Posted by Judy Menkes Hirshman:
How does one review so many years of “hand-in-hand”, heart-to-heart friendship? How does one speak of the immeasurable loss we are all suffering at this time? How does one come to terms with Peggy Gopin Weiss a”h being here one day and gone the next? I keep thinking that someone is “playing with my mind”. This is impossible! It must be a dream . . . a very bad dream. We knew each other for about 63 years but were dear, close friends for almost 45 years. As children, we went to the same elementary school, North Shore Hebrew Academy in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and later transferred to Maimonides School. We had the same teachers; learned and remembered the same material; knew the same “kids”; traveled the same roads; went to the same events; learned and shared the same standards; had many of the same interests; knew each others’ parents, siblings, children, friends, community, co-workers, and life stories; and believed in and cared about the same people and things. Until this week’s tragic loss, because we did not live near each other, we were constant phone friends who always helped each other in every single life situation that we came across. The respect, love, and admiration we had for each other had no limits, and, fortunately, neither did our phones. We were Rebbetzin and congregant/friend in Brockton for many years. We were creative committee members together in Brockton and in Brookline, running fund-raising dinners for Maimonides School and for NCSY. Peggy was the driving force and initiator. I followed her lead and found ways to translate her energetic ideas into realities. In 1978, it was Peggy who came up with the idea for us to start a party/invitation business together with her mother Bella a”h, and it was Peggy who came up with the name “Unique Simchas, ‘m.b.d.” which is still active to this day. Peggy and I both taught afternoon Hebrew school in different locations, sharing our thoughts, ambitions and attitudes. Peggy was my life coach, so wise, and always loyal, always sensible, always caring. For many years, we’d start our day together at 6:30 a.m. with “Hi, my Peg” and “Hi, my Jood”. . . on the phone. I knew her schedule and she knew mine. We always had time for each other and, inevitably, we learned from each other. Happy, sad, worried, stressed, excited, concerned - - - it didn’t matter. We shared. We had thousands of conversations, compared ideas and feelings, and ended with “Bye, Peggaleh” and “Bye, Judelah” having gained from each other, feeling better than when we had started. To me, Peggy was a very dear sister, a highly motivating teacher, and in its truest meaning, something Rabbi Weiss had taught us long ago, a “friend”. My friend is irreplaceable. The experiences and times we shared are innumerable. And, still, each time the phone rings, I think it’s Peggy calling, and I start to run to grab the phone . . . maybe she’ll tell me everything is alright. Hashem knows what He is doing. We couldn’t ask for a better representative on our behalf than Rebbetzin Weiss. Now that she is no longer doing her work for us by our sides, she will be our Meilitz Yosher, perhaps leaving us behind but never leaving us alone. May her memory always serve as a blessing for all of us and may we always strive to live up to her standards and her middos. To my friend Rabbi Weiss, to Ariela & Mendel & Family, to Adina & Bruce & Family, to Menachem & Elke & Family, to Bracha & Pinny & Family, to Mendy, Norman, Yuddi, Avi, and Rena and their families, and to the world-wide Peggy Weiss Admiration Association: HaMakom Yenachem Eschem B’Toch Sh’aar Availay Tzion V’Yerushalayim.
---------
Post by Rashie Reichert:
It was such a shock to hear of Peggy’s passing. Years ago, when my husband was a rabbi in Portland, ME, we were NCSY buddies with the Weiss’. I was a young rebbetzin then. She was a real role model. She was such a lovely person, so dedicated and loving – to her family, community and NCSY.
She will be missed.
HaMakom Yenachem Etchem B’toch Sha’ar Aveili Tzion V’Yerushalayim.
--------
Post by Tamy Simon Chelst:
So many years have passed since I saw Peggy last. I am pretty sure that I was visiting in Brookline when Peggy and Saul had moved into the Gopin’s house on Clark Rd to help take care of her father, a’h.
But the Peggy I remember was in high school at Maimonides in Roxbury on Crawford St in the early 1960’s, over 50 years ago. I remember davening in the ezras nashim side of the shul and sitting next to Peggy and Margie Einstein. To me, as a seventh grader, these upper grade girls were the pinnacle of knowledge of social skills and educational know-how. They would share their secrets of “how to negotiate” the high school environment with this naïve observer, the daughter of their beloved teacher and rebbe, Rabbi Isacc Simon, zt’l. And I would drink in every word. Did they teach me “tephilla”? Probably not. Did Peggy share her thoughts and feelings? Definitely yes. Did I want to grow up to emulate her? Of course.
I am thankful to Maimonides Alumni for e-mailing the alumni a short synopsis of Peggy’s many life accomplishments. Both she and Mendy met their lives’ aspirations in influencing and inspiring American youth in the NCSY movement. I knew back in Crawford St that Peggy would excel in such endeavors…
My family and the Gopin’s shared numerous life events and daily routines in Brookline. I remember visiting Peggy’s mother, a’h, on many a shabbos afternoon with my mother. I even remember visiting in Sharon at the summer estate where the whole Gopin clan frolicked and shared family closeness under the auspices of their patriarch, Grandpa Gopin a’h, quite a striking figure in his day. Of course, therein lay the start of an entire Orthodox community in Sharon.
Peggy and her family were builders. They laid the cornerstone of Orthodox Jewry in Boston together with those Giants we so fondly remember, the Rav, my dad, Rabbi Simon, Rabbi Wohlgemuth and Rabbi Cohn.
I had a strange thought when I heard of Peggy’s passing. Imagine heaven. There sits Rabbi Simon in his lofty classroom, teaching his students who have joined him, repeating the memorable, fond and loving scenes of their youth…
Hamakom yenachem eschem betoch she’ar avlei tsion v’yerushalyim.
With fondness, caring, and sadness at his untimely loss,
Tamy Simon Chelst
--------
Post by: Vivian and David Luchins
We were stunned and saddened to learn of your mother's passing. We both knew her from NCSY - even before we knew each other.
Your mother was a force of nature - a stereotype-smashing role model for so many young women- including our daughter, Miriam Esther, who she mentored in so many ways.
Peggy - or "Reb" as the teens affectionately called her - was passionate about people, steeped in Torah values and blessed with a charismatic sense of personal integrity. She changed so many lives - in such an effective fashion.
We were proud to call her our friend for over half a century and pained that this extraordinary woman has been taken from us far too soon and far too suddenly.
-----------
Posted by Jeanne Feldman Wolfish:
I knew Peggy in Brookline and was shocked by the news if her petirah. She was always kind and thoughtful. My brother was very good friends growing up with her brother Nasi. May her memory be for a blessing.
---------
Posted by Eleanore (Ellie) Stern (Maimonides 58) Weiner :
Hamakom yenachem eschem besoch shaarai Zion. I knew her as Peggy many many years ago in Maimonides. I don't think I saw her until the Maimonides reunion in Yerushalayim a couple of years ago. Apparently she remembered me from then. She got up from the registration desk and gave me a heartfelt hug. It was as if I was a long lost friend .Reading the posts and speaking over Yom Tov to people who knew her now I can understand the hug. May she be a mailitz yosher to her family and friends.
--------------
Posted by Sharonah Koolyk Rabinowitz:
My first memories of Peggy are from the summer my parents rented a cottage on the Gopin compound in Sharon, 57 years ago. I was the only non-Gopin little girl on the place, and Peggy for me was the big girl who introduced me to all her cousins and made me part of the gang. A few years later she came to Maimonides, and I was very excited to already know the sparkling teenager who quickly became a popular leader. Her heartfelt care for everyone she dealt with shone through even then. And she was so much fun to be around! I saw her at intervals through the years, and I remember how devoted she was to her mother and how she saw it as a zchut to be able to care for her. More than half a century later, at the Maimonides event in Yerushalayim last year, after not having seen each other for years, she greeted me with the enthusiasm that made you feel you were just the one she had been waiting to see. I am overwhelmed at reading the tributes here and know they are all richly deserved. Yehi zichra baruch.
---------------
Posted by Barbara Morris :
Peggy, our Brockton, MA Rebbitzin, was a woman filled with class, from head to toe. She carried herself with so much beauty and charm. Our NER NCSY Chapter was begun and thrived under her leadership. She came to Brockton as a young newlywed, starting her family with Ariella, shortly after her arrival with her husband Rabbi Weiss. I remember how proud I felt to have Peggy's brother Yudi in my class at Maimonides, because I felt a special connection to our stunning new Rebbitzin. I wish each and every member of the Gopin and Weiss families much nechama.
-------------
Posted by Carl Sherer:
I grew up in Boston (Newton) in the era when Peggy was raising children and 'only' the Rebbetzin in Brockton. Mendy was the director of NCSY in my days. But I remember an amazing regional convention in Brockton (1972 or 1973 I think) when Peggy was out in full force. And I remember the kids there who were my age who were... a challenge... and how much of an influence she and R. Weiss were on them. I remember one in particular who used to refer to my father z"l as 'Attorney Sherer' and (my father told me) continued to do so even after he became an attorney himself... who took on hours and hours of learning time one Simchas Torah. Peggy really flattered me a year or two ago by friending me on Facebook when she saw my name in Ephy's feed. I didn't think she'd remember me. I wasn't one of her NCSY'ers or one of her board members. But she knew and remembered all of us. I was shocked when I got emails from NCSY, and then a longer email from Maimo about her passing. I still think of her as being a young woman. To all the family, המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים ולא תוסיפו לדאבה עוד.
----------------
Posted by Elka Tovah (Menkes) Davidoff :
It's so hard to know what to say... I was stunned and shattered when I heard the news. I can't even begin to imagine how much harder this must be for all of you. Mrs. Weiss had been an integral part of my life since before I was born (literally), and even though we hadn't seen each other in a while, we were still in touch online and I always cherished her e-mails and comments. She was a wonderful, amazing, truly special person. To say she will be greatly missed seems like a vast understatement but unfortunately there are limits to language. I hope you can take some comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared and in knowing how many people are mourning with you. Hamakom yenachem etchem b'toch sha'ar avlai tzion v'yerushalayim.
----------
Posted by Marilyn Zeidel:
Our family loved Peggy and we're big fans of Saul too. When the Weisses moved to our block, I ran up the street to meet and greet my fellow Bostonians. Since that time we became good friends, sharing some Shabbos meals together and having many good heart-to-heart chats. We always looked forward to seeing Peggy and Saul together, whether it be walking to shul holding hands or sitting together so adorably in their sukkah. And I loved Peggy because she always knew the right thing to say. When my husband was diagnosed with ALS over two years ago, Peggy became the "President" of the Marilyn and Itch "fan club." Saul became a regular learning partner for Itch. And those Tuesdays when Peggy would join him at our house to hear the words of Torah were so special! The words of chizuk she gave us will always be remembered. And how those uplifting words will be missed at this time in our lives when we need them so badly! Peggy, your smile is etched on our brain and heart. You were a supportive friend and wonderful neighbor. We love you, Marilyn and Itch
---------------
Post by Batya Harris:
It was only two years ago that my friend Leah and I joined your sister z"l and her husband, Rabbi Weiss, for a lovely Rosh Hashana meal. It was just the four of us, and I remember Peggy telling us how she became the first female NCSY regional director, with Rav Soleveitchik z'l's approval, since he said it's avdut, not serarah :-). She was so full of life, youth and joy, and she was bH a beautiful woman - what a delight to be around!
I had always wanted to invite myself back, but they were bH often in E"Y, and I soon moved to a different part of Teaneck.
When I saw the shocking news today, I wanted to write and tell you what an impression she made on me and how much my friend and I really appreciated their hospitality and company that Rosh Hashana night.
I know her memory will be blessed beH, as she seemed to touch so many people so easily.
May you be comforted very soon among aveilei Zion viY'rushalayim and may you know no more sorrow. Yehi zichra baruch,
-----------
Posted by Aviva Leffel:
Peggy sat behind me in shul. I found her to be warm and friendly. It was always a pleasure to be greeted by her genuine smile. She was a classy lady. May the family be comforted by memories of good times. She surely made her mark in this world in the most positive way. We will miss her.
-------------
Posted by Susan Presby:
Unlike the beautiful testimonies I have been reading about Peggy, I am a ‘new’ friend. I had the good fortune of sitting in shul and having Peggy sit next to me when she first arrived in Teaneck. From the beginning, I knew that my seatmate was someone special. Over the years we discussed many things, mostly related to Yiddishkeit and Torah, but also about her experiences in Boston and Brockton. Recently, she had not been in shul too often due to her illnesses so I was ecstatic to see her on Rosh Hashanah. She looked great! We sat together at the Shabbos Teshuva drasha and Peggy told me how happy she was that she would be celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary. I still feel her loss every time I come to shul since she would always be there before me. Peggy taught me many things but what I remember every month is how to daven a Rosh Chodesh bentching. Her heartfelt tears have shown me to be very mindful of every sentence. I will carry this with me forever.
---------
Post by Gary Fishman:
My heart goes out to her family. I had not been in touch with her for many years but she and the Rabbi had a huge impact on my life as a young man. I grew up in Brockton, She was my first Hebrew school teacher and I was lucky to spend many a shabbat afternoon with the Weiss family. Without her encouragement way back as a child I wouldn't be raising my family in Israel today.
---------
Posted by Lisa Shear Schabes:
My name is Lisa Schabes. Mrs. Weiss knew me as Lisa Shear or Leah. I was in her Hebrew school class in Brockton almost 43 years. ago. When I look back on my years spent in Brockton I remember them being filled with many wonderful memories. Mrs. Weiss was an important part of my life as well as my brother's and parents'. She and the Rabbi were mekarev our entire family with much love and understanding. First, we sold our home to move closer to the shul to facilitate keeping Shabbos. Next, she was with my mother kashering our home.Then, she was instrumental in sending us to day school. Over the years our family continued to grow and grow. We spoke from time to time. Never as much as we should have, but she was always in our hearts and minds. I did speak to her when my oldest son became engaged to a wonderful girl who happened to be the great grandaughter of Rabbi Bruerer. I was filled with gratitude and had to share that news with her. Today I am a grandmother and my parents are great grandparents. We have 4 generation of bnai and bnos torah that are all shomrei torah and mitzvos. This is all in her zechus. My family has tremendous hakaras hatov for all that Mrs. Weiss and the Rabbi have done for us as a family.
---------------
Posted by Jeff Kuperman:
When I was in second grade in Brockton, my family decided to join a shul so I could start Hebrew school in third. As my father, z"l used to recount, Agudas Achim was the only place where anyone said hello to us. So my unaffiliated family joined the local Orthodox shul. Peggy Weiss was my first teacher; she taught me to read Hebrew, and to daven, and to sing Carlebach songs. I ended up in Maimonides after my bar mitzvah, and my family moved to Brighton. Since I have spent the last 26 years in chinukh, I can truly say, in the words of Rabbi Akiva, שלי ושלכם שלה הוא.
--------------
Posted by Rochel (Dinerman) Smoller:
I had the fortune of reconnecting with my old pal, Adina, this past summer , after about 30 years. We talked about old childhood memories and it dawned on me how many things I do in my home with my children and grandchildren that Mrs. Weiss did with her family. One silly example is how my fridge is covered in magnets, the way Mrs. Weiss"s was. After shabbos when my kids were little we would sing and dance to the song "shabbos is going away". I loved the way Mrs. Weiss would sit by the piano in the living room motzei shabbos singing that very song with her family. Every year close to Pesach, when my kids complain about the restrictions and hard work to prepare for the Chag I tell them the story of Peggy Weiss. Peggy was a young mother and Rebbitzen who dreaded Pesach every year. She realized after a while that her negative attitude towards all of the Pesach preparations was having a negative impact on her kids. She decided then and there to change her attitude. She started telling her children how Pesach was her favorite holiday... I remember Mrs. Weiss telling me how the following year she was really looking forward to Pesach because her positive words, that were not really heart felt, had changed her attitude tremendously. That was a very powerful lesson for a 12 year old (me) to hear and it has stayed with me all these years. I can't say that Pesach is my favorite holiday but facing challenging times with a smile on your face was her message. I remember discussing with Adina at age 14 what we wanted to do when we would grow up. She told me that her parents expected her and her siblings to choose a profession that would help mankind and specifically help Klal Yisroel. That is how the Weiss's lived their lives in Brockton Mass 40 years ago. They lived for the Jewish community and were a wonderful example of what a frum family should look like. Being close to the Weiss family so many years ago taught me what it meant to live a life doing Kiruv and much of my family's success in kiruv for the past 30 years, was planted on Ash Street, next to the park. May Rabbi Weiss, Ariella, Adina, Menachem and Bracha all having nechama knowing that their mother was such a powerful woman who had a tremendous impact on thousands.
------------
Posted by Debbie (Charter) Cadaner:
As I think back....My fondest and earliest memories of your mother are from Shavuos. My family had just become frum and we were invited to stay all night at your house. I have vivid memories of that Shavuos and thank your parents for being an instrumental influence on my parents to enable them to become frum and give me the Torah life that I am privileged to lead today. I take nothing for granted and those start up years in Brockton , as well as my first years in Agudas Achim, Mrs. Maltsman have led me to where I am today. Shabbosim by Judy Menkes and her friendship with your mother, AH. We never ever know how our influence over some one else can change their lives forever. On behalf of myself, my family and my parents, I ask that Hashem Comfort you and yours at this time.. Wishing you and Ariela only Simchas and good things, Sincerely, Debby Cadaner
------------
Post by Marci Zimmerman:
I met Rebbetzin Weiss in 1980ish when her daughter Bracha joined our class at NEHA. When I first read the news of her passing I was distraught. There are no words for me to express how I feel right now. I spent numerous Shabbosim at the Weiss' home in Brockton. They took me in as their fourth daughter. I also spent lots of time with the family in Brookline at the Gopins. Nothing is lost while memories still linger in our hearts! May you have no more sorrows, thinking of all of you!
--------------
Posted by Gitty (Hanoka) Bronstein:
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. I have fond memories of her "offering me food and making sure I wasn't hungry" whenever I slept over your house in Brockton. (Remember those late nights cramming for Math tests!!) I can still sing verbatim all the NCSY songs which we adapted to "NEHA". May your mother be a "Meilitz Yosher" for your entire family and may you only know of Simchas!!!! Fondly, Gitty Bronstein (Hanoka)
---------------
Posted by Miriam (Hanoka) Friedman:
I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. May Hashem give you strength in this difficult time.
-------------
Posted by Bracha (Zuber) Ross:
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. hamakom yinachem eschem b'soch shaar avelei yerushalayim.
-----------
How does one review so many years of “hand-in-hand”, heart-to-heart friendship? How does one speak of the immeasurable loss we are all suffering at this time? How does one come to terms with Peggy Gopin Weiss a”h being here one day and gone the next? I keep thinking that someone is “playing with my mind”. This is impossible! It must be a dream . . . a very bad dream. We knew each other for about 63 years but were dear, close friends for almost 45 years. As children, we went to the same elementary school, North Shore Hebrew Academy in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and later transferred to Maimonides School. We had the same teachers; learned and remembered the same material; knew the same “kids”; traveled the same roads; went to the same events; learned and shared the same standards; had many of the same interests; knew each others’ parents, siblings, children, friends, community, co-workers, and life stories; and believed in and cared about the same people and things. Until this week’s tragic loss, because we did not live near each other, we were constant phone friends who always helped each other in every single life situation that we came across. The respect, love, and admiration we had for each other had no limits, and, fortunately, neither did our phones. We were Rebbetzin and congregant/friend in Brockton for many years. We were creative committee members together in Brockton and in Brookline, running fund-raising dinners for Maimonides School and for NCSY. Peggy was the driving force and initiator. I followed her lead and found ways to translate her energetic ideas into realities. In 1978, it was Peggy who came up with the idea for us to start a party/invitation business together with her mother Bella a”h, and it was Peggy who came up with the name “Unique Simchas, ‘m.b.d.” which is still active to this day. Peggy and I both taught afternoon Hebrew school in different locations, sharing our thoughts, ambitions and attitudes. Peggy was my life coach, so wise, and always loyal, always sensible, always caring. For many years, we’d start our day together at 6:30 a.m. with “Hi, my Peg” and “Hi, my Jood”. . . on the phone. I knew her schedule and she knew mine. We always had time for each other and, inevitably, we learned from each other. Happy, sad, worried, stressed, excited, concerned - - - it didn’t matter. We shared. We had thousands of conversations, compared ideas and feelings, and ended with “Bye, Peggaleh” and “Bye, Judelah” having gained from each other, feeling better than when we had started. To me, Peggy was a very dear sister, a highly motivating teacher, and in its truest meaning, something Rabbi Weiss had taught us long ago, a “friend”. My friend is irreplaceable. The experiences and times we shared are innumerable. And, still, each time the phone rings, I think it’s Peggy calling, and I start to run to grab the phone . . . maybe she’ll tell me everything is alright. Hashem knows what He is doing. We couldn’t ask for a better representative on our behalf than Rebbetzin Weiss. Now that she is no longer doing her work for us by our sides, she will be our Meilitz Yosher, perhaps leaving us behind but never leaving us alone. May her memory always serve as a blessing for all of us and may we always strive to live up to her standards and her middos. To my friend Rabbi Weiss, to Ariela & Mendel & Family, to Adina & Bruce & Family, to Menachem & Elke & Family, to Bracha & Pinny & Family, to Mendy, Norman, Yuddi, Avi, and Rena and their families, and to the world-wide Peggy Weiss Admiration Association: HaMakom Yenachem Eschem B’Toch Sh’aar Availay Tzion V’Yerushalayim.
---------
Post by Rashie Reichert:
It was such a shock to hear of Peggy’s passing. Years ago, when my husband was a rabbi in Portland, ME, we were NCSY buddies with the Weiss’. I was a young rebbetzin then. She was a real role model. She was such a lovely person, so dedicated and loving – to her family, community and NCSY.
She will be missed.
HaMakom Yenachem Etchem B’toch Sha’ar Aveili Tzion V’Yerushalayim.
--------
Post by Tamy Simon Chelst:
So many years have passed since I saw Peggy last. I am pretty sure that I was visiting in Brookline when Peggy and Saul had moved into the Gopin’s house on Clark Rd to help take care of her father, a’h.
But the Peggy I remember was in high school at Maimonides in Roxbury on Crawford St in the early 1960’s, over 50 years ago. I remember davening in the ezras nashim side of the shul and sitting next to Peggy and Margie Einstein. To me, as a seventh grader, these upper grade girls were the pinnacle of knowledge of social skills and educational know-how. They would share their secrets of “how to negotiate” the high school environment with this naïve observer, the daughter of their beloved teacher and rebbe, Rabbi Isacc Simon, zt’l. And I would drink in every word. Did they teach me “tephilla”? Probably not. Did Peggy share her thoughts and feelings? Definitely yes. Did I want to grow up to emulate her? Of course.
I am thankful to Maimonides Alumni for e-mailing the alumni a short synopsis of Peggy’s many life accomplishments. Both she and Mendy met their lives’ aspirations in influencing and inspiring American youth in the NCSY movement. I knew back in Crawford St that Peggy would excel in such endeavors…
My family and the Gopin’s shared numerous life events and daily routines in Brookline. I remember visiting Peggy’s mother, a’h, on many a shabbos afternoon with my mother. I even remember visiting in Sharon at the summer estate where the whole Gopin clan frolicked and shared family closeness under the auspices of their patriarch, Grandpa Gopin a’h, quite a striking figure in his day. Of course, therein lay the start of an entire Orthodox community in Sharon.
Peggy and her family were builders. They laid the cornerstone of Orthodox Jewry in Boston together with those Giants we so fondly remember, the Rav, my dad, Rabbi Simon, Rabbi Wohlgemuth and Rabbi Cohn.
I had a strange thought when I heard of Peggy’s passing. Imagine heaven. There sits Rabbi Simon in his lofty classroom, teaching his students who have joined him, repeating the memorable, fond and loving scenes of their youth…
Hamakom yenachem eschem betoch she’ar avlei tsion v’yerushalyim.
With fondness, caring, and sadness at his untimely loss,
Tamy Simon Chelst
--------
Post by: Vivian and David Luchins
We were stunned and saddened to learn of your mother's passing. We both knew her from NCSY - even before we knew each other.
Your mother was a force of nature - a stereotype-smashing role model for so many young women- including our daughter, Miriam Esther, who she mentored in so many ways.
Peggy - or "Reb" as the teens affectionately called her - was passionate about people, steeped in Torah values and blessed with a charismatic sense of personal integrity. She changed so many lives - in such an effective fashion.
We were proud to call her our friend for over half a century and pained that this extraordinary woman has been taken from us far too soon and far too suddenly.
-----------
Posted by Jeanne Feldman Wolfish:
I knew Peggy in Brookline and was shocked by the news if her petirah. She was always kind and thoughtful. My brother was very good friends growing up with her brother Nasi. May her memory be for a blessing.
---------
Posted by Eleanore (Ellie) Stern (Maimonides 58) Weiner :
Hamakom yenachem eschem besoch shaarai Zion. I knew her as Peggy many many years ago in Maimonides. I don't think I saw her until the Maimonides reunion in Yerushalayim a couple of years ago. Apparently she remembered me from then. She got up from the registration desk and gave me a heartfelt hug. It was as if I was a long lost friend .Reading the posts and speaking over Yom Tov to people who knew her now I can understand the hug. May she be a mailitz yosher to her family and friends.
--------------
Posted by Sharonah Koolyk Rabinowitz:
My first memories of Peggy are from the summer my parents rented a cottage on the Gopin compound in Sharon, 57 years ago. I was the only non-Gopin little girl on the place, and Peggy for me was the big girl who introduced me to all her cousins and made me part of the gang. A few years later she came to Maimonides, and I was very excited to already know the sparkling teenager who quickly became a popular leader. Her heartfelt care for everyone she dealt with shone through even then. And she was so much fun to be around! I saw her at intervals through the years, and I remember how devoted she was to her mother and how she saw it as a zchut to be able to care for her. More than half a century later, at the Maimonides event in Yerushalayim last year, after not having seen each other for years, she greeted me with the enthusiasm that made you feel you were just the one she had been waiting to see. I am overwhelmed at reading the tributes here and know they are all richly deserved. Yehi zichra baruch.
---------------
Posted by Barbara Morris :
Peggy, our Brockton, MA Rebbitzin, was a woman filled with class, from head to toe. She carried herself with so much beauty and charm. Our NER NCSY Chapter was begun and thrived under her leadership. She came to Brockton as a young newlywed, starting her family with Ariella, shortly after her arrival with her husband Rabbi Weiss. I remember how proud I felt to have Peggy's brother Yudi in my class at Maimonides, because I felt a special connection to our stunning new Rebbitzin. I wish each and every member of the Gopin and Weiss families much nechama.
-------------
Posted by Carl Sherer:
I grew up in Boston (Newton) in the era when Peggy was raising children and 'only' the Rebbetzin in Brockton. Mendy was the director of NCSY in my days. But I remember an amazing regional convention in Brockton (1972 or 1973 I think) when Peggy was out in full force. And I remember the kids there who were my age who were... a challenge... and how much of an influence she and R. Weiss were on them. I remember one in particular who used to refer to my father z"l as 'Attorney Sherer' and (my father told me) continued to do so even after he became an attorney himself... who took on hours and hours of learning time one Simchas Torah. Peggy really flattered me a year or two ago by friending me on Facebook when she saw my name in Ephy's feed. I didn't think she'd remember me. I wasn't one of her NCSY'ers or one of her board members. But she knew and remembered all of us. I was shocked when I got emails from NCSY, and then a longer email from Maimo about her passing. I still think of her as being a young woman. To all the family, המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים ולא תוסיפו לדאבה עוד.
----------------
Posted by Elka Tovah (Menkes) Davidoff :
It's so hard to know what to say... I was stunned and shattered when I heard the news. I can't even begin to imagine how much harder this must be for all of you. Mrs. Weiss had been an integral part of my life since before I was born (literally), and even though we hadn't seen each other in a while, we were still in touch online and I always cherished her e-mails and comments. She was a wonderful, amazing, truly special person. To say she will be greatly missed seems like a vast understatement but unfortunately there are limits to language. I hope you can take some comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared and in knowing how many people are mourning with you. Hamakom yenachem etchem b'toch sha'ar avlai tzion v'yerushalayim.
----------
Posted by Marilyn Zeidel:
Our family loved Peggy and we're big fans of Saul too. When the Weisses moved to our block, I ran up the street to meet and greet my fellow Bostonians. Since that time we became good friends, sharing some Shabbos meals together and having many good heart-to-heart chats. We always looked forward to seeing Peggy and Saul together, whether it be walking to shul holding hands or sitting together so adorably in their sukkah. And I loved Peggy because she always knew the right thing to say. When my husband was diagnosed with ALS over two years ago, Peggy became the "President" of the Marilyn and Itch "fan club." Saul became a regular learning partner for Itch. And those Tuesdays when Peggy would join him at our house to hear the words of Torah were so special! The words of chizuk she gave us will always be remembered. And how those uplifting words will be missed at this time in our lives when we need them so badly! Peggy, your smile is etched on our brain and heart. You were a supportive friend and wonderful neighbor. We love you, Marilyn and Itch
---------------
Post by Batya Harris:
It was only two years ago that my friend Leah and I joined your sister z"l and her husband, Rabbi Weiss, for a lovely Rosh Hashana meal. It was just the four of us, and I remember Peggy telling us how she became the first female NCSY regional director, with Rav Soleveitchik z'l's approval, since he said it's avdut, not serarah :-). She was so full of life, youth and joy, and she was bH a beautiful woman - what a delight to be around!
I had always wanted to invite myself back, but they were bH often in E"Y, and I soon moved to a different part of Teaneck.
When I saw the shocking news today, I wanted to write and tell you what an impression she made on me and how much my friend and I really appreciated their hospitality and company that Rosh Hashana night.
I know her memory will be blessed beH, as she seemed to touch so many people so easily.
May you be comforted very soon among aveilei Zion viY'rushalayim and may you know no more sorrow. Yehi zichra baruch,
-----------
Posted by Aviva Leffel:
Peggy sat behind me in shul. I found her to be warm and friendly. It was always a pleasure to be greeted by her genuine smile. She was a classy lady. May the family be comforted by memories of good times. She surely made her mark in this world in the most positive way. We will miss her.
-------------
Posted by Susan Presby:
Unlike the beautiful testimonies I have been reading about Peggy, I am a ‘new’ friend. I had the good fortune of sitting in shul and having Peggy sit next to me when she first arrived in Teaneck. From the beginning, I knew that my seatmate was someone special. Over the years we discussed many things, mostly related to Yiddishkeit and Torah, but also about her experiences in Boston and Brockton. Recently, she had not been in shul too often due to her illnesses so I was ecstatic to see her on Rosh Hashanah. She looked great! We sat together at the Shabbos Teshuva drasha and Peggy told me how happy she was that she would be celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary. I still feel her loss every time I come to shul since she would always be there before me. Peggy taught me many things but what I remember every month is how to daven a Rosh Chodesh bentching. Her heartfelt tears have shown me to be very mindful of every sentence. I will carry this with me forever.
---------
Post by Gary Fishman:
My heart goes out to her family. I had not been in touch with her for many years but she and the Rabbi had a huge impact on my life as a young man. I grew up in Brockton, She was my first Hebrew school teacher and I was lucky to spend many a shabbat afternoon with the Weiss family. Without her encouragement way back as a child I wouldn't be raising my family in Israel today.
---------
Posted by Lisa Shear Schabes:
My name is Lisa Schabes. Mrs. Weiss knew me as Lisa Shear or Leah. I was in her Hebrew school class in Brockton almost 43 years. ago. When I look back on my years spent in Brockton I remember them being filled with many wonderful memories. Mrs. Weiss was an important part of my life as well as my brother's and parents'. She and the Rabbi were mekarev our entire family with much love and understanding. First, we sold our home to move closer to the shul to facilitate keeping Shabbos. Next, she was with my mother kashering our home.Then, she was instrumental in sending us to day school. Over the years our family continued to grow and grow. We spoke from time to time. Never as much as we should have, but she was always in our hearts and minds. I did speak to her when my oldest son became engaged to a wonderful girl who happened to be the great grandaughter of Rabbi Bruerer. I was filled with gratitude and had to share that news with her. Today I am a grandmother and my parents are great grandparents. We have 4 generation of bnai and bnos torah that are all shomrei torah and mitzvos. This is all in her zechus. My family has tremendous hakaras hatov for all that Mrs. Weiss and the Rabbi have done for us as a family.
---------------
Posted by Jeff Kuperman:
When I was in second grade in Brockton, my family decided to join a shul so I could start Hebrew school in third. As my father, z"l used to recount, Agudas Achim was the only place where anyone said hello to us. So my unaffiliated family joined the local Orthodox shul. Peggy Weiss was my first teacher; she taught me to read Hebrew, and to daven, and to sing Carlebach songs. I ended up in Maimonides after my bar mitzvah, and my family moved to Brighton. Since I have spent the last 26 years in chinukh, I can truly say, in the words of Rabbi Akiva, שלי ושלכם שלה הוא.
--------------
Posted by Rochel (Dinerman) Smoller:
I had the fortune of reconnecting with my old pal, Adina, this past summer , after about 30 years. We talked about old childhood memories and it dawned on me how many things I do in my home with my children and grandchildren that Mrs. Weiss did with her family. One silly example is how my fridge is covered in magnets, the way Mrs. Weiss"s was. After shabbos when my kids were little we would sing and dance to the song "shabbos is going away". I loved the way Mrs. Weiss would sit by the piano in the living room motzei shabbos singing that very song with her family. Every year close to Pesach, when my kids complain about the restrictions and hard work to prepare for the Chag I tell them the story of Peggy Weiss. Peggy was a young mother and Rebbitzen who dreaded Pesach every year. She realized after a while that her negative attitude towards all of the Pesach preparations was having a negative impact on her kids. She decided then and there to change her attitude. She started telling her children how Pesach was her favorite holiday... I remember Mrs. Weiss telling me how the following year she was really looking forward to Pesach because her positive words, that were not really heart felt, had changed her attitude tremendously. That was a very powerful lesson for a 12 year old (me) to hear and it has stayed with me all these years. I can't say that Pesach is my favorite holiday but facing challenging times with a smile on your face was her message. I remember discussing with Adina at age 14 what we wanted to do when we would grow up. She told me that her parents expected her and her siblings to choose a profession that would help mankind and specifically help Klal Yisroel. That is how the Weiss's lived their lives in Brockton Mass 40 years ago. They lived for the Jewish community and were a wonderful example of what a frum family should look like. Being close to the Weiss family so many years ago taught me what it meant to live a life doing Kiruv and much of my family's success in kiruv for the past 30 years, was planted on Ash Street, next to the park. May Rabbi Weiss, Ariella, Adina, Menachem and Bracha all having nechama knowing that their mother was such a powerful woman who had a tremendous impact on thousands.
------------
Posted by Debbie (Charter) Cadaner:
As I think back....My fondest and earliest memories of your mother are from Shavuos. My family had just become frum and we were invited to stay all night at your house. I have vivid memories of that Shavuos and thank your parents for being an instrumental influence on my parents to enable them to become frum and give me the Torah life that I am privileged to lead today. I take nothing for granted and those start up years in Brockton , as well as my first years in Agudas Achim, Mrs. Maltsman have led me to where I am today. Shabbosim by Judy Menkes and her friendship with your mother, AH. We never ever know how our influence over some one else can change their lives forever. On behalf of myself, my family and my parents, I ask that Hashem Comfort you and yours at this time.. Wishing you and Ariela only Simchas and good things, Sincerely, Debby Cadaner
------------
Post by Marci Zimmerman:
I met Rebbetzin Weiss in 1980ish when her daughter Bracha joined our class at NEHA. When I first read the news of her passing I was distraught. There are no words for me to express how I feel right now. I spent numerous Shabbosim at the Weiss' home in Brockton. They took me in as their fourth daughter. I also spent lots of time with the family in Brookline at the Gopins. Nothing is lost while memories still linger in our hearts! May you have no more sorrows, thinking of all of you!
--------------
Posted by Gitty (Hanoka) Bronstein:
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. I have fond memories of her "offering me food and making sure I wasn't hungry" whenever I slept over your house in Brockton. (Remember those late nights cramming for Math tests!!) I can still sing verbatim all the NCSY songs which we adapted to "NEHA". May your mother be a "Meilitz Yosher" for your entire family and may you only know of Simchas!!!! Fondly, Gitty Bronstein (Hanoka)
---------------
Posted by Miriam (Hanoka) Friedman:
I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. May Hashem give you strength in this difficult time.
-------------
Posted by Bracha (Zuber) Ross:
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. hamakom yinachem eschem b'soch shaar avelei yerushalayim.
-----------