By COLlive reporter
On Sunday, January 30, 2011, hundreds of eyes and ears in a New York area ballroom – and many more from around the world – will be focused on a mother of 8 and a grandmother of 2.
Her name is Mrs. Goldie Plotkin, the dynamic Rebbetzin of Chabad of Markham and director of Torah Tots Preschool in Ontario, Canada, who is familiar face on COLlive.com for her innovative activities.
Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch announced Friday that she was chosen to deliver the keynote speech at the gala Banquet of the International Kinus Hashluchos, the annual convention of Chabad Rebbetzins and their key community members.
“I’m humbled that they asked me to be the keynote,” Plotkin told COLlive.com in a phone conversation on Friday as she was preparing salads for Shabbos meals at home.
“Hopefully I’ll be zoiche to represent all my fellow Shluchos, give the Rebbe nachas and give everyone food for thought before they head back home on their Shlichus,” she said.
The daughter of Crown Heights clothier and activist Reb Yisroel Shemtov and Mindy, Mrs. Plotkin came to Greater Toronto some 25 years ago with her husband Rabbi Avrohom Plotkin.
Together, they run a thriving Chabad house, community and shul with one of the largest memberships in Canada. Over the years the model of their Torah Tots pre-school, Hebrew school and women’s programs have served as an inspiration to Shluchim.
“Our hatzlacha is that we do everything through the ‘Ish Ubeiso’ structure,” she says referring to the theme of the Kinus and a major aspect in Shlichus life, where work is done as a family unit.
“My focal point is the family, and whatever we do is around that,” Plotkin says. “Each one contributes to the Shlichus, and when we do programs, for example, I’ll try to keep as many as I could in my home.”
Asked where her speech was holding, she says it was actually almost ready.
“It’s being formulated,” she said. “Our daughter is getting married right before the Kinus so things will be hectic then.”
What did she do to prepare the speech?
“My husband and I farbrenged for many hours and looked into many Sichos to learn what the Rebbe said about ‘Ish Ubeiso’.
“I will be incorporating stories from my Shlichus – experiences we had as a couple and parents. And will be pointing out the inspiration I got from our wonderful community.”
HER NAME IS GOLDIE PLOTKIN-I LOVE YOU AND YPU DID AN AWESOME AWESOME JOB!
I am told that there will be a SECOND keynote speaker this year. The second speaker (and first in order of speaches) will be a surprize, announced at the Kinus!! It is so exciting!!!!!
He must be having nachas in Gan Eden!
they forgot to mention that she is the grand doughter of the legendery ish ubeiso is hachesed Rabbi Moshe Eliyahu Gerlitzky the founder of yeshivas Tomchei Temimim LUBAVITCH MTL also known as the Rabinacle colege of Canada together with another 8 shluchim of the friediker Rebbe
Mendy’s mother?
Awesome!!! I was in Detroit with him in ayin aleph
goldie in high school yet…what a “Bren”. whatever they say about redheads – that’s goldie only ith positive energy. can’t wait to be there. she’s fun, funny, inspiring and practical:)
looking forward.
Canada is so cold they have time to prepare speeches…..
Goldie, we are all very proud of you- this speech should bring you loads of mazel and brocho-gesunterheit and freilicherheit – like The warm brochos that Zeide used to bentch us!
thank you moshele its so kind
so proud of you! may you go from strength to strength! luv!
We are very proud of our neice and nephew, who inspire there wonderfull community. May you continue with your Holy work,and be blessed with nachas and all your hearts desire! Your Uncle and Aunt ,formerly of Ottawa
Aza Shviger…
chezkys shvigger?
note: they r not born Canadians, they r imports!
I REMMBER HER FROM MY SEM DAYS IN TORONTO AND THE SPEECH SHE GAVE ONE MOITZEH SHABBOS AT THE 12TH GRADE SHABATON A REAL INSPIRATION
Whats with Canada and keynote speakers this year?
U are our Inspiration! Much Hatzlacha!! Your Family in Mtl.!
as well as all you Shluchim out there really doing what’s right and what the Rebbe wants of spreading yiddushkiet to all end ofs the earth! Kol hakavod to all of you nad may you breed much success!!