Musical Tribute to Shlucha

Rosh Chodesh Tamuz (1 Tamuz) marks the 3rd yahrtzeit of Shlucha Zlata Geisinsky obm.

Her community in Maryland still speaks with pain of her untimely passing as if it were a recent loss, when she passed away just after her 49th birthday.

Her dynamic personality was a synthesis of wisdom and genuine concern, as such she was uniquely admired in every segment of the very large and multifaceted community that reside in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

In addition to the familiar roles held by every effective Shlucha, Zlata held the position of Preschool Director of the Hebrew Academy of Greater Washington the area’s largest traditional day school. Her exceptional skill made her a legend in her time. Over the years she directly impacted the lives of literally thousands of families and she created an incredible Kiddush Lubavitch which many of the local Shluchim are still the beneficiaries of.

Many of the parents of children in her school sought her wise counsel on a variety of personal issues that went far beyond the educational concerns of their children. Indeed, she was immensely respected and admired by thousands in her community where she devoted herself entirely to Jewish education and to strengthening Yiddishkeit.

This past Thursday, in approach of her 3rd Yahrtzeit, her family and her Chabad Center held an event to uphold her memory and to celebrate her life. The event was presented by Yad Zlata, a fund that was founded in her name.

All of Mrs. Geisinsky’s children spoke, recalling heartfelt memories and asking people to continue her life’s purpose, asking everyone to grow even stronger in their observances of the Mitzvos she encouraged them to take on.

Distinguished members of the community also spoke and praised Mrs. Geisinsky, recalling her profound wisdom and her true concern for others, of her devotion which knew no bounds.

The evening program was opened by her husband, Rabbi Bentzion Geisinsky, and a dvar Torah was delivered by Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan, Head Shliach to the state of Maryland.

To celebrate her life and to inspire an uplifted spirit, the entire second half of the evening was filled with music. The magnificent voice of Cantor Yaakov Lemmer (who has just been appointed as the new Cantor of The Lincoln Square Synagogue) sang a colorful repertoire of Jewish classics and cantorial masterpieces.

“Lemmer’s performance was heavenly,” said one attendee. “Everyone is still talking about it.”

A surprise tribute performance was sung by singer–composer Boruch Sholom Blesofsky who sang an original song he composed but has not yet released. Boruch Sholom, who is married to Mrs. Geisinsky’s youngest daughter, never met his mother-in-in-law as they were married two years after her passing.

The final song by Chazan Lemmer was ‘Zol Shein Kumen Der Geulah’, it was most appropriate for it voiced the feelings, the prayers and longing of everyone in attendance. May we all soon witness the day we are reunited with our departed loved ones with the coming of the Geulah, NOW!

Video: Cantor Yanky Lemmer