for this specialty.

Why Have You Left Us So Soon?

2010-07-09T12:55:00.001-07:00

Why have you left us so soon?

Whose wise counsel shall I seek when it is time to bring my beloved for your blessing?

Whose sweet smile will pierce the soul of my children, to send them on the straight path?

Who will I turn to for the pure answer to the unknowable question?

Who will I look to for strength when I have none?

Who will be there to show the mothers to have endless love for the children?

Who will hold the Rabbi in his moment of loneliness?

What righteous person will stand in your stead to hold firm the Almighty's world?

Zlata, why have you left us so soon?

Yitzchak/Yale Rodman in loving memory and eternal gratitude

blog

2010-07-09T05:59:00.001-07:00

Sometimes a person isn’t valued or even recognized until it’s too late – after they’re no longer with us. I would say that in Zlata’s case, this is not so – at all. She had to have known how much she was loved and appreciated by so many people – the children of the preschool adored her; the parents held on to her every word; her teachers cared about her so deeply; her peers appreciated her.. Zlata didn’t mince words – with adults- and told it as she viewed the situation. At meetings, she sometimes wondered why we needed to discuss topics for such a long period of time – to her the world was black or white – either you do it or you don’t. She didn’t require a “second” opinion. Time was so precious to her...she hated to waste it at meetings! Of course, that didn’t apply to the children in her life – her many current and former students. She had patience and love and caring for them and proudly watched them blossom over the years. One of her students' most vivid memories of her was her weekly telling of the parsha. When she related that week's parsha, she was handing them a gift and the kids knew it!! It was a memory that stayed with them long after they left preschool.

I only knew Zlata for the last 4 years, and am glad that I had the opportunity to work with her and to get to know her a bit. Her many accomplishments and skills were impressive to others but she made such light of it. Her ability to cook in such enormous quantities and to do so so quickly never ceased to amaze me!!! She was so "untaken" with herself...never thought anything of what she was able to handle.

The one thing that could take Zlata away from being attentive to the matter at hand was her family. The pride she had in her children, and of course - grandchildren!! - lit up her face, brought out her wry smile and she became the classic proud mother/grandmother with ease and definite enjoyment.

There's a void in the School now; it just doesn't feel right; something is missing. I stop myself from thinking...” I'll speak to Zlata.. " when of course I remember that I can't anymore. Starting school without her in August is going to be traumatic for so many. She will live on; she left a legacy of goodness and kindness and we are the better because of her. May her memory be for a blessing

Susan Koss
Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy
Lower School Principal
301.962.9400 x 5141

Memories of Rebbetzin Chaya Zlata of Blessed Memory

2010-07-06T22:14:00.001-07:00

> From: Ann Goldstein <sarahshayna@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Memories of Rebbetzin Chaya Zlata of Blessed
> Memory
> To: zlatasimpact.memories@blogger.com
> Cc: sarahshaynaq@yahoo.com
> >
> Dear Rabbi Geisinsky and family,
> Rebbetzin Zlata of blessed memory exemplified the qualities of virtue and
> nobility of spirit, the midahs of selflessless and humility,
> the wisdom of a much older woman(even twenty years ago),and
> the extraordinary perception to understand another's
> struggles and to provide unconditional support.
> There was no limit to chesed of Rebbetzin Zlata of blessed
> memory. Her empathy, warmth and sense of humor laced all her
> dealings with me and my family. My fond memories of Zlata go
> back over twenty years to the original Rockville Chabad
> House, continuing on to the Potomac Chabad Shule, to Camp
> Gan Izzy and to the current BCC Chabad House.
> Even though I have countless memories of Zlata's chesed,
> the one memory that is prominent in my mind is the time when
> I told her about my father, of blessed memory, who was very
> ill. I was trying to deal with my father's suffering and my
> pain because he had several serious illnesses.Zlata listened
> to my account of my father's condition, and with a wise and
> loving heart, she recommended that I say tehillim for him-
> specifically the psalm representing his age plus one for his
> next birthday year).
> I took her advice and faithfully recited the recommended
> psalms for him for seven years, added psalms for other
> people in need of a refuah and also recited psalms for
> my children for Hashem's blessings. In fact, when I learned
> that Zlata was seriously ill, my first response was to learn
> her Hebrew name to recite tehillim for her, to daven for her
> and to enlist others to do the same.
> I continue to recite tehillim on a regular basis which
> provide me with comfort and an increase in my emunah.
> Now when I recite my daily tehillim, I think of Rebbetzin
> Chaya Zlata, of blessed memory, and credit her with this
> elevating, comforting mitzvah.
> I thank Hashem that I was given the extraordinary
> opportunity to know and to grow from my relationship with
> Rebbetzin Chaya Zlata.
> May her memory be a blessing.
> With profound sorrow and deep appreciation.
> Ann Goldstein
>
>
>
>
>

Memories of Rebbetzin Chaya Zlata of Blessed Memory

2010-07-06T22:09:00.001-07:00

Dear Rabbi Geisinsky and family,
Rebbetzin Zlata exemplified the qualities of virtue and nobility of spirit, the midahs of selflessless and humility, the wisdom of a much older woman(eventwenty years ago),and the extraordinary perception to understand another's struggles and to provide unconditional support.
There was no limit to chesed of Rebbetzin Zlata of blessed memory. Her empathy, warmth and sense of humor laced all her dealings with me and my family. My fond memories of Zlata go back over twenty years to the original Rockville Chabad House, continuing on to the Potomac Chabad Shule, to Camp Gan Izzy and to the current BCC Chabad House.
Even though I have countless memories of Zlata's chesed, the one memory that is prominent in my mind is the time when I told her about my father, of blessed memory, who was very ill. I was trying to deal with my father's suffering and my pain because he had several serious illnesses.Zlata listened to my account of my father's condition, and with a wise and loving heart, she recommended that I say tehillim for him- specifically the psalm representing his age plus one for his next birthday year).
I took her advice and faithfully recited the recommended psalms for him for seven years, added psalms for other people in need of a refuah and also recited psalms for my children for Hashem's blessings. In fact, when I learned that Zlata was seriously ill, my first response was to learn her Hebrew name to recite tehillim for her, to daven for her and to enlist others to do the same.
I continue to recite tehillim on a regular basis which provide me with comfort and an increase in my emunah.
Now when I recite my daily tehillim, I think of Rebbetzin Chaya Zlata, of blessed memory, and credit her with this elevating, comforting mitzvah.
I thank Hashem that I was given the extraordinary opportunity to know and to grow from my relationship with Rebbetzin Chaya Zlata.
May her memory be a blessing.
With profound sorrow and deep appreciation.
Ann Goldstein

Heartbroken

2010-07-04T08:42:00.001-07:00

I am a substitute in the nursery school. I have always been very fund of Zlata. She was truly an inspiration to me. My husband and I were invited to the Vort this past winter. I was amazed at how lovely everything was just a little while after Shabbos. But, that's Zlata. She asked me if after the wedding we could have lunch together. After the wedding I didn't call her because of everything that was going on. I thought, I'll call her after school. Maybe she won't be so busy. I cannot put into words how heart broken I feel. I must learn not to put things off. Zlata did such a marvelous job of running the nursery school. I never heard one teacher or parent say anything negative about her. How I wish I didn't put off that lunch. I know I don't have to tell you this but there is such a hole in the community without her. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I had words to comfort you.

2010-07-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Zlata and the Geisinsky family

2010-07-04T07:33:00.001-07:00

Zlata and the entire family impacted my family in ways they could never
imagine. I often wondered how my children seemed to learn more in
camp than in school. They went and came home happily every day from
camp. They looked forward to going to camp.

My children not only were campers but became Gan Izzy counselors. My
oldest was a counselor for Gan Izzy for several years. From there she
went on to being a head counselor. She would often say that she
learned from Gan Izzy and how organized the camp ran and on time. From
there she went to college and studied management. She was the
activities director for a college and now is studing for an MBA in
management. I feel that this came from Zlata and Gan Izzy.

My other children were also counselors. They are frum and open which I
greatly attribute to Gan Izzy.

Zlata never looked down at someone who was not frum. She was
encouraging and had a good word for you.
When my daughter got married Zlata was her attendant at the mikvah.
She looked forward to be the attendant for my other daughters. The
fact that she will not be there for them saddens me to the point of
tears.

Helen Golan

Blog entry that does not appear to be listed. please post

2010-07-01T20:11:00.001-07:00

My Favorite Mikvah Lady

When you ring the bell at the door to the Potomac mikvah, you have no idea who your mikvah lady will be. How wonderful it has been for me, when I open the door to that warm hug and smile from Zlata. That was our time to "catch up" -- my "alone time", my "quality time" with Zlata. I got to hear all about each of her kids and grandkids -- where everyone was and what they were doing. Oh how she loved her family. And she wanted to hear all about each of our kids -- she knew them well from their days years ago with Morah Zlata and Camp Gan Izzy. Behind the door to the mikvah, Zlata and I shared our lives with each other and solved the problems of the world -- atleast to our satisfaction -- atleast until the buzzer went off and the next woman got to have her time with Zlata.

Zlata was a "tell it like it is" kind of gal. No sugar coating, no "life is blissfully wonderful." Zlata was real. Zlata was honest and upfront. "Life has its ups and downs and you just roll with the punches and keep going day to day." She was not shy about telling you her opinion. But everything she said was said out of love, concern, real interest, and caring. Zlata was the kind of friend who you could see after 3 or 4 months and pick up right where you left off as if you were together the day before. We certainly had a lot of laughs together.

I will truly miss you Zlata. I will miss your smile, your warmth and your laugh, I will miss your wonderful sense of humor. Zlata, you were a beautiful person with a beautiful neshama. Your untimely unexpected death has affected more people than you could possibly imagine.

Nancy Rubin

FW: Smouldering Intensity; Quiet Elegance

2010-07-01T18:30:00.001-07:00

From: Barbara Rome [mailto:opallrome@013.net]
Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 2:25 AM
To: 'zlatasimpact.memories@blogger.com'
Subject: Smouldering Intensity; Quiet Elegance

By Barbara and Zvi Rome, Herzliya, Israel

About 13 years ago, my then-fiance Zvi Rome took me to the first of what would become many Friday evening services, followed by dinner at Zlata and Rabbi G's home in Potomac. Zvi had fallen in love with the couple several years earlier, and was looking forward to introducing me to such a special part of his life. By the way he spoke of them, with such honor and respect, I expected to meet a couple in their sixties, at least. You can imagine my surprise when the baby-faced Rabbi and his gorgeous babe of a rebbitzin received us with parental-type, unconditional affection.

Zlata, for me, was compelling; a paradox. Subtle and modest (needless to say), but seductively self-confident. Her endlessly dark blue eyes exuded a smoldering intensity for the life she was living; a life far different from my own. Five fabulous children, a gifted teacher, a home-maker that put Martha Stewart to shame; Zlata was truly a woman of valor. A Type A personality, this smart, multi-tasking, people-savvy lady could have been a corporate executive or a high-powered K St. lobbyist. But Zlata embodied a higher-calling. She radiated with a sense of purpose that 1,000 self-help books and seminars couldn't come close to matching. She overwhelmed with quiet elegance. The ease and enthusiasm with which she tackled any challenge was contagious. She made mitzvoth, acts of chesed and nurturing the family dynamic seem cool and far more worthy than scoring points on the way up the corporate ladder.

Zlata gently eased me in – purely through personal example – to the sanctity of Friday "kabalat shabbat" at home, the more around the table the merrier. This from a journalist for whom Friday evenings meant deadline stress, followed by decompressing over dinner out.

We were honored to have Zlata and Rabbi G. walk Zvi down the aisle at our wedding, 1 Nissan, 1998, as Zvi's father from Israel could not attend due to illness. They stood with us under the chuppa and Zlata counted for me each of the seven times I encircled my husband-to-be.

In the years since, in our frequent visits back to the Washington area, we were privileged to enjoy many Friday evenings with the Gs and their wonderful family. Our young son, Pele – who studies at a national religious school in Israel and accompanies his father to services every Friday night and Shabbat morning -- is testimony to their loving impact on our lives. Pele felt so much at home on those Friday evenings, playing with Moishe and Mendy and being doted on by the girls, who had since blossomed into young ladies.

The last time was just about a year ago. Zlata finally had the lovely home and the well-appointed kitchen she so richly deserved. She was full of youth, verve and purpose. And that's how we'll always remember her. Young, gorgeous: and smoldering with a contagious sense of purpose.

As hard as it is to write about Zlata in the past tense, and as heartfelt are our condolences to Rabbi G and the entire family, we're sure this incredible young woman is at peace, comfortably situated on the other side of this world's narrow bridge.

May her memory always be a blessed inspiration to those of us still traversing the narrow bridge. May her red, impeccably manicured hand continue to guide us virtually on our respective journeys, as I'm sure it will continue to guide ours.

Barbara Opall-Rome, Israel Bureau Chief

Defense News

Office: (972) 9-951-8258

Cell: (972) 54-8040-272

borome@barak.net.il

www.defensenews.com

Smouldering Intensity; Quiet Elegance

2010-07-01T16:25:00.001-07:00

By Barbara and Zvi Rome, Herzliya, Israel

About 13 years ago, my then-fiance Zvi Rome took me to the first of what would become many Friday evening services, followed by dinner at Zlata and Rabbi G's home in Potomac. Zvi had fallen in love with the couple several years earlier, and was looking forwarda to introducing me to such a special part of his life. By the way he spoke of them, with such honor and respect, I expected to meet a couple in their sixties, at least. You can imagine my surprise when the baby-faced Rabbi and his gorgeous babe of a rebbitzin received us with parental-type, unconditional affection.

We were honored to have Zlata and Rabbi G. walk Zvi down the aisle at our wedding, 1 Nissan, 1998, as Zvi's father from Israel could not attend due to illness. They stood with us under the chuppa and Glata counted for me each of the time times I encircles my husband-to-be.

May her memory always be a blessed inspiration to those of us still traversing the narrow bridge. May her red, manicured hand continue to guide us virtually on our respective journeys, as I'm sure it will continue to guide ours.

Barbara Opall-Rome, Israel Bureau Chief

Defense News

Office: (972) 9-951-8258

Cell: (972) 54-8040-272

borome@barak.net.il

www.defensenews.com

Zlata

2010-07-01T07:27:00.001-07:00

This past Pesach, our family visited Israel to see Molly who studied at Midreshet HaRova for the year. We along with the Klein family (Elana) went on a tour of the Kotel tunnels. As we were walking through, Molly (age 18), my son Aaron (age 17) and Elana (age 18) started singing "Put your finger on the wall, on the wall...." I asked where they learned that song, and in chorus, they all said, "with Morah Zlata in 4 year nursery!" All these year later, Zlata's lessons are still with the many children she has touched over the years. Her lessons will live on as these children teach their children, and they teach their children, and on and on. Thank you Zlata for being a caring, nurturing woman who shared your love with everyone you met. Janet Zuckerman

zlata

2010-06-30T19:37:00.001-07:00

Zlata-
You were always there, able to listen 100%. Despite probably having a
million things to do, you always gave the time to me, long after my
children had graduated preschool. When I was so uncertain of myself,
you were so affirming of me, of my decisions. When I was uncertain
what to do with my children, you would discuss the issues on the table
and were unwavering in support for whatever I decided. You paid the
highest compliment a mother could receive " that mother, she knows
what she is doing" even when I doubted myself.

In a completely different setting, you once gently asked about a
particular custom I followed. When I explained the basis of what I was
doing as to how I had learned the halacha, you said, "you know, you
don't have to limit yourself" as she gently nudged me toward a more
expansive Yiddishkeit and observance.

When I was going through a difficult personal issue, you were again so
affirming. Your words were supportive and non-disparaging. You just
said "unbelievable, unbelievable" and then added that you knew I was
strong.

Now you are gone and taken from us, from your family. As I opened this
emai address and typed in Zlata, your email from the school pops up
and I weep. I can only say we miss you terribly.
Unbelievable, unbelievable.

Karen Rabin( Chaya Rochel)

Staff Birthday Luncheons

2010-06-29T05:41:00.001-07:00

Many times we felt like Zlata's first family. We all worked so closely together and knew that Zlata was always watching us and looking out for us. Every month we celebrated a member of the Staff's birthday. Some months we had one "birthday girl" and some we had three or more "birthday girls". This became a tradition and Zlata never wanted to give it up because we were her family, and that is what families do - celebrate with each other.

Zlata- full of light and life-a true inspiration

2010-06-28T12:14:00.001-07:00

Fifteen years ago, when I first became religious and was having a particularly difficult time making the leap from my former way of life, Zlata said to me, "I have incredible respect for you." I didn't know Zlata well, but I admired her for so many attributes--she was always pleasant, always real, always kind and aware of others. I couldn't believe that someone like Zlata could respect me while I was struggling so much with what came so easy to others. She told me her respect was borne of the fact that she grew up in a religious home so it was all natural to her, whereas I was choosing to take on Shabbos and Kashrut and other mitzvot. Her words gave me the 'boost' I needed to move forward in my Judaism. I will always be appreciative of how Zlata inspired me.

Iris

Camp Gan Izzy Potomac

2010-06-25T05:48:00.001-07:00

For years, our children attended Camp Gan Izzy Potomac with the Geizinsky's at the heads of the camp. Zlata gave her heart and soul to the campers and even more so as " Camp Mother" to the counselors who came from all over. She made sure that the counselors were enjoying their job and their free time on the weekends. For each summer, she was dedicated to this endeavor while still taking care of her own growing family. My children fondly remember Camp Gan Izzy!

"That's Why I Say She Is My Angel"l

2010-06-24T10:38:00.001-07:00

"That's Why I Say She Is My Angel,"
the words are from the Morah Elizabeth and jotted down by Morah Annick ...

"Three years ago, I was working at the preschool. I had a big problem with my mother and her heart. It's so expensive and I need to send the money for the emergency surgery, but someone who said that he would pay, changed his mind. I'm crazy because I don't know what I'm doing. I tell nothing at school becasue it is my personal problem. But Morah Zlata saw me different, that I was different. She called for me and I go and she says right away, "Elizabeth, what's wrong?" And I'm nervous because Zlata is my principal and maybe I did something wrong. But, she said again, "You look different, what's wrong?" So, I'm crying because I am so scared. She looks me straight in the eye and says "I can help you now." She asked me for all the details of what I need and then says again, "I can help you Elizabeth." In a few days, Zlata called for me again and gave me everything I need for my mother. Without Zlata, I know that two more women would not be alive, my mother and me and that is why I say that Zlata is my angel."

Just a week before Zlata passed away, Elizabeth had the opportunity to thank Zlata and Zlata's mom for the gift of life afforded her. Through tearful words, Elizabeth retold it all to both women in Zlata's house. She wasn't sure if she was understood with her words, but knew that she was understood by her sentiment of appreciation. As for myself, I am totally in awe of how deeply connected Zlata was to all the non-Jewish people in her life. Zlata quietly went well beyond job description as Lubavitch Rebbetzin, Preschool Director or even friend. Elizabeth is a very religious woman and she believes completely that Zlata is with God now and that Zlata had always been and will always be an angel.

Zlata Geisinsky OB"M, a source of inspiration and spiritual strength

2010-06-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

From the very first time we met the Geisinsky Family, we felt a special feeling.

A feeling of joy, of laughter, of wanting to do so much together.

Zlata OB"M's beautiful Shabbat table was always full of guests and

she would greet everyone with her beautiful smile.

No matter if it rained or snowed the Mitzvah of Mikvah duty came first.

For many years , every summer, Zlata OB"M , together with her family would devote their time for the running of Camp Gan Israel making sure everything was running smoothly, hosting the camp counselors and so much more.

Every year at Simcha Torah, Zlata OB"M would prepare a beautiful

table full of sweets, drinks and fruits and at the end of the evening

we would gather around Rabbi Geisinsky and choose a Mitzah to do for the upcoming year.

For many years being part of the activities and programs that

Rabbi Geisinsky and Zlata OB"M had at their minyan inspired me

to do a fund raiser for a Sefer Torah.

Going to the Geisinsky family was always a feeling of spiritual happiness. It did not matter if we went for a program, Shabbat, or a Jewish Holiday we were simply happy to be with them.

Zlata OB"M has been and will always be a source of inspiration and spiritual strength to do more mitzvots.

Love always,

Claude, Esther, Erick, and Sabrina Amar

Thank you, Zlata

2010-06-22T20:30:00.001-07:00

When I was first introduced to Chabad in 1997, it was Zlata and Rabbi G who greeted me when I came to the shul. They made me feel very comfortable - I had not been in many Orthodox shuls before - and they warmly welcomed me into their home on numerous occasions for Shabbos meals. Because of those positive initial experiences, I am still affiliated with Chabad thirteen years later, and it has had a tremendous positive impact on my life. Thank you, Zlata, for providing those initial positive experiences. May G-d bless you, Rabbi G, and your entire family.

Barry I. Buchman
buchmanb@gotofirm.com

O 202.772.2305
C 301.802.4721
F 202.772.2307
1100 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
gotofirm.com

This email and any attachments may contain confidential information that is privileged at law. If you are not a named recipient or have received this communication by error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy this email and its attachments, and all copies thereof, without further distributing or copying them.

Memories of Zlata

2010-06-22T18:46:00.001-07:00

We only knew Zlata for a little more than a year, but in that time she made a profound impact on each of us. There are several stories and moments that will help illustrate what a wonderful person she was and what kind of impact she had on us. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have been able to know her even for a short time.

Along with many other women I often went to the kitchen to chat with Zlata on Shabbat mornings and occasionally she let us help chop vegetables for salad. Zlata and her daughters never used cutting boards and so I learned to cut up vegetables in my hands. I've started doing it more often at home because it's often easier for chopping small things. I will always think of Zlata when I start cutting fruits and vegetables in my hands.

A really clear "Zlata moment" happened at Rochie's wedding. I went up to Zlata to wish her mazal tov and say hello. She looked at me, gave me a light smack on the arm, and asked in a somewhat offended tone when we were coming to her for Shabbat. That moment was pure Zlata. It was her time to be congratulated and celebrate with her family and she was acting like we had done her a personal disservice by not taking advantage of her hospitality again. That kind of hospitality characterized Zlata for me. She made you feel that it was totally natural to come and spent Shabbat with her and her family. Of course you were coming for Shabbat. How could you even consider not being there?

I (Adam) remember, in particular, the loving family atmosphere that Zlata created around her. We were all sitting the Sukkah after a meal and Zlata was joking with her kids. At that moment all I could think was what a wonderful family the Geisinskys are and how fortunate I was to know them. Zlata truly made us feel like we were part of the family too. Once, we were sitting outside the shul on the bench and Rabbi Benny came by and said in the course of the conversation that Zlata told him she really liked us. We both remember this moment clearly and how good it felt to know that she thought highly of us. Her opinion was extremely important to both of us. I admired Zlata greatly and for that reason it mattered that Zlata liked me.

The day after Zlata's passing I saw a rainbow. This stopped me in my tracks. Last year during the Three Weeks there was a huge, perfect rainbow and I remember speaking to Zlata about it. She told me that her father said that rainbows are usually tidings of bad news. They are Hashem's way of comforting us, especially after the passing of a righteous person. When I saw the rainbow that Monday evening, I knew it was Zlata's rainbow.

Caroline and Adam Friedman

Picture of Zlata's Rainbow

Scattered memories

2010-06-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am one of the many who didn't know Zlata well, but will miss her deeply.

I didn't know her well, but she was always there when I needed her. Although we weren't close, she dropped everything to be by my side when my oldest was born. After I moved away, I didn't keep in touch -- I had seen firsthand how busy she always was and didn't want to waste her precious time with a call just to say hello. But I knew she was there if I needed her, and I was touched when, just a few days before my second child was born, she emailed me out of the blue to ask how I was.

I remember how she walked a mile from the hotel to the interim Chabad House one yom tov in the pouring rain, her sheitel drenched, with a smile.

I remember how she always made me feel so at home.

Above all, the image of Zlata that stands out in my mind is her sitting quietly on the couch in their living room with her arms around her children (most of whom were well into their teens at the time). There was so much love in her home.

May Zlata's memory give strength to her family, and all of us, until we are reunited, speedily in our days.

Zlata memory from Sandy Kursban

2010-06-21T13:25:00.001-07:00

A number of years ago, I had an experience with Zlata that beautifully shows her true quality and character. I had parked at a store in Potomac, and when I returned to my car I found her waiting there. She had inadvertently bumped into my car (not at all seriously) with her car. Instead of leaving a note, she wanted to speak with the driver of the other car in person. Some people in this situation might just drive off, others might leave a note (and some might not even give the true information on the note!). Then there's Zlata. When she saw me she said she was more embarrassed than she would have been had it been someone she didn't know. She was upset and I found myself wanting more to comfort her than to look at the slight damage to my car! This incident so represents her caring nature. A lovely picture of her remains in my mind and heart as I see her waiting there at my car. She will be deeply missed.

Sandy Kursban

2010-06-21T06:13:00.001-07:00

We were privileged to know Zlata first through the many years our children attended Camp Gan Izzy and when our then 4 yr old son was in the first nursery school class at the old MJBHA. Several years later I was having dinner with Zlata , telling her how recently our then college age daughters with their friends had been sitting at our dining room table singing all of the Camp Gan Izzy songs. She and I spoke that day about the impact the camp had not only on our family but our friend's families as well- even with all of the craziness of the van breaking down, snack of warm gushy plums etc.- our kids gained from those summer experiences a deep understanding of mitzvoth and love of Judaism. It was Zlata's and Rabbi Geisinsky's dedication, vision and much patience which fostered this learning. Zlata's spirit will continue with each of the people that she touched.
Frayda Penini

Reaching for Some Understanding

2010-06-21T03:01:00.001-07:00

Reaching for Some Understanding…

maybe you read it ages ago
but I just discovered a gem of a book,
and then, another
I so loved "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Alboom
that I also had to read "Tuesdays with Morrie"
so much wisdom in those pages
author is honest and real, not gushy
not an emotional guy, but so drawn
to the 2 men in his path who loved life
and loved to give to others
and these men loved Mitch Alboom,
a good writer, phew on that!

maybe these men are annick's Ubermentch's,
maybe meeting people where they are
always open to learn
maybe it's compassion, (for me)
that helps one transcend
transcend expectation and disappointment
Morrie says:
"love each other or perish!"
he was always changing until he died

the Rabbi Albert Lewis, in
"Have a little Faith," says
'more than the actual fear
of dying, people fear
being forgotten,'
"a second death," he calls it.
I believe that
I think i fear that too
"but death only ends a life, not a relationship"
loving your own life is not enough
loving the people around you
will keep you alive forever

I'd like to think Zlata chose a way that worked for her
or that if she was taken without word from god,
she had comfort knowing she would not die
"a second death" of disappearing from the world

a nice story maybe you know
but new for me:
a little wave is so excited to be a wave
he bounces up and down
in the big ocean
"oh what fun, to be a wave like me"
as he nears the shore
he sees that the waves crash
and disappear on the shore
"oh no, look what will happen to me!"
another wave behind him, hears his cry and says
"don't worry little wave, you're not just a wave
you're part of a very big ocean, you'll never disappear"

well, maybe
"it is what it is, and it is all good?"
it's so strange, that sentiment ...
but I find myself wanting to believe it
"Gam Zu L'tovah?"
but how?
maybe the good stuff is that our loves are never truly gone?
there's always something to learn?
maybe staying the same is dying too soon?
maybe always learning is always living?

i will never forget Zlata
it hadn't always been smooth
but I will always learn
from the way she met people "wherever they were,"
and from the way, she noticed "stuff"
and then moved on
a great woman was taken from the earth
but not from our hearts

love,
annick

What Zlata meant to me

2010-06-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

As I prepare to say the שמע before drifting into sleep, I began to wonder- What did Zlata mean to me? What impact did she have on my daily life? To know this however, you have to start with another question- What was Zlata like? Each שבת I spent at Chabad was a magical one. Not just because of the prayer, but because of my interactions with people that I don't see the rest if the week. After praying, I would go up and see if Zlata needed any help with preparing the food, or anything else. She would greet me always with a smile on her face and joy in her eyes. "Shookie," she would say, "you can help scoop out חומוס and then get some cups" After I had worked for at least a couple of mintues, she would gently rebuke me- "aren't you supposed to be downstairs for מוסף?" I would then head back downstairs to pray a little bit more. Zlata's actions here show one side of her- even though she knew that I was supposed to be all the time downstairs, praying, she would let me help her and only after I had done something, send me back down. She knew that I couldn't stay in shul for so long, and she showed compassion by allowing me to help her- but she also showed me that, while helping others is important, so too is praying. She was always like that. Always smiling, full of ruach- not only normal spirit, but holy spirit! She would always do things for other and then get back to her work. She was full of life. In those gentle rebukes, she showed her compassion and love of Judaism to me at the same time. While understanding and accepting that I couldn't stay in shul for long periods, she also reinforced my love of Judaism by allowing me to do a mitzvah and the to go and pray. I never realized it, but now it seems to me as if she was a messenger- she showed me not only to have compassion for fellow Jews, but to embrace Judaism in it's entirety and in doing so, to live life to your fulles capabilities. She truly knew what it was to be Jewish. I wish that her soul would reach ever higher in heaven, and that she would look down upon her family with love in these hard times.

She truly understood what it meant to say-

שמע ישראל ה׳ אלקינו ה׳ אחד.

Joshua Eisdorfer

Zlata rest in Peace

2010-06-20T16:35:00.001-07:00

I met Zlata the first time when my daughter Nechama moved into her condo in Rockville, Md. She came by to bring her a beautiful plant for her new home. We were able to talk , and get to know one another. She was so special, and made such a lasting impression on me. To know her, was to love her. When my daughter was sick with the flu, Zlata was right there taking care of her with her delicious chicken soup and other good foods. Whenever my husband and I came in from Atlanta, we always were invited to their house for Shabbat. My condolence to the family.

Thoughts from an acquaintan

2010-06-20T16:18:00.001-07:00

Love Not Lost

2010-06-20T14:34:00.001-07:00

It is an honor and a privilege to look back through the pages of time to find a younger, vibrant Zlata, more deeply intertwined with my own life than I had known. Fourteen years ago I took a new career path that placed me in an administrative role with a large Jewish agency. I was also the single parent of a Bar Mitzvah boy. Both my son and Sendy Geisinky studied with Rabbi Bentzion Geisinsky; Sendy with the promise of a future scholar and my son with one ear glued to his Game Boy and the other to the tape recording that Rabbi G. had kindly provided.

On Shabbos Zlata assumed the uniquely selfless role of Rebbetzin. Declining pride of place Zlata stood by the back door greeting the women, finding Siddurim and pointing out our place in the service. Somehow while accomplishing this she also coordinated the kitchen activities (anything from kiddush to a banquet) and supervised the seemingly endless troops of children. Zlata's welcome was warm and I felt encouraged to confide in her my concerns about my son's Bar Mitzvah. In an era of lavish catering and entertainment, I was financially unable to compete. Zlata radiated calm and self assurance as she gently reminded me that the purpose of a Bar Mitzvah was literally just that, to stand before the community and assume the mitzvot of manhood. Zlata made her kitchen available for kosher preparations and encouraged me to include family, friends and regular congregants by asking them to prepare their specialties. Zlata helped me make a list of affordable groceries and surprised me by tying bows on small packages of candy. The Bar Mitzvah was a huge success and I felt my spirit soar as my son was called to the Torah. I had forgotten about the candy, but turned around at the close of service to see my son pelted with Zlata's candy, " Mazel Tov!". She had made it sweet indeed.

We will miss you Zlata, but your calm and generous spirit lives on in the lives you touched and the memories you made.

I did not know her well

2010-06-20T11:25:00.001-07:00

I came to the home one day waiting to speak to the Rabbi. I had recently and suddenly lost my mother. It was a very sad time for me. Sitting on the sofa with Zlata with only a few words she asked me what I was doing here. Not what I was doing here in their home but what I was doing here living in Bethesda. I knew what she meant and we communicated with only a few words. She was a special being and will be missed. I know her spirit will live on. My condolences to all Marsha White

Zlata Geisinsky

2010-06-20T06:53:00.001-07:00

These are a few memories that I have of Zlata Geisinsky. I have known Zlata for over 20 years and found her to be an extraordinary person, one of great strength, love of community and most important love of her wonderful family. They used to be Rabbi and Rebetzin of Chabad of Potomac and during that time had dinners at the Shul in Potomac. Zlata would prepare delicious meals almost by herself and as usual wanted no thanks. She was an unbelievable cook.

I had surgery back in 2003 and they came to the hospital for a visit. While there I got called for a special test. Rabbi G had to leave but Zlata would not leave at all and accompanied me to the test. As I recall the test took quite a while and even though I told her to leave that I would be ok, she insisted on staying by my side until I was returned back to my room. Naturally, I was concerned about the outcome of the test and Zlata lifted my spirits until we almost forgot why we were there. I don't think I will ever forget that time.

Zlata will be missed. Her smile, concern for others and her good deeds leave an enormous hole in this community and I'm sure elsewhere as well.

Bev Anker

Memories of Zlata

2010-06-19T20:03:00.001-07:00

I had the good fortune of spending a summer in Rockville, Maryland. It was the summer after 11th grade, and several of my friends and I went to be counselors.

I clearly remember that Zlata always had a smile and a very positive energetic aura about her. She was a lot of fun to be with. We enjoyed spending Shabbos at Zlata's home. She treated us so nicely. Zlata was dynamic and energetic. She was a wonderful shlucha, mother and wife. My friends and I truly connected with her. We loved spending time with Zlata and her family. That summer was very special.

May Hashem comfort Rabbi Benny Geisinsky and their whole family in this difficult time.

Nechama (Uminer) Harlig

Dearest Zlata

2010-06-18T16:49:00.001-07:00

Dear Zlata,

It's been almost a week that I'm walking around as if in a dense fog - like I'm having a horrible, frightening nightmare that won't go away. I can't stop thinking about you. How can this be? Zlata is not with us anymore?

The last time I saw you we spoke about me. Obviously. With you it's always about the other person - joys and sorrows, milestones and challenges. You were suffering, but we spoke about me. You were so happy to hear that I was getting married and you asked to see pictures of my engagement celebration. "Put them on the 1456 blog," you told me. "You're part of our family!"

Crazy thing is that I really feel like a part of your family. You made it so easy. You and your joyful children and siblings. I never felt like I was an outsider. Ever. When we danced at Aidie's wedding, it was as if my close cousin was getting married.

It was always like that. You treated me like I was a special relative.

And so happy! Once I got a ride in your car and it was a little squishy, but we had the greatest time singing loudly with the music blaring from the stereo, with you cracking jokes at the wheel and making the ride seem so much quicker. It was such a happy ride.

How can this happen? It's not like you to leave your beautiful, happy family. Whenever I see you, you're accompanied by at least one of your fantastic kids. It's not your style to not be here for Simchas and celebrations. You're the one who pops into the car to make the 10-hour round trip to be at a family celebration for an hour. And you don't even make it seem like the big schlep that it is.

I see your picture and I keep thinking - it can't be. Zlata wouldn't leave us. It hurts so much. But you know how to shake things up. So tell Him how dark it is. Tell Him how badly your children are suffering. He's the only one who can fix this.

Zlata - I don't want answers. I just want you back. Fast! And when you come, I'll make sure to take lots of pictures and post them on the blog.

Waiting anxiously,

EstieO

2010-06-18T13:16:00.001-07:00

Growing up in Potomac right next door to the Chabad House, our family got to see a lot of the Geisinsky’s and we spent a lot of time at Chabad. Running around with Sendy, enjoying all of the Chabad fun and events, enrolling in Camp Gan Izzy for many years, and eventually davening and leading services on Shabbos; the Geisinsky Chabad was a major foundation of my childhood. Rebbetzin Geisinsky, or Tanta Zlata as she was affectionately referred, was the year round Chabad Mother – managing all of the logistics of the many Chabad activities and caring for all of the community members and children as if they were her own.

If I close my eyes I can still smell Rebbetzin Geisinsky’s shabbos cholent, which to this day is hands down the best cholent I have ever smelled or tasted in my life (this fact is famous in my family)… Living next to Chabad and knowing the lay of the land has its perks. Each Shabbos friends of mine and I, totally ignoring all the cakes cookies and sweets, would hoard about 3 or 4 bowls of Cholent each, navigate the maze of people downstairs at the packed kiddush and then hightail it upstairs to the offices to delight in our booty.

A couple of years ago I jokingly lamented to Rebbetzin Geisinsky about how incredible her cholent was and how much I missed it after they had moved away… and I sheepishly told her about my perhaps not so admirable childhood practice of hoarding it every week. She laughed and smiled…. And then that Friday, to my complete surprise, she personally delivered a cholent to my house (at this point as a grown up I didn’t know whether to eat it or sell it to the highest bidder… I decided the former, and it was awesome).

This was not unusual or extraordinary for her. This was the type of person she was.

Most recently I saw Rebbetzin Geisinsky at the Hebrew Academy where two of my kids attended her pre-school. I was always so happy that she was director, knowing that she taught them Torah each week and would guide them unwaveringly on the right path. In my weekly review of the Parsha with my eldest, Eitan, I made it a goal that he would be able to answer all of Morah Zlata’s Parsha questions… and every now and then I would throw in a phrase for him to say to Morah Zlata to get her attention “Teach me the secrets of the Tanya” being the most recent. A couple of months ago at back to school night, she walked in as I tarried in a visit with my son Noam’s teacher and she gushed about how much she loved my boys and how impressed she was with their middos and Parsha knowledge. You could see in her eyes and in her signature smile both her sincerity and how proud she was to see me grown up with kids of my own.

She will be sorely missed.

Brian Berman, Potomac Maryland

A Memory

2010-06-18T11:18:00.001-07:00

As Morah Zlata knew, the Anker boys always had athletic ankle, foot and leg injuries. One happy memory of those times is hobbling down the school hall on a bad ankle and having her say to me, “There goes Yussie Ankler.” She will be missed.

To My Special Friend

2010-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Zlata O”BM,

We met when we were teaching together, and became good friends so much so Benny was one of the Rabbis who married me. How I loved Shabbosim with your growing family. When I got the news of my illness you helped me to accept it and incorporate it into my life. Your passing makes one see the beauty in life and how fast it can be taken away. May your family be blessed with beautiful memories.

Barbara Proger Bernstein

Invitation to view Orlando's Picasa Web Album - Zlata O"BM, Being there for Everyone / By Orlando Osher

2010-06-18T10:21:00.001-07:00

You are invited to view Orlando's photo album: Zlata O"BM, Being there for Everyone / By Orlando Osher

Zlata O"BM, Being there for Everyone / By Orlando Osher

MD, NY -

Jun 18, 2010
by Orlando

Zlata, doing what she loved best: doing, helping, and being there for everyone. Years 2000 - 2010

View Album
Play slideshow

Message from Orlando:

To the Geisinsky family,
I have put together an album to reflect on the life of Zlata O'BM, with a few pictures for everyone to enjoy and relish on Zlata, her life and her influence that she had on all of us.
May there not be any more suffering and tears, but simchas, for MOSHIACH to come quickly.
Orlando Osher

If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=OrlandoOsher&target=ALBUM&id=5484157003960286577&authkey=Gv1sRgCIiw0Nr7zdzbLw&invite=CLTl0M4B&feat=email

To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.

Album

2010-06-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

To the Geisinsky family,
I have put together an album to reflect on the life of Zlata O'BM,
with a few pictures for everyone to enjoy and relish on Zlata, her
life and her influence that she had on all of us.
May there not be any more suffering and tears, but simchas, for
MOSHIACH to come quickly.
Orlando Osher

Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/OrlandoOsher/ZlataOBMBeingThereForEveryoneByOrlandoOsher?feat=email#

Messenger from Hashem.....

2010-06-18T08:54:00.001-07:00

Messenger from Hashem.....

Today as I made my Challah with my two girls something reminded of me of Zlata. Both of my girls were touched by Zlata and Rochie. When we make Challah in our home we add all the earths ingredients and then we say brochos for people that are in need. We said our Brochos and my five year old said." Mommy, what about Morah Zlata"? We prayed that Hashem assist her Nashama going to Shamyim. My daughter then said. " She was the Boss". She was and still is a messenger from Hashem. She has given all of us an example of what we should emulate to be as a good person and a good Jew. Morah Rochie we prayed for you that you and your family's pain should be eased with blessings and wonderful memories of a MOTHER who gave us all the ingredients to live good lives. I am blessed with my family to have had the opportunity to have known Morah Zlata....

One other special memory....

I really needed advice from someone that knows the community and had insight to my child. I went to Morah Zlata and explained to her my dilemma. My dilemma was involving yidishkite and education. Morah Zlata could have easily picked the option I wanted to hear. However, she thought about my question and REALLY looked deep into what the CHILD needed and told me what she felt was right for the CHILD. That day I realized how amazing she was.

Thoughts...

2010-06-18T08:49:00.001-07:00

It's one of those things that you simply take for granted. You meet someone, have an instant connection, enjoy their company, laugh often, with them, and assume they'll be there...

Zlata was one of those people for me. We met when she came to the Hebrew Academy over twenty years ago. Her personality and quick wit were immediate draws for me, and we remained wonderful colleagues and friends, each respecting the other's differences, which probably helped in a way to even strengthen the bond we had.

She was a true Aishes Chayil, and knowing that her spirit lives on in the MJBHA Pre-School, through her beloved husband, children, mother, siblings, and grandchildren, helps a bit to ease the pain of this enormous loss.

Judy Abramson

Zlata

2010-06-18T08:29:00.001-07:00

At the end of the year last year, I distinctly remember walking through the gym and Zlata and her son were blowing up balloons for the pre-school graduation. This was a simple task she could have given to any of the staff, but she wanted to make the pre-school graduation special for everyone. I couldn’t help but wish I saw her blowing up those balloons this year. Her tragic passing has left an indelible mark on the MJBHA staff. We will forever be changed by Zlata’s impact on our school, and community as a whole.

Signed,

MJBHA staff member

Love for her children

2010-06-18T08:25:00.001-07:00

In reading these postings, I am struck by the fact that each person felt such a close personal relationship with Zlata. The gift to connect with so many is one that Hashem gives to a very few among us.

I think that what stands out most for me, in the years I have known Zlata, is the following. For some, it is very typical to send their children away to school at a relatively young age. Zlata made the decision to keep her children close to home, and her, during most of these years. I hope it brings them some comfort now to know that her priority was to be with them, and be there for them, as long as she was able.

May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

A True Friend

2010-06-18T07:40:00.001-07:00

I returned home from the shiva home inspired by Zlata's precious children to contribute to this blog. They encourage everyone visiting their Bethesda home to share their personal stories of how Zlata impacted their lives. Rabbi Sendy Geisinsky shared with me that he is learning just how much his mother impacted the entire Jewish community. She enriched the lives of countless individuals.

My husband always had a close relationship with the Geisinsky family since his college days when he would travel to Potomac to spend Shabbos and other holidays. He always recalled how wonderful it was to be welcomed into the Geisinsky family and especially in those days, with a home cooked meal by Zlata. Zlata always had a special place in his heart. And, when we were married, and quickly discovered that the Chabad of Bethesda-Chevy Chase was opening hear our Bethesda apartment, my husband was anxious to introduce me to Rabbi and Mrs. Geisinsky.

Just as warmly as they welcomed my husband, they opened their hearts to his new wife, with open arms and never a moment to judge. From this early meeting, our relationship would thrive and bring us to celebrate the birth of our first daughter who was given her name at the shul beneath the dry cleaners on Woodmont Avenue. Zlata was there to help me navigate the waters of being a new mom, and as our young daughter got to toddler years, always invited me to share seashell pasta at the Hebrew Academy with her during lunch.

I have countless memories of simchas, conversations and wonderful moments with the entire Geisinsky family. I will treasure my memories of Zlata and continue onward knowing that Zlata would want us all to continue striving to do our best in this world.

May her entire family find comfort in the coming days.

The Rebbe's Shlucha

2010-06-18T04:47:00.001-07:00

From the COLlive Inbox: Mrs. Rochel Kaplan, Shlucha in Maryland, writes to her fellow Shlucha Mrs. Zlata Geisinsky OBM after her tragic passing.
Dear Zlata,

Today, Gimmel Tammuz I drive home to Maryland. My thoughts are with you in New York. It was only yesterday, erev Gimmel Tammuz, that you were interred close to our Rebbe's resting place.

No, you never rested. Nor, will you stop to rest.

About 28 years ago, you and your husband Rabbi Bentzion ybadel lchayim tovim, became the first Shluchim to join our Chabad Maryland region. You have paved the way for many others who are BH doing the Rebbe's work.

One of the women who knew you well said, "Zlata did her work quietly without fanfare and did not seek publicity, and that is just the way she left this world". I cannot agree with her more. Your deeds were for Hakodosh Boruch Hu only.

Your persona of great Kabolos Ol was so clear. You took on your responsibilities with great focus, determination, and with steadfastness. You carried through what you set out to do and stayed on course until your work was thoroughly completed.

As I ponder the loss of a Shlucha in our state of Maryland, I understand the importance of each and every individual who has undertaken this great life's mission. Although life may be laden with bumps and bruises, along the way we manage to pick ourselves up and to rise above life's travails. Although our lives as Shluchim may be challenging, it is nevertheless rewarding. At the end of the day, we are bound up with our mishaleach.

So how am I to make peace with the tragedy that has hit us all so hard?

As I ponder the reality of what has happened in our midst I hear the phone ring in the car. It is my daughter. She wants to know where Zlata is interred. She is almost there. She mentions names of other markers and I realize that she is close. I tell her so, and she finally gasps that she has found it.

My daughter sent me the message I was looking for. She gave me the assurance that your memory will live on.

Zlata, you have touched so many lives in your short lifetime. And I know that those lives will continue to grow and find nurture in your embrace. Vhachai yiten el liboh. The seeds that you have sown will grow and mature continuing to flower until moshiach.

Sincerely yours,

Rochel

Thank You For Your Impact

2010-06-18T04:16:00.001-07:00

It is very hard to believe that the journey that has led us to our current lives in the heart of Judea started about 14 years ago in the Chabad House of Potomac with the Geisinskys. We are both shocked at the tragedy and want the family to know that you are in our hearts and prayers. Even though we have fallen out of touch, we are very appreciative of the "impact" that Zlata has had on our family and on our old community.

May the family find comfort among all those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.
--
Yarden and Stella Frankl
Neve Daniel, Israel

Say It Ain't So

2010-06-17T22:11:00.001-07:00

I spent several summers with Benny and Zlata in the early years of Camp Gan Israel of Rockville, during the 80s. We had a great time, perhaps I took it for granted at the time, but there was so much that the Geisinskys did so that camp would run well, and the counselors were taken care of.

Their home was open to the staff, their personal belongings were shared with camp, their time belonged to camp. Zlata never complained that something was too much work. She took on more and more, and made everything work. Friday night we made Kiddush 11L:00 p.m., I remember dozing off at the table, I can’t imagine how she had the strength to make Shabbos and even stay awake through the meal, which ended about 1:00 a.m.

I don’t recall Zlata ever taking time for herself. She always took the lead in helping people who needed. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen her lose her composure. On the contrary, she always displayed a sense of humor, she always had people chuckling. You knew that you could count on Benny and Zlata.

I’ve stayed in touch with the Geisinskys over the years, and feel honored to be counted among their old friends.

Aibershter, have pity on Zlata’s family, have pity on her community, have pity on klal yisrael.

Let her memory be an inspiration to those who knew her to emulate her midos tovos and maasim tovim.

-Chaim Kosofsky,’

Springfield, MA

A brief but powerful encounter

2010-06-17T20:14:00.001-07:00

I read the submissions here and see entries from many people who knew Zlata OBM for many years and in numerous roles. I did not know her for very long nor in many ways; instead, I knew her as one of my younger son’s Hebrew School teachers (along with wonderful Rochie) for just this past school year. It became clear to me a short way into the year that Zlata was no ordinary human being. My son came home on Sundays “spent” in the most wonderful of ways, and it was clear that what he was getting from Zlata was far more than a simple lesson.

Then, one day, the mail carrier brought us an invitation to Rochie’s wedding. I was overwhelmed that we would be considered by Zlata to be worthy guests and was incredibly excited to be included. At the wedding, I felt, well, embraced. I began to feel very connected to Zlata even though logic would not explain why; I saw her for a few moments each Sunday when dropping off or picking up my son -- certainly not enough to delve into anything deeply, but somehow enough to share feelings and words that added to my connection to her and to Judaism. Until I met the Geisinsky family, I had felt satisfied with my level of observance; in those few short months, I watched, listened and learned. Through only her graceful example, Zlata encouraged me to do more. And I am.

In the days since Zlata’s passing, I have wondered numerous times how I, someone who didn’t know her nearly as well as others, could have the “right” to feel the deep sadness that is inside me. After all, I am not a family member, longtime friend, school colleague, or mikvah visitor. So, how could I be allowed to have such strong emotions? As I sit here in the clothes I wore to shiva minyan tonight with tears drenching my face, I know: she connected to me on a level that I cannot understand from my human mind, but only from my heart, which is so much wiser than the head. I know that I will carry her in my heart throughout my life. Zlata gave me the right to these feelings simply by being in my life.

I also know that my children will carry her; even my older son, who did not attend Chabad Hebrew School, sobbed at the news of Zlata’s passing. He’d met her less than a handful of times but had listened to me talk about her and all the Geisinskys. As for my younger one, this week he donned tzitzit for the first time. He has begun to make brachas over the foods he eats daily, no longer only on Shabbos. He came to Chabad with a spark in him, and it has clearly been fueled into an exquisite fire by his connection to Zlata and her family members, who clearly exemplify her ways.

To say that Zlata will be missed by those she touched is an extreme understatement – that is apparent by the numbers of people pouring into the Chabad house and by the postings to this blog. To say that I will simply miss her is an inappropriate characterization. She has impacted my life in ways that I imagine I will know more and more in the years to come, and for that I am eternally grateful.

To the Geisinsky family, I send my deepest condolences and the wish that they will know that the gift of having Zlata in their lives does not end as long as she lives in them. I know that such a thing will happen. Until Moshiach comes, it is all that we have.

Laura Nadel Eisen

for zlata blog - pls post with my name

2010-06-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

On a Friday some 6 few years ago, I took the shuttle to DC for a court appearance on behalf of a friend, and was supposed to be back in NY for Shabbos. In the end, the weather did not allow me to get back to ANY. So there I was, stuck in the MD area with nothing, no kapote, no change of clothes, no place to stay for Shabbos, etc. I contacted the Geisinskys and was given the royal treatment. I spent a memorable shabbos, laughing all day and night with Benny zol zein gezunt. Zlata a”h was an amazing machnis orach, making me and the other guests feel right at home, with her varimkeh big heart and outgoing personality. It was a shabbos I never forgot. She was clearly a shlucha par excellence. Hashem should give nechomo to benny and the kinderlach, because none of us can provide any meaningful nechomo.

Rabbi Shalom M. Paltiel

Chabad of Port Washington

"Judaism with a Smile"

80 Shore Road

Port Washington, NY 11050

516 767 TORAH (8672)

www.chabadpw.org

rabbi@chabadpw.org

where can one send an e-mail

2010-06-17T19:35:00.000-07:00
to send nichum aveilim that they do not want to be posted publicly?
Anyone know???

Zlata

2010-06-17T19:06:00.001-07:00
She was great it making sushi. She always knew what to say and when to say it. She was so kind.

With thanks

2010-06-17T18:08:00.001-07:00

to Hashem for sharing a truly wonderful soul with us for the time she was on earth. We wanted her to be with us longer and don't understand why she is not. We are crying.

After our tears dry we should remember her and make her life lessons our own.

We'll miss her warm welcome: Remember her example and be more welcoming ourselves.

We'll miss her caring questions: Remember her example and be more solicitous ourselves.

We'll miss the quiet joy on her face as she watched the community she helped build. Remember her example and contribute to the community's strength.

I will try; will you join me?

A grieving member of the community

A TRUE SISTER

2010-06-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Zlata,

We shared so many details in our life

Beyond the fact that two of your sisters are my sisters-in law,

And our family roots are intertwined for generations already,

I truly feel attached to you.

Our childhood in Crown Heights,

Centred around and inspired by the Rebbe,

Is a bond stronger than the craziest of glues!

We ate the same kind of foods,

We played the same games,

Loved Machanayim and Kugeleach,

Laughed at the same jokes,

True, you did more of the joking and I more of the laughing-

But it was a team.

We davened together in 770,

Pushed for the best spot at farbrengens,

Played in the same school yards,

Shopped in the same stores,

We babbled for long hours on the benches of Eastern Parkway,

As we waited for our fathers to come home from shul.

Drove to the Catskills in the summer,

Shared similar ideals,

Blossomed from the Rebbe's brochos.

Our brothers learned in the same Yeshivos,

Our mothers had twins at the same time,

Our fathers were best of friends,

We sang niggunim together for hours on end at Kumztizen with Chaya,

Drank every word the Rebbe's Shluchim said to us at assemblies,

We sang the entire davening out loud in honor of every Rosh Chodesh in our dear Bais Rivkah,

Our voices echoed joyfully in the halls of Church or Snyder Avenues,

Whether it was color war or just any old week day,

In the name of all of us kids growing up in the Crown Height of the 60's and 70's

You are our sister-

Though for the past 30 years, we are geographically dispersed in four corners of the globe,

In the frontline to bring Moshiach,

We continue to share our source of energy by returning to 770 at every possible occasion.

We ask Hashem to bring light into this year 5770.

Having you torn away from us is too much to cope with in our hectic lives.

He must help your Mother zol zein gezunt,

Your Twin sister Miré tlt

Soré, Channé, Mendel, Fitché and Lipé

And of course your husband and teiere kinderlech,

Aibershter, hob rachmones, and do what is needed to bring back the sound of joyful laughter to this wonderful group of people that is your family.

Esther Gourevitch – Brunoy, France

A true sister

2010-06-17T15:41:00.001-07:00

For the Zlata blog

2010-06-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

My Favorite Mikvah Lady

When you ring the bell at the door to the Potomac mikvah, you have no idea who your mikvah lady will be. How wonderful it has been for me, when I open the door to that warm hug and smile from Zlata. That was our time to "catch up" -- my "alone time", my "quality time" with Zlata. I got to hear all about each of her kids and grandkids -- where everyone was and what they were doing. Oh how she loved her family. And she wanted to hear all about each of our kids -- she knew them well from their days years ago with Morah Zlata and Camp Gan Izzy. Behind the door to the mikvah, Zlata and I shared our lives with each other and solved the problems of the world -- atleast to our satisfaction -- atleast until the buzzer went off and the next woman got to have her time with Zlata.

Zlata was a "tell it like it is" kind of gal. No sugar coating, no "life is blissfully wonderful." Zlata was real. Zlata was honest and upfront. "Life has its ups and downs and you just roll with the punches and keep going day to day." She was not shy about telling you her opinion. But everything she said was said out of love, concern, real interest, and caring. Zlata was the kind of friend who you could see after 3 or 4 months and pick up right where you left off as if you were together the day before. We certainly had a lot of laughs together.

I will truly miss you Zlata. I will miss your smile, your warmth and your laugh, I will miss your wonderful sense of humor. Zlata, you were a beautiful person with a beautiful neshama. Your untimely unexpected death has affected more people than you could possibly imagine.

Nancy Rubin

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Always made me feel special..

2010-06-17T14:01:00.001-07:00

Zlata always made me feel so special when I walked through the doors of MJBHA. She always cared and always asked me about life and how work was going. I will miss her greatly. She cared very much about every single child in the pre-school and took great strides to make every thing work out for the best. I know her soul is in a very special place.

Daniel Atkin

Thoughts from an acquaintance

2010-06-17T13:25:00.001-07:00

Dear Geisinsky Family,

It is with a heavy heart that I write these notes of nechama to you. Zlata A"H accomplished in her short life what Pirke Avos tells us is the most precious of achievements. She left as her yerushah to all of you the knowledge that she earned a Keser Shem Tov with every interaction she had with people - whether they were close friends or acquaintances.

For us, The Geisinsky family will always be a part of our Potomac memories and life. Whenever I ran into Zlata - in a store, on the street, in schools - she always took the time to ask about our children, our lives,
and our well being. She always had a smile and sense of well being about her which she conveyed so easily.

Please know that there are so very many, many people who will hold her in our memories.

May Hashem provide you with the nechama of knowing what a very, very special person she was. We, too, will miss her.

Elaine and Bob Jaye

Washington Jewish Week Article

2010-06-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Washington Jewish Week Article about Zlata

Zlata Geisinsky, educator, Chabad emissary, 49
On Tuesday morning, the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy's preschool held its graduation ceremony. But its longtime director was not present.

Zlata Geisinsky, who served as director of the Rockville preschool for nearly two decades, died Sunday from cancer, according to a family member. She was 49.

Geisinsky also is remembered for her tireless work on behalf of the Chabad of Bethesda-Chevy Chase, which is run by her husband, Rabbi Benzion Geisinsky.

Though she was absent from Berman's preschool graduation, attendees say Zlata Geisinsky's "warm and engaging" presence could still be felt at the ceremony.

"The whole event was her planning," said Diana Epstein, a former president of the Hebrew Academy and longtime friend of Geisinsky's. "This was her event."

Parents and teachers, Epstein said, were plunged into a "state of shock" upon learning of Geisinsky's sudden death over the weekend.

Asked what mark the educator has left on Berman's preschool, Headmaster Joshua Levisohn, said: "The entire preschool is her legacy. There isn't a parent or teacher who will argue -- the entire preschool was shaped in her image and she will be irreplaceable."

According to family members, coworkers and acquaintances, Geisinsky was a revered community anchor who never let on that she was ill. Even in her final weeks, they say, Geisinsky worked tirelessly to perpetuate the tenets of Judaism throughout Greater Washington.

"She was a person who never worked for herself," said Sender Geisinsky, 27, the family's eldest son. Though his mother was "carrying this illness for longer than anyone knew" -- likely several months -- she never said a word.

"For months, basically, she was aware something was wrong, but was too busy," spending her days helping others -- and she would have it no other way, said Sender Geisinsky, who lives in Bethesda.

He added: "My father said he knew things were serious when he was able to keep up with her."

The sickness caught up with Zlata Geisinsky on Wednesday of last week, when, after finally visiting a doctor, she was told to immediately seek treatment in a hospital. Her condition turned grave quickly thereafter.

Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan, Chabad of Maryland's regional director, said that Geisinsky exhibited a rare level of selflessness.

"It just shows you, she'd been ill for a couple of months, but kept up with what she was doing," said Kaplan, who first hired the Geisinskys to head up the Chabad of Rockville in the early 1980s.

"You're talking about a lifetime of dedication, and she never made an issue of it -- it was natural," Kaplan said.

Geisinsky, who was raised in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y., learned about "self-sacrifice and devotion" at an early age, Kaplan noted, as her grandparents had emigrated from Soviet Russia.

After helming a Chabad center in Rockville for around eight years, the Geisinskys relocated with the center to Potomac, where they spent another 10 years building up Chabad in that community. The pair moved to Bethesda nearly 11 years ago to plant the seeds for a now-thriving Chabad center.

Throughout the years, Geisinsky spearheaded several adult education initiatives and Jewish Women's Circle. She also oversaw Camp Gan Israel in Bethesda, along with her husband, and supervised the Potomac Chabad's mikvah.

Izzy Zaiderman, 66, from Potomac, who's known the Geisinskys for nearly 30 years, said the death of his friend "still hasn't registered because there is no way to register this shock."

The Bethesda Chabad, Zaiderman said, was built upon Geisinsky's mighty sprit.

"I cannot even envision that Chabad house without her," he said. "It's eerie walking through there without her."

Zaiderman recalled that among members of the community, "the biggest prize was to be invited for Shabbat dinner from Zlata -- we're still talking about her blintzes."

Reka Von Fegyverneky, a 39-year-old Bethesda resident, credits Geisinsky with helping to revitalize her interest in Judaism.

"There was just something about Zlata that really hit me and made me want to reach out to my Jewish roots" Von Fegyverneky recalled Tuesday in an interview. "It was just amazing how she connected with everybody."

And while Geisinsky died at a young age, Von Fegyverneky believes "she lived more of a full life than most people ever will."

Added Sender Geisinsky: "This entire community has lost its mother."

In addition to her husband and son, Geisinsky is survived by five other children, Aidie Shusterman of Beverly Hills, Calif., Rochie Charytan of Maryland, and Mushky, Mendy and Moishe; her mother, Asya Dubrawsky of the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, N.Y.; siblings Sara Gurewitz of Lyons, France, Fitche Dubrawsky of Curitiba, Brazil, Lipa Dubrawsky of Vancouver, Canada, Mira Labkowsky of Los Angeles and Chana Katzman of Staten Island, N.Y.; and six grandchildren.

Regards,

Mendel

----------

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Friendship Circle - Executive Director

11621 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

p. 301.433.4524 / c. 240.543.4153

web: www.fcmd.org

Parshas Chukas; In Memory of Mrs. Zlata Geisinsky

2010-06-17T09:30:00.001-07:00

B"H

Sholom Raichik; Gaithersburg, Maryland

This week's Parsha, Chukas begins with the laws of the Red Heifer and the purification of a person who came into contact with a corpse. After the first 22 verses, the Torah returns to the narrative of the Jewish people in the desert, with the story of the passing of Miriam.

If you look at the book of Bamidbar/Numbers, you can neatly divide it into two sections. The first 5 portions discuss the story of the Jewish people in the desert a year after they left Egypt. It goes from the beginning of Nissan of Year Two, when the Mishkan/Tabernacle was dedicated. It continues with the departure from Sinai, the travels through the desert until the tragic story of the Spies when it is decreed that the adult generation that left Egypt will not enter the Land of Israel and instead will wander the desert for a total of 40 years. After they pass on, the next generation will enter the land.

The Torah does not discuss what happened in those middle 37 years and 8 months that it took for the older generation to pass. Instead in this week's Parsha, the 6^th portion, the Torah pivots and begins discussing Year 40 when Miriam passes and the Jewish people prepare to enter the Land. However before discussing Year 40, the Torah tells us the laws of the Red Heifer.

Our Sages tell us that the laws of the Red Heifer were actually given shortly after the Jewish people left Egypt. The first Red Heifer was offered in Year Two, on Nissan 2, the day after the Tabernacle was dedicated. So on a chronological basis, these laws should have been stated long before this Parsha.

It seems that the Torah is using the Laws of the Red Heifer as a buffer between the stories of the first 16 months in the desert, and the final 12 months. Why?

The Torah refers to the Laws of the Red Heifer as Chukas HaTorah, the Statutes of the Torah. The word Chukah refers to the laws which we do not understand; i.e. the prohibition of mixing wool and linen together, the laws of Kosher etc. There are other places where the Torah uses the word Chukah. But here the Torah does not say Chukas HaParah, the Statutes of the Red Heifer. The Torah say Chukas HaTorah, the Statutes of the whole Torah. The concept of the Red Heifer reflects on the ultimate idea of a Statute, a law which we cannot understand. Although we do not understand, we observe and follow G-d's commandments.

The Red Heifer is about a person who passed away, and another person became defiled by coming in contact with the corpse. We use the Red Heifer to purify the defiled person. These laws are the ultimate Statute, the laws which we do not understand. These laws are the buffer between the first part of the desert and the second.

The Jewish people had left the Land of Egypt with the goal of entering the Promised Land, the Land of Israel. Instead tragedy strikes and the adult generation will now pass on in the desert. G-d instructs the next generation that they will be the ones to carry forward and enter the Land.

From where does this generation get its strength to carry on after having just witnessed how the older generation, so full of hope and energy, is no longer with them. The Torah tells us, These are the Statutes of the Torah.

A person has passed, when a most beautiful life awaited them in their coming years. We ask, Why? G-d, why did this happen? Ultimately we have no answer. ZOS CHUKAS HATORAH. These are the ultimate statutes of the Torah. We do not understand. We cannot understand. We are in total shock.

But just as G-d gives us the Red Heifer telling us, You Cannot Understand, G-d also give us the Red Heifer to be able to purify ourselves and continue with Life. The immediate next part tells us of the next generation moving forward with getting ready to enter into the land.

From where does the next generation get the strength and confidence to go on with the hope that the previous generation had. ZOS CHUKAS HATORAH G-d is with us and is holding our hand and supporting as we move on to complete the dream.

In memory of Mrs. Zlata Geisinsky; Chabad Shlucha of Bethesda, MD

A beautiful person and true friend to all who was abruptly taken from us at the young age of 49.

She passed on Sunday of Parshas Chukas, when we read the portion of the Red Heifer.

May G-d bless and give strength to her husband, Rabbi Bentzion Geisinsky and their children, grandchildren, her mother, brothers, sisters and families.

one memory

2010-06-17T08:39:00.000-07:00
Several years ago, when Jackie worked at the Academy, our daughter Rachel was traveling overseas and her passport was lost or stolen. We did not know hot to deal with the problem so that Rachel could continue her travels. Jackie was clearly distraught when she ran into Zlata, who asked what was the matter. When she found out, she gave Jackie the phone number of someone at the state department who takes care of emergency passport problems in hours. That worked. We were very grateful for the help.

--
Arnold Kling
http://arnoldkling.com
http://econlog.econlib.org

My fondest memory of Morah Zlata z"l

2010-06-17T05:48:00.001-07:00

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Words cannot express how deeply saddened and how heavy my heart is. I met Zlata z'l five years ago when my son, Jacob, was entering the 2-year-old program at Hebrew Academy. From the moment we met, I knew that my son was in the right place. A day never went by that she didn't stop in the hall to say hello. No matter when or how busy she was, she would always take the time to talk. She cared about every child and parent in the preschool.

I will never forget how her kind words and caring smile helped me during my last pregnancy. Zlata was the 2nd person to find out I was expecting. One day in the carpool lane she noticed that I was upset. I told her my husband was worried about having another child. I explained to her that his primary reason was financial in nature. She gave me a huge hug and said Hashem will provide. From that day on, she made it a point to ask me how I was feeling. She called me to see how the doctors visits went and if I had to undergo any prenatal testing her words of wisdom and love helped me get through them. When Shmueli was born she took the time out of her busy schedule, came to visit, and brought over a meal for Friday night and Shabbat lunch. Shmueli will be entering the 4-year-old program next fall and I can't imagine that Morah Zlata will not be there to teach him the parsha.

Zlata was more than a pre-school director and more than the Rebbitzen of Chabad of Bethesda. She was a wife, mother, confidant and friend. She was someone so easy to talk with, whose wisdom and guidance went well beyond her years. Her untimely death leaves us with the question of why? Why Zlata? She was the pillar of the community, a true emissary of the Rebbe. She constantly put others before herself. While we look for an answer, that we may never find, all we can do is look for guidance and inspiration. Not inspiration found in this world, but inspiration from Hashem. For all that she has given to the community, and in the merit of Zlata, I ask everyone to take on another mitzvah.

Zlata z'l, you are dearly loved and even though the thought of not speaking with you or seeing you is excruciating, I take solace knowing that your memory will live on in my heart forever.

May Hashem comfort the Geisinsky family and please G-d send Moshicah NOW!!!

Lisa Levieddin

Zlata Geisinsky

2010-06-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Zlota affected our family in so many ways. Our children went to the Chabad camp, to the bonfires and barbecues, to the Chanukah celebrations and to her nursery class and school. She was always there working hard, cooking deliciously, preparing treats. As an educator, she knew how to educate the children to their potential with positive encouragement each in their own way. She saw the unique qualities of every child. In addition to all of this, she had one of my children at her home many times for Shabbos, and her warm hospitality will never be forgotten. She was someone who despite being so busy had time for everyone and everything. She cared for everybody and tried to help them. She will be greatly missed.

Rose and Izzy Miller

A Sweet Aunt to All

2010-06-16T15:40:00.001-07:00
I grew up knowing "Mire and Zlate", and as a child it was too confusing the try and differentiate them, those famous Dubrawsky twins. My first memory of Zlate though when I finally was able to make a distinction, was when my family road tripped from Texas to New York. The trip itself was quite the adventure, and the definite highlight was stopping off overnight in Maryland at the Geisinskys. Of course, Zlate was there, not just as a hostess who waits for you to come knockin' on the door, but came outside waving and smiling as if she'd been waiting for us forever. She made us feel so good, and I'm sure anyone reading this knows exactly that quality of which I'm talking about.

I further got to know Zlate, while living at my grandparents house in high school. My grandfather became sick then, and Zlate would dutifully and excitedly come visit for many Shabbosim. I was always so thrilled when my grandmother would tell me that the Geisinskys were coming for Shabbos. Zlate would come and we would sit around as she would regale all of us with stories of her school, make us laugh with her humor and her wit, and share with us a spirit so generous, animated, and "lebedik". On motzei Shabbos, she usually would buy pizza and ice cream and we'd sit around chatting until the wee hours of the morning. I always thought then, as a 14 year old,that she was hanging out with me for a good time and a little chat, but now I realize that she was giving a homesick girl, a little taste of home.

If we are taught that from a person's passing "Vehachai yiten el lebo" that the living shall take to heart; I can take to heart many things from my dear aunt a"h. The characteristic of selflessness as Zlate would always put others before herself, without thinking twice. Her ability to be a good listener and a sensitive one at that. A woman who cherished and protected her family, and whose family was always her priority. One who lived life with great enthusiasm and excitement. Kibbud av va'em - the way she honored, respected, and took care of her dear parents. Her general spirit, where she went was always a good time.

This blog is appropriately entitled "Zlata's impact". I have to say, that when thinking about Zlata and reflecting on her life, that her impact was felt just as strongly when she was still with us. It didn't require much reflection to come up with the qualities that made her great, as they were and are so apparent.

Zlate, you left us all with broken hearts. We love you and miss you terribly. I hope you are fighting the good fight up there for us, and that iyH we shall see you very soon with Moshiach.

With love,
Chanale Naparstek

Fw: צדקת את מאת שרון עמר

2010-06-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
From: sandra amar <sandraamar2002@yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:55:30 +0000 (GMT)
To: sharon amar<shsaamar@yahoo.com>
Subject: צדקת את מאת שרון עמר

!!!צדקת את

.אם תרשו לי אדבר בלשון הווה

מאחר ואיני יכול עדיין לדבר בלשון עבר

במעט הפעמים שנפגשנו הותרת רושם עז

.של חוסן, עוצמה, חוכמה, בינה ודעת

את המושג עזר כנגדו השכלת להבין ולעשות

.בעוד נשים רבות עדיין מחפשות

נשגב מבינתי להבין מדוע ולמה זה קרה

.ומה הסיבה האמיתית לעזיבתך מהעולם הזה במהרה

במשך שעות רבות מנסה אני למצוא סיבה

ובעודי כותב דברים אלו אין לי סיבה

אלא אחת והיא לשמר את מאזן הצדיקים

.בין עולם של מעלה לבין עולם של מטה

.צדקת את



תהיי נשמתך צרורה בצרור החיים

2010-06-16T09:37:00.001-07:00
mrs. geisinsky, thank you so much for all the good times you gave me. you were an important part of my childhood. there are too many memories for me to write, so i'll just sign off by saying that every time i was on the way over for a shiva call over the last few days, i was thinking "im going to mendys, what do i want to tell his mother again?." and then it hit me all over again. i'll never forget you and ill always try to be here for mendy
          elchonon "chunny-nunny" keleman

The Rebbe's Dollar

2010-06-16T07:20:00.001-07:00
A few years ago, I had to take an overseas flight and leave my young kids behind. After all of the terror attacks, I was overwhelmed with fear about that flight. I was telling Zlata this in the carpool line... Instead of just waving me forward or saying, it will be ok, she went to the trouble of lending me her precious dollar from the Lubavitcher Rebbe OBM to "guarantee" my safety on the trip.  Most people would not be willing to part with such an irreplaceable possession, but Zlata was extraordinarily kind and sensitive to other people.  What a special person she was..deeply involved in every aspect of communal life, and never too busy for a random act of kindness. May her entire family receive comfort from heaven.

Julie Bloch Mendelsohn
Zichron Yakov, Israel

Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. See how.

Zlata was so special to my family!

2010-06-15T22:00:00.001-07:00

Although my family and I now live in Arizona, I never forgot Zlata and all she did for me when I was a teacher at MJBHA. My son Sam was in the 2’s and 3’s class. Under Zlata’s leadership, Sam had the best education and the most loving teachers. Although not religious myself, Zlata never judged me. I always felt accepted and understood by her. When I was pregnant with my second child, Zlata was the one I often went to for advice and comfort. When I would visit the school she would demand I hand over my baby daughter Gabi to her and would hold her so lovingly. We had a running joke that she would pay me a million dollars if I would “sell” Gabi to her. Every time Gabi (now 9) scrunches up her nose when she smiles I think of Zlata because she is the first one who pointed that out to me. I found every excuse in the book to hang out in her office, sit and schmooze with her and the other preschool teachers. I always felt at home with Zlata. She was an amazing woman who seemed to know how to do a million things at once, something I marveled at. I am beyond devastated to learn of her sudden death. My heart goes out to her family and a community that will miss her terribly. Sincerely, Elana Hostetter

I didn't really know her, but....

2010-06-15T21:28:00.001-07:00
I have had the good fortune to be befriended by Zlata's z'l oldest
son, Sender, the most stellar study partner, and also to learn and
daven and kibbitz with Rabbi Geisinsky Sr. There have been a few
Simchas in the past year for which I'm sure we are all grateful. But
to my loss, I barely had the chance to exchange more than a few words
with the ba'ale busta, one of the few Yiddish words I still remember
from my grandfather. So with some hesitation I offer this 'story' of
the day of her passing. I picked up the unbelievable email Saturday
night. The next day a series of phone calls suggested the worst.
Sunday afternoon I was preparing food in the oven for the week. When
they were done, I took out two meat loaves in pyrex dishes on a metal
baking tray and placed the whole thing on the kitchen counter to
cool. I went in to the dining room to talk to Barbara. While we were
sitting there we heard a pop and the sound of something falling on the
floor. We walked in to the kitchen and found one of the pyrex dishes
had exploded into a few big pieces. I had never seen this happen to
pyrex before. In my experience, the mysterious shattering of glass
has been linked to the death of someone important to me. There are
three instances that stick in my mind: the shattering of our van's
rear window by vandals the morning we were to go to Pittsburgh for the
funeral of Edith Lauer z'l, a survivor of Terezin and surrogate
grandmother to our children; my accidental shattering of a large glass
shade on my desk lamp shortly before the death of George Lauer z'l, a
survivor of Terezin and surrogate grandfather to our children; and the
jumping out of the casement of the upstairs bathroom window in my
father's house while we sat downstairs at home the day we buried him,
Julius Diamond z'l. So I was leaning toward dismissing this
occurrence until Shachreis service Tuesday. As I was leaving the shul
and the house of mourning, Rabbi G buttonholed me and said, "It's good
what you're doing. It's more important now, she would want it." The
hair on the back of my neck stood up. So maybe the little minyan we
started in the Irene on Thursday mornings just two weeks earlier was
already getting the nod from a wise soul. I hope the Geisinsky family
will forgive me if it is too presumptuous to say all this. I could not
forgive myself if I did not report these events. Her memory is no
doubt a blessing. All of our hearts are with you.
Micha-el Sholom ben Yussel v'Chanachiyah

(no subject)

2010-06-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

Almost twenty years ago I accompanied Zlata to the Women's Chabad Convention in Crown Heights. For me it was an adventure and weekend away with the "girls". I stayed across the street at Zlata's Aunt's home I believe and I remember going to the banquet with Shluchos from all over the world. It was a memory to behold. We of course went shopping and I kept taking the clothes I had bought out of the bag and admiring them. I remember her saying that her own mother did the same thing after she bought something she was proud of. We waited in line for hours to get a dollar from the Rebbe on Sunday. I wasn't sold on this whole "Chabad/Rebbe" idea but I went along with it because of Zlata. I remember climbing on chairs winding our way through 770 to get a second with the Rebbe and thinking this is completely crazy! The crowds were overwhelming so between getting pushed and pulled I was trying to find the holiness in the experience. That evening, the Rebbe came to speak to the women. His talk didn't start until after 11pm when he was ushered in and lasted for a number of hours. The talk ended at 2am and we drove home just in time to go to work the next day.

Let's just say, I now have 2 sons-in-laws who are Rabbis (one of whom is a shliach) and a son who just got smicha. A little adventure with Zlata and you never knew what changes were possible in your life!

I miss her terribly but I know that she is looking over everyone she loved encouraging them to have strength to overcome the void she has left and to shine as much light as we can on a world that needs it badly.

Irreplaceable

2010-06-15T19:15:00.001-07:00

I had the great privilege of knowing Zlata z”l in several of the many roles of her life, and she wore a great many “hats,” all of them with wisdom, grace and elegance. I was fortunate to see her several times a week for the past 10 years as one at a time my children advanced through preschool, each forging a special relationship with Morah Zlata and each relishing the parsha she taught them every week with love. Seeing her in the preschool hallway, behind the desk in her office and in the parking lot at carpool time was always positive – she always looked me straight in the eye no matter how busy she was, always offered a kind word, and always asked about something personal to me – one of her most endearing qualities was remembering each person’s special situations or challenges and asking about them with genuine concern, making every person feel special and loved. As my first child was graduating preschool, Zlata made herself available for honest advice and guidance in choosing an elementary school, which proved instrumental to the overall spiritual growth of our family. I thanked her then, and I still thank her today for her invaluable input and wise words.

“Zlata’s mikvah,” as I recently heard the Potomac mikvah referred to, is an apt description. Zlata cared about every woman fulfilling the mitzvah, no matter how late at night, and always carefully pointed out the stairs to not trip down or the water on the floor to not slip on. I would see her on general mikvah business there sometimes on nights when I was attending, and I was happy for the opportunity to chat with her in between immersions and always learn something new from her. I am still grateful for the lovely attendant appreciation dinner a few years ago when Zlata cooked for us in Karen’s kitchen and made sure to let us know that we as attendants were not taken for granted. A couple of years ago when our shul honored the three dedicated women who run the Potomac mikvah, Zlata, Karen and Nechama were hesitant to accept the honor, but did so only for the sake of the mikvah.

The last time I saw Zlata was at school, shortly after she returned from shiva for her father, z”l. As I myself lost my father at an earlier age, I remarked that she had been blessed to have had her father for so many years. Her response was, “It is never long enough.” How true for us, too, that we did not have her with us long enough, but it is my sincere hope that the Geisinsky family find comfort in the wonderful, giving and dedicated woman that she was, in the Bayit Neeman that she built, and in all of the Jewish souls that she touched for the better. We are grieving with you; Zlata will never be forgotten.

Rachelle Ferneau

Incredible Woman!

2010-06-15T18:48:00.001-07:00
Although I may not have spent so much time with Zlata, I was undoubtedly touched by her love and kindness. She taught me something every time I saw her, and always had kind words for me. When I heard of her passing, I was in shock. It was less than 2 weeks before that I had hugged her, seen her beautiful smile, and felt the warmth of her kind words.
   Many of the times I saw Zlata were brief and hurried, but my fond memories of her will stay with me forever. May her memory be a blessing always.

With Love,

Ashley (Misler) Strauss

Memories of Morah Zlata

2010-06-15T18:40:00.001-07:00

When Morah Zlata was my principal, we were all going into her office to make silhouettes for a project. She saw that I was nervous because I wasn’t usually in the principal’s office and I was uncomfortable, so she spoke with me warmly to make me feel less nervous. She also gave me a fruit roll up to make me feel better. Once when I came in to the school to drop off a sibling on one of my days off, she invited me into her office to play with Moishie who was in her office, seeing that I was bored because my mother was in a long discussion with one of the teachers. She was a really amazing person who went out of her way to help everybody. I am really going to miss her a lot.

Yoni Ferneau, 8^th grade

The Rashti family will miss her terribly!

2010-06-15T18:33:00.001-07:00

I got to know Zlata when my sons were in kindergarten and in the 3yr. nursery school. My son Nathan had a hard time and didn't want me to leave him there. This went on for two years. Zlata was always there with valuable help and advice. We got through preschool with her help. I will never forget her smile and beautiful attitude every single time I saw her. Didn't matter where we saw her, she acknowledged us and my sons. Even after 4 years she still recognized Nathan when we saw her at Max's. Nathan ended up in Morah Rochi's first grade class and she made me so proud of him every single time. Zlata was and will always be remembered by Nathan and Eli Rashti as the beautiful person that she was.

Rochi, you and your family are in our thoughts.

Zlata's memory, starting with a poem and then memory

2010-06-15T18:23:00.001-07:00

I walk through the valley of life,
I wonder where am I? What am I doing? Where am I going?

I walk through the valley of life,
I see colors,
I see green, gray, black, white, ...

I walk through the valley of life,
I see justice, virtue, fairness, impartiality, goodness, honor, decorum, ...
I see bias, partiality, prejudice, foul play, crime, ...

I walk through the valley of life,
I feel joy, happiness, trill, courage, bliss, ...
I feel agony, pain, disappointment, fear, ...

I walk through the valley of life,
I hear cry of sadness, laughter of joy and delight,
I hear whispers and unsaid.

I walk through the valley of life,
I smell power, corruption, pretension, emptiness, ...
I smell fresh breeze of kindness and forgiveness.

I walk through the valley of life,
I see hunger, thirst, waste, ...
I see beauty and beast.

I walk through the valley of life,
I taste sweet, bitterness, sour, ...
I see babies, old, young.

I traverse down and up, down and up, up or down? ...
I wonder is this valley of life or just a dream?

I met Zlata 31 years ago in NY when I came to US from Iran. I was among the first group of kids that were brought over to Chabad Lubavitch just on the verge of the Islamic revolution. I do not even know where to begin; Zlata and her sister were so kind and attentive to us. They knew we had left our parents and loved ones behind. She and her sister and her family were so open and inviting to us, trying to fill the big hole and gap that we were all feeling. I remember our short trip we had with Zlata and her sister Mira to Washington DC, a full bus of teen girls from Iran led by them. Ironically, we stayed in MJBHA's Jim overnight and went back to NY after visiting the Smithsonian's. It is funny how life and destiny plays out. I left NY to Boston in pursue of college, and then to DC 9 years later in pursue of establishing my family. I lost touch with Zlata. Then out of blue, about 15 years ago, I bumped to her in Montgomery Mall during Chanukah celebration that she and Rabbi Geisinsky were conducting. I was so happy to have come to be in her presence again. Later on, my two kids attended MJBHA and still my daughter attending. Zlata always have been so kind and giving to all of us. She helped me with both of my kids Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. How lucky and fortunate I have been that not only myself, but also my kids had to come to have known her. It was a legacy that was passed to my kids. I met Zlata when I was a teen and my kids had a chance to have known her early in their childhood and their teens. I am so indebted to her and her family.   Zlata we will miss you, I know that we will meet again.

Tamar Katz

Morah Zlata

2010-06-15T18:17:00.001-07:00

Morah Zlata, z'l, you will be missed!

my son Efrayim had morah Zlata,z'l for nursery in the Old Hebrew Academy and he learned so many beautiful things from her including many brachot.

personally I remember her big smile always and she also hired me to sub from time to time in the new Berman Hebrew Academy. Anytime, I would see her in the halls, she always greeted me with her smile and friendliness.

May all the great deeds and projects she has started continue in her merit.

May her family be blessed with all the wonderful memories of her.

The Ahduts

Camp Gan Israel- Rockville 1984-86

2010-06-15T18:02:00.001-07:00
I was one of the counselors the first year Benny and Zlata began the camp in Rockville. The Geisinsky's home was our home- day or night. We spent many a Shabbos at their table and sat around and talked until very late- even though we were all exhausted from the week. Benny and Zlata were dedicated to camp- and it was that dedication that motivated our group to return to Rockville for 3 years in a row. The last year I was there, the Geisinsky's gave me a brass door knocker as a gift- and that door knocker has always been on our front door as a reminder of those great summers. When I became a camp director- I tried to emulate the love and dedication that Benny and Zlata displayed to make the summer a great one for my counselors. I learned from them that happy counselors make good counselors. In later years, I brought school groups to Washington, and Zlata prepared BBQ's for our groups- greeting us with a big smile and making all my students feel at home. When my own children were in Maryland for the summer, I always told them to be sure to call Benny and Zlata and send regards. They spent Shabbos with the Geisinsky's and Zlata treated my kids like she treated us when we were there- like one of the family. Since I heard this terrible news on Sunday, I have been in shock and have spent much of the time remembering and cherishing those summers over 25 years ago. I feel blessed to have known Zlata and wish Benny strength in this very difficult time. Hamakom Yinachem eschem besoch shaar avalei Tzion vYerushalayim.
Dovid Smoller
S. Diego

May her memory be for a blessing...

2010-06-15T17:30:00.001-07:00

I will really miss Mrs. Geisinsky. There was something rare about her -- she had a calmness combined with a deep faith and a quiet love, concern and appreciation of others.

When my sister was ill years ago, she always made sure to ask about her and I remember how heartfelt her condolences were when my sister passed. For many, many months after my sister's passing, Mrs. Geisinsky always remembered to ask me how I and my family were doing when she saw me.

I'll also never forget something Mrs. Geisinsky did years ago when I was looking at the MJBHA preschool for my son. It was some kind of an open house morning and she was working with another staff person to give a tour to the prospective preschool parents.

I was very nervous because my disabled daughter was at home with a new sitter and I couldn't leave her for long. The other parents were understandably asking a lot of good questions and the tour was taking awhile. I was becoming more panicked by the minute. I remember Mrs. Geisinsky quietly breaking me off from the group and giving me a private tour for the rest of the time so she could get me out the door and back to my daughter more quickly. She specifically did it in a way that I wouldn't be embarrassed and treated me with great respect. I remember feeling not very confident when I went in for the tour (we were a family with little money or clout and I was relatively new to the community). But, Mrs. Geinsinsky and her kindness showed me how everyone can (and should) be treated like an important person.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Zlata's citation from President Obama

2010-06-15T14:26:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, MJBHA was recognized by President Obama for its Smart Sacks Project--It is because of Zlata that we were able to being the program that led to that honor. The project provides shelf stable foods before each weekend to children at an elementary school near the Hebrew Academy. Children in the program are at risk for being hungry over the weekend because they eat at least two of their meals at school each week day and often there is little food at home over the weekend. I read about the program in the Gazette several years ago and called the Manna Food Center, which coordinates the project, to ask how a school might get involved.

Getting food to the kids in need takes several steps--food pickup, food packing, food delivery and the MJBHA administration was supportive so long as we could find a division that could devote the time needed. Not surprisingly, the division directors were hesitant--Smart Sacks is a worthwhile but time consuming project and each division has other chesed projects they handle. I stood in the hallway near the library one afternoon, as yet without a student group to help, wondering how our Smart Sacks project would get off the ground, and along came Zlata asking me why I looked so troubled. I told her about the project and she said, instantly, "no problem. The four year olds will do it. "

And so the project started. Zlata set aside time, set aside space for our inventory in the nursery kitchen for the first few months, often unpacked the boxes of noodles, puddings, juice boxes, etc. herself and coordinated with the middle school to make sure the bags were packed every week. On the very first week, she led the nursery students herself around the table preset with food for packing, praising them for their participation in the mitzvah of helping others. By mistake, Manna had sent some foods not appropriate for the program, but I did not want it to go to waste. Before I could think of what to do with it, Zlata had already found recipients who were so grateful for the extra food.

Since then, the Smart Sacks project has grown and Zlata's leadership was joined by Mrs. Landman, the middle school guidance counselor and so many nursery, middle school and high school students and parents who make sure that close to 40 children, every week, don't go hungry over the weekend. All because Zlata, among the busiest people at school, one afternoon said "no problem."

In our home, even as my children grew to their current high school and graduate status, Zlata is always referred to as Morah Zlata--appropriate kavod for the woman who introduced Dina and Matthew to brachot, davening, mitzvah notes, parshat hashavua, and, of course, tzedaka. We love her and we will miss her.

Fran, Neil, Dina and Matthew Krit

Zlata

2010-06-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

I simply loved this woman. She had the rare combination of intelligence, common sense, human decency and a wonderful sense of humor. With all the "stuff" that was always going on in her life she never stopped giving of herself. She would never forget to ask me about Gail, my children and grandchildren. She always rememered to inquire weather I had found a new job. The irony is that I was offered a wonderful position two days before she passed away.

I would look forward to the time when Saturday sevices ended so I could go into the kitchen and help bring the trays of food down for the Kiddish. I would secretly call that my "Zlata" time. The kitchen was always full of people but when she saw me she would always wish me a good Shabbos and would take a few moments to chat. Even if it was only 10 seconds I looked forward to my "Zlata time". On the rare occassions that there was no one else in the kitchen I considered it a priviledge to talk to Zlata at length.

My daughter Tami baby sat for Adi and Sendy. Gail and I have been lucky to know the Geisinsky's since they arrived in Rockville. Over the years I got to know and appreciate how rare Zlata was as a human being. Although I always respected Chasidic teachings, when we know special people, male or female, there are times you just want to give them a hug out of appreciation for their friendship. If there was ever a woman who deserved a hug out of appreciation, it was Zlata Geisinsky.

At this time, I cannot seem to control my flow of tears. However, I do know that Zlata would want us all to move on with our lives and concentrate on the good that life brings. To be happy with each day and to appreciate all that Hashem has given us. I'm sure that time will come sooner or later for all of us. However, one thing is certain.

Zlata Geisinsky will live on in my heart and my mind for the rest of my life.

Neale Goodman

WEEDS ARE GOOD!

2010-06-15T14:03:00.001-07:00
Rabbi:
     I just wanted to tell you about a brief moment I had with Zlata. Maybe 10 years ago, I told her that weeds have a purpose, they help to maintain the moisture in the soil. She said.....I love you! Natan

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From the Lazarus Family

2010-06-15T12:32:00.001-07:00

In a moment like this My faith is challenged when I wonder How the world works, how G-d takes a precious one like Zlata Z"L away from us the lay people. what a wonderful woman, who welcomed myself and my daughter just few weeks ago when we came to see the preschool. with so much love in here eyes to what she did so well. we also shared pottery class together about 4 years ago, she was so wonderful to talk to, so easy to open up to.
I try to belive that it is those special ones that G-d takes next to him so early in their lives. the little that I knew Her was an honor, a Zchut, I wish I could convey in the right words How deeply sorry I am that she is no longer with us and especially with her loved ones.

מי יתן ולא תדעו יותר צער.
משפחת לזרוס

our story

2010-06-15T11:55:00.001-07:00
My daughter was in Zlata's 4 year old nursery school class - it was in
the old building and the preschool had only been in existence for a year
at that point. Two stories really stick our in our memories. The first
was a time when Becca came home and announced:"Morah Zlata's hair looked
weird today". I had no idea what that meant, so I asked her the next day
and Zlata smiled and said:"I was wearing a snood, my sheitel was being
done". The other story was the time when my mom was visiting and I had
to teach and couldn't be the Shabbat Ima, so my mom went instead as the
Shabbat Bubbie. My mother was a preschool teacher herself, and after she
was done with her visit we met to go home. She was absolutely blown away
by Zlata's teaching. "That woman is singing, talking to the kids,
hanging stuff up, cutting up other things - all at the same time". At no
time did she ever raise her voice to the children, she was patient, kind
and as in the case of the snood, always in good humor. We will miss her
terribly and it is a heartfelt loss for all of us.
Suzette Tanen

What Gifts Zlata Gave to the World

2010-06-15T10:31:00.001-07:00
I had only had the pleasure of knowing Zlata for about a year and a half but she had the most unbelievable affect on me.

The very first time I met her she made me feel as though we had known one another a lifetime. She was one of the warmest, loveliest people I have ever come across. At any Chabad event there after we sought one another out. She always made time to chat with me and I always learned something brilliant from her.

When our family had the pleasure of joining Zlata and her wonderful family for a Shabbat dinner the evening passed as though we had been together only 5 minutes. We were all disappointed to go home even though it was midnight. It was magical. My 21 year old and 19 year old didn't want to leave.

Zlata has created the same warmth within her children that she carried in herself, giving them the ability and awareness to make anyone feel comfortable always. What wonderful presents she has given to the world.

I will miss Zlata and the lost opportunities to be with her.

Cheri Friedman and Family

Memories of Rebbitzen Geisinsky

2010-06-15T09:50:00.001-07:00
In the years before the completion of the DC Mikvah, I would use the mikvah in Potomac. The same woman was always my attendant. She was always calm, friendly and very helpful. She was always reminding me to be careful on the steps into the mikvah and to go down slowly, so as not to slip. It was years until I discovered that this wonderful woman was Rebbitzen Geisinsky. To me, she was just the wonderful shomeret at the mikvah whom I saw every month.

The death of a leader

2010-06-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

The death of a leader
The leader's of out generation usually only merit and fulfill their goal in life in thei late life. Zlata, you have done it in almost half the time. You are ahead of most. Thats what makes you kafosh. Baruch dayan haemet

We are in shock, We are in pain!

2010-06-14T23:05:00.000-07:00
Bs"d
Please share your thoughts about Zlata...
Please write how she touched your life...
Please express how she touches your life forever....
Please share, what she means to you
Please share for the sake of all of us

There is so much to say
So much joy, laughter, and love
So much care, devotion, and guidance

Please share,

And Hashem please hear...

And end this golus
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
WWWWWWWWWWWW

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The tears continue to fall. . .

2010-06-14T20:52:00.001-07:00

I met Zlata when I was becoming a Ba'al Teshuvah, returning to my Jewish roots. I'd been to other Chabad Houses and various shuls, but when I met Zlata and the Geisinsky family I knew I was "home". Zlata (and the whole family- I so love you all) instantly made me feel that I was wanted, welcome, and part of the family. Her amazing sense of humor, brilliant wit, and radiating love. . .well all of you who know her know exactly what I mean. I moved into the Geisinsky home every Shabbos, every Yom Tov, and basically whenever I felt like it. Then Zlata shipped me off to seminary in Crown Heights where I was welcomed by her wonderful parents. Even though I loved Crown Heights, I never missed a chance to return to the Geisinsky's for every, single holiday- I couldn't wait! A few years later, I was able to dance with the Geisinsky's at my wedding in Crown Heights! Zlata was there for the birth of my first child, in NY! I recently gave birth to my third child, who never got to meet Zlata. A few years ago my family and I moved to Miami, I wish we'd been closer and been able to spend more time with her. I have a trip to Maryland planned in August, and I was really looking forward to spending time with Zlata and the family.
Oh Zlata, I love you so much, and I can't believe that you're gone. The shock and pain of losing you is excruciating. You were a guiding force in my life and your memory will live on in my family forever. We miss you! May Hashem send Moshiach so that we may be reunited immediately!

Ditza Young