Maryland Keeps Shlucha’s Memory

This year marks eight years since Shlucha Zlata Geisinsky OBM passed away at the age of 49, in the prime of her life. Though her days were fewer, her life was full and complete. She remains relevant to hundreds of families whose lives she changed as a mentor and genuine friend.

As the pre-school director of Greater Washington’s largest traditional day school, she touched the lives of thousands on a personal level. Her manner was noble and wise yet so accessible. She was so endeared to people that there those who named their children after her, this reflects a regard beyond a dedication of institutions or edifices of brick and mortar.

Each year, around the time of her Yahrzeit, the Chabad of Bethesda – Chevy Chase, Maryland, which she co-directed with her husband Rabbi Bentzion Geisnsky, present a major concert as a tribute to her memory and a celebration of her life.

The event is spearheaded by the chessed fund named after her, Keren Yad Zlata. The Yad Zlata Concert has featured the biggest singers backed by superior musicians, today it is considered Greater Washington’s most anticipated annual Jewish concert.

This year’s concert was held at the Sylvia. S. Ely auditorium in Rockville, Maryland, and attended by over 600 people. The featured performers were music star Avraham Fried along with songwriter Boruch Sholom Blesofsky (son-in-law of Mrs. Geisinsky).

It was a memorable evening as the mood of the audience was moved from swaying to dancing. Yossi Shtendig on the keyboard performed with incomparable skill and his legendary gusto, the Kol Chayim Orchestra led by Chayim Fruchter, worked their magic, filling the hall with a vibe that deserved its own show.

Inspiring opening remarks were made by Mrs. Mushky Blesofsky, daughter of Mrs. Geisinsky and the closing remarks, resolutions and future goals were delivered by her son, Rabbi Sender Geisinsky.

Though the concert finished at a late hour the atmosphere was truly familial, people remained to reminisce about a dear friend and mentor who is immensely missed by her entire community even eight years after her passing.

A common sentiment expressed by many people was, ‘I think about her every day.’ Rabbi Bentzion Geisnsky (her husband) told the people, ‘we all know what we need to do to remedy the situation. So let’s get it done and move the world to the point it was created for, when Moshiach will dispel all elements of sorrow.