Our dear Zlata

   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"