When people in Greater Washington speak about Mrs. Zlata Geisinsky ob”m, you get the impression that her passing was recent.
Zlata’s name evokes memories of a noble mentor and friend who touched thousands of lives, people of all ages. Her demeanor was bright and cheerful and her wisdom was a combination of perception and priceless ideal guidance. But Zlata gave far more than advice and inspiration, she was a genuine friend who gave of herself without the slightest expectation that you needed to reciprocate her noble gesture in kind.
As a devoted Chabad Shlucha and master educator, she enhanced (even changed) the lives of literally thousands of adults and children over the years. She was the Pre-school Director of Greater Washington’s largest traditional school, The Berman Hebrew Academy Of GW. It is no wonder that adoration for her remains very personal and enduring throughout the entire community. As with a close relative, the memories never fade because they are part of the weave and fabric of your life, so it is with Zlata who touched people very deeply, her loss still today stirs heartfelt emotions every time her name comes up, even twelve years after her passing.
Each year at around the time of Zlata’s Yahrtzeit, Keren Yad Zlata, a Chessed organization founded in her memory, presents a super concert to pay tribute to her memory and to celebrate her life. It is the largest Jewish musical event in Greater Washington as it features the greatest singers of Chassidic-Israeli music year after year.
Last week hundreds of folks enjoyed the twelfth annual Yad Zlata Tribute event held in Zlata’s memory.
This year the evening featured Israeli Superstar Ari Hill who was a huge sensation as he moved the audience with his dulcet voice. Over the years a tradition has been established at these concerts that the incredible Singer/Song Writer Boruch Sholom Blesofsky, who is married to Mrs. Geisinsky’s youngest daughter, performs the second half of the concert and the finale.
Boruch Sholom had the audience on their feet, dancing and clapping, it was a night they will long remember. The spectacular vibe in the room was created no less by the orchestra of the incomparable Yossi Shtendig who dazzled the audience with his skill and talent, as always.
Divrei Torah and Bracha were delivered by Rabbi Sender and Moshe Geisinsky. Zlata’s husband, Rabbi Bentzion Geisinsky yblt”a, thanked everyone for attending and for their support and affection. Special gratitude is deserved by Dovid Shtendig, production manager of Shtendig Music LLC, his professional guidance and personal commitment was crucial to the success of the event. The curtain-close was lengthened with enthusiastic dancing (thank you bachurim counselors of C.G.I. Baltimore) and an emphatic final announcement that next year’s concert will take place in Yerushalayim iy”h with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu.
Still so sad! She was the best!