Posted by Ari Solomont:
I am so very saddened to have just learned that my friend and mentor, Rebbitzen Peggy Gopin Weiss, OB"M passed away today. Aside from my mother, Rebbetzen Weiss was the most influential woman in my life during my most formative years, my most difficult years. As one of the first female NCSY Directors she was my regional director! The Rebbetzen lived by iron clad and uncompromising standards of integrity and humility. The manner in which she demonstrated what was proper and what was just, inspired us all. There was a softness about her that could only be described as the manifestation of a living soul. She was so much more than a role model, she was so much more than a teacher, and she was more than a confidant and friend. She was "The Rebbitzen!" Life lessons she taught me over 35 years ago, stay with me today. In fact, I quoted a lament from her today. Something the Rebbitzen shared with me so many years ago. Rebbitzen Weiss never enjoyed when Y"K fell on Shabbat, because in her words, she felt that she "lost out" on shabbat. That idea might not resonate to a 16 year old and I never fully appreciated this concept until many years later. Yet, this small lesson, just stayed with me. Rebbetzen Weiss inspired 1000's of teens and adults throughout her life. She never forgot about her "non biological kids." She remained interested in, and connected to us all. She derived so much nachas from our families and our accomplishments. Like many things in life, many may not have appreciated her impact over the years, but I know for certain, that the dramatic presence she was to our lives will never be forgotten. May her memory always be for a blessing. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים ולא תוסיפו לדאבה עוד
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Posted by David Katz:
I was so sad when I heard the news in the middle of the night on Thursday night. We were "colleagues" back in the 80's in NCSY. (My first introduction to her was via the wild summer I spent with Adina as an advisor on the NCSY cross country tour. I was told in advance that Adina is the daughter of Rebbetzin Weiss, but as a cloistered NJ NCSYer I had no idea what that meant or what power was in that DNA). I fondly recall our first real meeting - at a regional directors' conference where I was asked to present about the value in using computers in our work. Peggy grilled me on the topic (in her humorous way) and gave me a real hard time - remember this was the mid 80's and it was a bit before its time!. I then vividly remember her Havdalah speech at National Convention in 1988 somewhere in the catskills. I recall being awed by the fact that Rabbi Raphael Butler would "give up" his speaking slot for her - but after hearing her I knew why. Boy did she wow the crowd (and me included). It was unique that a woman would be given that role and that kind of public forum - but Peggy was just a natural and slid right in to the task at hand. And then I made aliyah and came back to a Spring Regional Convention in West Hartford in 1991. It was right after the gulf war and Peggy asked me to speak as an Israeli about what we had gone through. I remember that I must have touched a nerve (ie pushed the aliyah card a bit too much for the crowd) and she came over to me after and we had our first real deep conversation - to tell me how happy she was that I got her NCSYers (and staff) thinking. She went on to tell me how the only way to get people to move in their lives is to challenge them to think. And I learned yet another lesson in leadership that has stayed with me for so many years after that. But then we fell out of touch..... Until grandaughter Bayla made it to MMY and we met up at an art contest Bayla had entered. Boy was I shocked to make the connection that Peggy Weiss was the grandmother of the talented Bayla Balk! Bayla and I had met so many years earlier and now so much made more sense. Peggy and I reconnected and with tears in her eyes she told me how proud she was of all of her children and grandchildren - and at that moment in particular of Ariela and family and Bayla. A few years later I came to Arianna's Bat Mitzva and on Friday afternoon Peggy and I sat at the "bar" in the tent , sipping an erev shabbat summer drink , and caught up and shmoozed for what must have been a good hour about her pride and Nachas from all of her children. At the same time she heard about the various challenges of running a seminary and she gave me tremendous Chizuk about staying on course and never giving up on any Jewish child no matter what difficulties they may face. I treasure that conversation to this day and I think about it often whenever frustration sets in. Peggy was a real pioneer and a real educator and one of the most "real" people I ever knew. I look up to her so much for all she accomplished and I am honored to call her a role model. I look forward to staying connected to her legacy through her wonderful children and grandchildren (and great grand children as well!) T'hi Nafsha Tzrura B'tzror Hachaim.
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Posted by Naomi (Krimsky) Hollander:
I was shocked to hear the sad news about Rebbitzen Weiss's passing. She was so much a part of my childhood. New England NCSY was my life as a teenager and there was no NCSY without our beloved rebbitzen. She encouraged me to get involved and helped me grow to my potential. She knew school wasn't my thing, but I was able to shine and eventually give back because of her encouragement. When I think of Rebbitzen Weiss the first thing I think of was her outer beauty. She was a classy lady. Always dressed perfectly - always put together - no matter when. But what I know and remember more was her inner beauty. She was a role model for her NCSYers, her advisors, the rebbeim and even the way she treated the waiters and janitors. She taught me and gave me the opportunity to be a leader. I remember ( and even have pictures ) of a regional board meeting where we all ( including the rebbitzen ) sat down on the floor of a shul and met. When one of her NCSYers had a milestone or a simcha , she genuinely felt it. I remember going to Brockton to the famous regional office and working to get out a mailing ( yes , it was very pre-email days ) I remember her picking us up at the bus station and in her car was Miami boys choir playing ( the new song was "bsiyata dishmaya" ( now I'm dating myself.) We arrived in the famous office and she had snacks and drinks waiting for us. ( snacks like ring dings ...the good stuff ) we worked on our mailing and then she drove us back to the bus. In retrospect , I am sure she could have done the work without us but she wanted us to be a part of it. We felt like a million bucks. I went to michlala and stern and now teach second grade Hebrew. I am sure that had she not been a part of my life during those adolescent years , I wouldn't be doing what I am doing. The Torah I teach to my students is because she helped lean me in that direction. She was a truly special lady and I am so sad of her passing , but a little bit of Rebbitzen Weiss is in so many of us forever. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים.
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Post by Elly Krimsky:
I had the opportunity to work closely with her and cherished being so near to someone so very special. I always sensed that despite dealing with caterers, crazy bands and crazy advisors, laser rock shows and no-show bus companies, not to mention hormonal high schoolers, she never lost her queen-like regal dignity. She was always "The Rebbitzen." A fellow advisor once came to me in the YU dorms. He had laid out money for a car rental and received a check in the mail. He couldn't get over that it was signed by "Rebbitzen Weiss." She earned and lived that title. There was no other way to describe her. She loved that appellation and lived every second worthy of our admiration. She gave the title added glory. What a terrible loss. The impact she had on NER NCSY is enormous. It's on us to let her loving family know how much she touched us and offer our gratitude to her for her maternal love, fidelity to her beloved rebbe, Rav Soloveitchik, and inspiring us at many a seudah shlishit. I still associate seudah shlishit with her inspiring words. Always will. May her soul soar, our Rebbitzen whose heart was always in Brookline and NER.
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Posted by Shimmy Trencher:
I would also like to share a story about Rebbitzen Peggy Gopin Weiss, a personal role model for me and for so many of us, her NCSY 'kids.' Once, when I was in high school, I was on the phone with her, and she was about to tell me something when she paused the conversation and asked for me to hold on for a few moments. When she returned to the phone, she told me that she had asked her husband a שאלה because she wasn't sure that what she was about to say was לשון הרע or not, and then she politely changed the topic. This small exchange made a great impression on me, as did so many of my interactions with her. She cared deeply for each of us and she cared deeply for Torah, and her legacy will not be forgotten. I feel very privileged to have exchanged Facebook messages with her last week. In her message to me, she wrote, "We are truly blessed!" I can certainly say that those of us who had the good fortune of having Rebbitzen Weiss in our lives truly were (and are) blessed. תנצב’ה...
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Posted by Yoni Lieber:
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Rebbitzen Weiss' passing. I just saw her a few weeks ago in Teaneck, and as usual she smiled and told me how proud she was of me and of my family- whether she knew my family or not she took absolute pleasure in seeing us (her collective NER NCSY Alumni) happy, with families living a frum life. She was a very special person, who people probably don't even know how much she did. When I was an NCSYer in the 80s and 90s we were unable to afford some of the shabbatonim, and every time I called her to ask for help, not only did she never question and just make it work, she made me feel like SHE was the lucky one who was going to be enjoying the fact that I was going.... she had a heart of gold, and I am honored to have had her be our director. I am happy she was able to see all of us grown, with children who are now NCSY-age of our own. She was a very special woman, and will be missed. Hamakom Yencachem.... Yoni
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Posted by Yair Mayerfeld:
I had the privilege of working for Rebbitzen Weiss nearly thirty years ago, at that time speaking with her almost daily. Of course with her characteristic modesty, she would have framed it instead as working with her. The truth is, though, that it wasn't work at all but, instead, an opportunity to benefit from her aura of warmth and her modeling of middos and extraordinary interpersonal skills and sensitivity. One vignette from among the many at that time that I’ve been reflecting on this past week captures, for me, so much of who she was. At some point during aseres yemei teshuva we had a lengthy conversation, probably relating to how to reach out to specific NCSYers or to programming and staffing for an upcoming Shabbaton. As we finished with the business at hand and wished each other a Gmar Chasima Tovah, I asked her what her interpersonal secret was. She responded with that characteristic warm laugh in her voice “You know that in the four years of our talking, I’ve never been the first to hang up the phone at the end of a conversation.” On many occasions since, and particularly when we bumped into each other in Teaneck in recent years, I’ve thought about the depth of her insight and the deftness of her mussar. I will miss the reminders and will remain eternally grateful for her life lessons. Yihiye zichra barukh.
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Posted by Miriam Esther (Luchins) Weiner:
We were so sad to hear of your mother’s patira right before Yom
Kippur. It was so hard for us to hear and I can’t imagine how much
more difficult it was for you. Just as you and your siblings had to
share your mother with all of her NCSYers over the years you are now
sharing your loss. Please know that, although I was not her NCSYer,
one of the main reasons I decided to work as a NER advisor was because
I knew she was someone I could respect and who would understand that
there were things in NCSY that I would have difficulty relating to
because I had a different background than the typical advisor. She
made it easier for me to be a Breuers Seminary girl who was active in
NCSY and I always felt her love and concern for me. I remember that
you were – and I am sure – are the same in terms of your concern for
your fellow NCSYers and I know that your mother has left generations
of Bnei and Bnos Torah (as she often fondly said of her biological and
non-biological children)who will keep the NER of Torah and middos
tovos burning for many many years.
Best wishes for a Shana Tova, a Chag Samayach, and only bsuros tovos!
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Posted by Debbie (Feder) Rudin:
Peggy Weiss a"h was a powerful source of energy, love and Torah in our beloved NER. I was privileged to know her for only a short time before I moved on. However, the impression she made on me and those around her was very strong. Her home was always open, as was her heart. The Weiss shul was an awesome place to be, the kind of place that used to be found throughout the US but, to a large extent, is no more. It was a shul mainly filled with people who might not have been shomer Shabbos but who were committed to the shul and to its kids. And where did that commitment come from? From the Rabbi and his Rebbeitzin! It was because of Peggy's boundless love that they came and that they stayed and that their kids went on to make tremendous commitments to Yiddishkeit and a Torah way of life, sometimes with great mesiras nefesh. Torah is emes, but it takes love of each person to bring others close. Peggy had that love. She saw the good and the potential in each of us. She inspired us to be more than we thought we could be. She will be sorely missed.
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Posted by Anne Gordon:
In contrast to so many here, it has been a very, very long time since I was in touch with your mother, Mrs. Weiss (somehow, I was of a very brief generation that also called her "Mrs.," and that was always who she was to me). But if you count too many years back, when NCSY was a constant in my life, so too was Mrs. Weiss - to the extent that the best stories escape me now, perhaps because they became part of who I became. Some snippets of memories: being one of a few invited to Ariella's wedding (perhaps for our benefit, but she made it seem like she wanted us there to celebrate the simcha); ebbing ("as shabbos ebbs away"), with her heart-wrenching stories and always her tears; her savvy in dealing with the national administration of NCSY, and her poise in being the only woman on the podium, when she was up there. Her big glasses and big hair and big shoulder pads (very classy though - those were the 80s!) and big hugs. I remember disagreements, too - once I was an advisor - among a few very dedicated folk working hard to make NER the best it could possibly be. I say disagreements in the best of all possible ways, in that New England NCSY was never a dictatorship, nor a cult of personality. She welcomed our involvement, and encouraged our contributions, even when we countered her, with a great deal of integrity. And those personal stories that were so important to me, even if their details escape me now, about her time in Maimonides, and about the Rav, and about learning Torah...that were the most valuable to me. Losing touch is bittersweet, and the news of the Rebbetzin's death is bitter, but reflecting back on that time is sweet indeed. Yihiye zikhra barukh.
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Posted by Sarah Bronson:
I want to share a story about Peggy Gopin Weiss. She was the first (and still one of the few? two?) female regional director of NCSY, the youth movement of the Orthodox Union. One year, when I was a senior in high school, or maybe already at Barnard and volunteering as an advisor, I went to National Convention where, often, all the directors line up on stage while someone gives an inspirational talk, and all the kids are on standing on the floor, literally "looking up" to their regional directors. The first day, I noticed that Rebbetzin Weiss didn't go on stage. It was just the long row of male directors, and the director of New England Region was missing. I approached her to discuss it. She said she didn't think it was tzanua ("modest") for a woman to stand on stage with everyone staring at her. I told her "Here's the thing. All the other kids at this Shabbaton are looking up on the stage, adoringly admiring their Regional Directors, and feeling that they have a role model. The kids from New England are looking at that stage and their role model isn't there. We notice you are not there. Your absence is conspicuous. It's not fair to the kids from New England - your kids - for you not to be there with the other directors." She thanked me for pointing that out to her and said she'll think about it. The next time, all the kids were standing on the floor, and there was the long line of male regional directors . . . and next to them, with one of the other director's wives standing with her so she wouldn't be there awkwardly alone, was Rebbetzin Weiss. There's a lot to say about NCSY, about Orthodox Judaism, about feminism, etc. But what impressed me on that day was that "Reb" listened to a different point of view, accepted that her own point of view had been missing some pieces, and fixed the situation for the benefit of "her kids." Sometimes, all it takes to change things, piece by piece, is to let smart, well-meaning people know how you feel. I learned that from her. Rest in peace, Reb. Baruch Dayan Ha'emet.
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Post by Rachel Levitt Klein:
What an honor it has been to know REB (Peggy Gopin Weiss) who was my hero on so many levels. She saw me when I felt invisible. She made every single person feel important and noticed. She was SO patient with me. She lovingly showed me, allowed me to make mistakes and always raised me up. There are not enough words to describe the ways she formed my life and choices. Today I will share one. I recall so vividly how she made me think of my own tefillah as powerful and essential. She was at her husband’s side after an operation and she was davening Mincha out loud for both of them so he could hear. She admitted that she was not sure if he could hear but she knew he would want her to daven for them. In the middle of her recitation of aleinu, he woke up, and she was about to stop, when he indicated to her to please continue, so she joyously did so, postponing her welcome with him by finishing her prayer for the both of them. I remember thinking how amazing their marriage must be, how special her prayer must be and how amazing that they both realized that her words, on behalf of both of them, were so essential. I feel blessed to have been touched by this amazing woman.
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Posted by Mark Blechner:
Peggy Weiss was (still hard to use past tense!) a towering Tzedek in the world of young religious teenage Boston of the 60s when there was no Facebook, internet, email, fax nor big chevreh here in Brookline. She galvanized the small group of youth looking for a common expression of love for HaShem and outlet for expression of Devaikut through chevreh - and I mean ages 14-18 all inclusive as we were such a small group. She single-handedly led the charge with NCSY, with Reb Shlomo, through sweetness and music - coming from the musical-magical Gopin family. It's not hard to recall the times we all were gathered in living rooms singing away and having our neshamot charged and infused with ruach in those turbulent days of the 60s. As she "rose through the ranks" of leadership we were proud it was "one of our own" that carried the banner and mantel. She always had fulfilled the dictum of Chazal "havey mekabel kol adam besayver panim yafot." Yehi Zichra Baruch
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Posted by Ellen Gertler
Peggy Weiss was a remarkable woman who reached out to console me when I was in need of consolation. I was shocked to hear of her passing and wish I had gotten to know her better.
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Posted by Mark Weiner:
I was so sorry to learn of Rebbitzin Weiss's petirah. Growing up in Holyoke, I have so many fond and important memories of Brockton and Rebbitzen Weiss. These include my first NER regional event and the regional convention in 1972 that I had the honor to preside over as Regional President. May her memory continue to be an example and a blessing.
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Post by Ariel Augenbraun Blacher:
She was an inspiration to us all. May we all aspire to be the good-hearted, strong-willed, and wise woman that Rebbitzen Weiss was.
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Post by Mark Schaffel:
I just heard, BD"H, she was something so special. I met Peggy at the National Board Meeting in
Brockton, MA 1981. She helped make that a special Shabbos and we kept in touch for years afterwards,
especially with the magic of FaceBook. I will miss her periodic messages and pithy comments!
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Post by Rachel Katz Pill:
I am so incredibly sad about this news. BDE. Peggy was a true role model and an incredible person.
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Post by Deedee Goldman Chefitz:
So very sad! She was a wonderful woman! She touched so many hearts. May her memory always be
a blessing and a comfort.
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Post by Amy Stark:
Baruch Dayan HaEmet... So sorry to hear of her passing. I feel fortunate to have been part of her NER
NCSY. The Rebitzen was an incredible influence on so many. May her memory always be a blessing.
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Post by Marla Wilson Americus:
Baruch Dayan Emet. I can still see her in my mind, telling us stories, from her soul to ours. May her
family, and all those who knew and were touched by her be comforted.
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Post by Jay Balaban
BDE. Her influence on even those on the outskirts of NCSY was huge. Gone but never to be forgotten.
May all of our memories bring us comfort, especially to her family.
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Post by Scott Feltman:
So sad. She was a trailblazer. More importantly, she was a great person. Baruch Dayan HaEmes.
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Post by Ari Kadish:
Baruch Deyan Ha'emet. A great person; a major loss for Am Yisroel.
I am so very saddened to have just learned that my friend and mentor, Rebbitzen Peggy Gopin Weiss, OB"M passed away today. Aside from my mother, Rebbetzen Weiss was the most influential woman in my life during my most formative years, my most difficult years. As one of the first female NCSY Directors she was my regional director! The Rebbetzen lived by iron clad and uncompromising standards of integrity and humility. The manner in which she demonstrated what was proper and what was just, inspired us all. There was a softness about her that could only be described as the manifestation of a living soul. She was so much more than a role model, she was so much more than a teacher, and she was more than a confidant and friend. She was "The Rebbitzen!" Life lessons she taught me over 35 years ago, stay with me today. In fact, I quoted a lament from her today. Something the Rebbitzen shared with me so many years ago. Rebbitzen Weiss never enjoyed when Y"K fell on Shabbat, because in her words, she felt that she "lost out" on shabbat. That idea might not resonate to a 16 year old and I never fully appreciated this concept until many years later. Yet, this small lesson, just stayed with me. Rebbetzen Weiss inspired 1000's of teens and adults throughout her life. She never forgot about her "non biological kids." She remained interested in, and connected to us all. She derived so much nachas from our families and our accomplishments. Like many things in life, many may not have appreciated her impact over the years, but I know for certain, that the dramatic presence she was to our lives will never be forgotten. May her memory always be for a blessing. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים ולא תוסיפו לדאבה עוד
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Posted by David Katz:
I was so sad when I heard the news in the middle of the night on Thursday night. We were "colleagues" back in the 80's in NCSY. (My first introduction to her was via the wild summer I spent with Adina as an advisor on the NCSY cross country tour. I was told in advance that Adina is the daughter of Rebbetzin Weiss, but as a cloistered NJ NCSYer I had no idea what that meant or what power was in that DNA). I fondly recall our first real meeting - at a regional directors' conference where I was asked to present about the value in using computers in our work. Peggy grilled me on the topic (in her humorous way) and gave me a real hard time - remember this was the mid 80's and it was a bit before its time!. I then vividly remember her Havdalah speech at National Convention in 1988 somewhere in the catskills. I recall being awed by the fact that Rabbi Raphael Butler would "give up" his speaking slot for her - but after hearing her I knew why. Boy did she wow the crowd (and me included). It was unique that a woman would be given that role and that kind of public forum - but Peggy was just a natural and slid right in to the task at hand. And then I made aliyah and came back to a Spring Regional Convention in West Hartford in 1991. It was right after the gulf war and Peggy asked me to speak as an Israeli about what we had gone through. I remember that I must have touched a nerve (ie pushed the aliyah card a bit too much for the crowd) and she came over to me after and we had our first real deep conversation - to tell me how happy she was that I got her NCSYers (and staff) thinking. She went on to tell me how the only way to get people to move in their lives is to challenge them to think. And I learned yet another lesson in leadership that has stayed with me for so many years after that. But then we fell out of touch..... Until grandaughter Bayla made it to MMY and we met up at an art contest Bayla had entered. Boy was I shocked to make the connection that Peggy Weiss was the grandmother of the talented Bayla Balk! Bayla and I had met so many years earlier and now so much made more sense. Peggy and I reconnected and with tears in her eyes she told me how proud she was of all of her children and grandchildren - and at that moment in particular of Ariela and family and Bayla. A few years later I came to Arianna's Bat Mitzva and on Friday afternoon Peggy and I sat at the "bar" in the tent , sipping an erev shabbat summer drink , and caught up and shmoozed for what must have been a good hour about her pride and Nachas from all of her children. At the same time she heard about the various challenges of running a seminary and she gave me tremendous Chizuk about staying on course and never giving up on any Jewish child no matter what difficulties they may face. I treasure that conversation to this day and I think about it often whenever frustration sets in. Peggy was a real pioneer and a real educator and one of the most "real" people I ever knew. I look up to her so much for all she accomplished and I am honored to call her a role model. I look forward to staying connected to her legacy through her wonderful children and grandchildren (and great grand children as well!) T'hi Nafsha Tzrura B'tzror Hachaim.
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Posted by Naomi (Krimsky) Hollander:
I was shocked to hear the sad news about Rebbitzen Weiss's passing. She was so much a part of my childhood. New England NCSY was my life as a teenager and there was no NCSY without our beloved rebbitzen. She encouraged me to get involved and helped me grow to my potential. She knew school wasn't my thing, but I was able to shine and eventually give back because of her encouragement. When I think of Rebbitzen Weiss the first thing I think of was her outer beauty. She was a classy lady. Always dressed perfectly - always put together - no matter when. But what I know and remember more was her inner beauty. She was a role model for her NCSYers, her advisors, the rebbeim and even the way she treated the waiters and janitors. She taught me and gave me the opportunity to be a leader. I remember ( and even have pictures ) of a regional board meeting where we all ( including the rebbitzen ) sat down on the floor of a shul and met. When one of her NCSYers had a milestone or a simcha , she genuinely felt it. I remember going to Brockton to the famous regional office and working to get out a mailing ( yes , it was very pre-email days ) I remember her picking us up at the bus station and in her car was Miami boys choir playing ( the new song was "bsiyata dishmaya" ( now I'm dating myself.) We arrived in the famous office and she had snacks and drinks waiting for us. ( snacks like ring dings ...the good stuff ) we worked on our mailing and then she drove us back to the bus. In retrospect , I am sure she could have done the work without us but she wanted us to be a part of it. We felt like a million bucks. I went to michlala and stern and now teach second grade Hebrew. I am sure that had she not been a part of my life during those adolescent years , I wouldn't be doing what I am doing. The Torah I teach to my students is because she helped lean me in that direction. She was a truly special lady and I am so sad of her passing , but a little bit of Rebbitzen Weiss is in so many of us forever. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים.
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Post by Elly Krimsky:
I had the opportunity to work closely with her and cherished being so near to someone so very special. I always sensed that despite dealing with caterers, crazy bands and crazy advisors, laser rock shows and no-show bus companies, not to mention hormonal high schoolers, she never lost her queen-like regal dignity. She was always "The Rebbitzen." A fellow advisor once came to me in the YU dorms. He had laid out money for a car rental and received a check in the mail. He couldn't get over that it was signed by "Rebbitzen Weiss." She earned and lived that title. There was no other way to describe her. She loved that appellation and lived every second worthy of our admiration. She gave the title added glory. What a terrible loss. The impact she had on NER NCSY is enormous. It's on us to let her loving family know how much she touched us and offer our gratitude to her for her maternal love, fidelity to her beloved rebbe, Rav Soloveitchik, and inspiring us at many a seudah shlishit. I still associate seudah shlishit with her inspiring words. Always will. May her soul soar, our Rebbitzen whose heart was always in Brookline and NER.
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Posted by Shimmy Trencher:
I would also like to share a story about Rebbitzen Peggy Gopin Weiss, a personal role model for me and for so many of us, her NCSY 'kids.' Once, when I was in high school, I was on the phone with her, and she was about to tell me something when she paused the conversation and asked for me to hold on for a few moments. When she returned to the phone, she told me that she had asked her husband a שאלה because she wasn't sure that what she was about to say was לשון הרע or not, and then she politely changed the topic. This small exchange made a great impression on me, as did so many of my interactions with her. She cared deeply for each of us and she cared deeply for Torah, and her legacy will not be forgotten. I feel very privileged to have exchanged Facebook messages with her last week. In her message to me, she wrote, "We are truly blessed!" I can certainly say that those of us who had the good fortune of having Rebbitzen Weiss in our lives truly were (and are) blessed. תנצב’ה...
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Posted by Yoni Lieber:
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Rebbitzen Weiss' passing. I just saw her a few weeks ago in Teaneck, and as usual she smiled and told me how proud she was of me and of my family- whether she knew my family or not she took absolute pleasure in seeing us (her collective NER NCSY Alumni) happy, with families living a frum life. She was a very special person, who people probably don't even know how much she did. When I was an NCSYer in the 80s and 90s we were unable to afford some of the shabbatonim, and every time I called her to ask for help, not only did she never question and just make it work, she made me feel like SHE was the lucky one who was going to be enjoying the fact that I was going.... she had a heart of gold, and I am honored to have had her be our director. I am happy she was able to see all of us grown, with children who are now NCSY-age of our own. She was a very special woman, and will be missed. Hamakom Yencachem.... Yoni
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Posted by Yair Mayerfeld:
I had the privilege of working for Rebbitzen Weiss nearly thirty years ago, at that time speaking with her almost daily. Of course with her characteristic modesty, she would have framed it instead as working with her. The truth is, though, that it wasn't work at all but, instead, an opportunity to benefit from her aura of warmth and her modeling of middos and extraordinary interpersonal skills and sensitivity. One vignette from among the many at that time that I’ve been reflecting on this past week captures, for me, so much of who she was. At some point during aseres yemei teshuva we had a lengthy conversation, probably relating to how to reach out to specific NCSYers or to programming and staffing for an upcoming Shabbaton. As we finished with the business at hand and wished each other a Gmar Chasima Tovah, I asked her what her interpersonal secret was. She responded with that characteristic warm laugh in her voice “You know that in the four years of our talking, I’ve never been the first to hang up the phone at the end of a conversation.” On many occasions since, and particularly when we bumped into each other in Teaneck in recent years, I’ve thought about the depth of her insight and the deftness of her mussar. I will miss the reminders and will remain eternally grateful for her life lessons. Yihiye zichra barukh.
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Posted by Miriam Esther (Luchins) Weiner:
We were so sad to hear of your mother’s patira right before Yom
Kippur. It was so hard for us to hear and I can’t imagine how much
more difficult it was for you. Just as you and your siblings had to
share your mother with all of her NCSYers over the years you are now
sharing your loss. Please know that, although I was not her NCSYer,
one of the main reasons I decided to work as a NER advisor was because
I knew she was someone I could respect and who would understand that
there were things in NCSY that I would have difficulty relating to
because I had a different background than the typical advisor. She
made it easier for me to be a Breuers Seminary girl who was active in
NCSY and I always felt her love and concern for me. I remember that
you were – and I am sure – are the same in terms of your concern for
your fellow NCSYers and I know that your mother has left generations
of Bnei and Bnos Torah (as she often fondly said of her biological and
non-biological children)who will keep the NER of Torah and middos
tovos burning for many many years.
Best wishes for a Shana Tova, a Chag Samayach, and only bsuros tovos!
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Posted by Debbie (Feder) Rudin:
Peggy Weiss a"h was a powerful source of energy, love and Torah in our beloved NER. I was privileged to know her for only a short time before I moved on. However, the impression she made on me and those around her was very strong. Her home was always open, as was her heart. The Weiss shul was an awesome place to be, the kind of place that used to be found throughout the US but, to a large extent, is no more. It was a shul mainly filled with people who might not have been shomer Shabbos but who were committed to the shul and to its kids. And where did that commitment come from? From the Rabbi and his Rebbeitzin! It was because of Peggy's boundless love that they came and that they stayed and that their kids went on to make tremendous commitments to Yiddishkeit and a Torah way of life, sometimes with great mesiras nefesh. Torah is emes, but it takes love of each person to bring others close. Peggy had that love. She saw the good and the potential in each of us. She inspired us to be more than we thought we could be. She will be sorely missed.
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Posted by Anne Gordon:
In contrast to so many here, it has been a very, very long time since I was in touch with your mother, Mrs. Weiss (somehow, I was of a very brief generation that also called her "Mrs.," and that was always who she was to me). But if you count too many years back, when NCSY was a constant in my life, so too was Mrs. Weiss - to the extent that the best stories escape me now, perhaps because they became part of who I became. Some snippets of memories: being one of a few invited to Ariella's wedding (perhaps for our benefit, but she made it seem like she wanted us there to celebrate the simcha); ebbing ("as shabbos ebbs away"), with her heart-wrenching stories and always her tears; her savvy in dealing with the national administration of NCSY, and her poise in being the only woman on the podium, when she was up there. Her big glasses and big hair and big shoulder pads (very classy though - those were the 80s!) and big hugs. I remember disagreements, too - once I was an advisor - among a few very dedicated folk working hard to make NER the best it could possibly be. I say disagreements in the best of all possible ways, in that New England NCSY was never a dictatorship, nor a cult of personality. She welcomed our involvement, and encouraged our contributions, even when we countered her, with a great deal of integrity. And those personal stories that were so important to me, even if their details escape me now, about her time in Maimonides, and about the Rav, and about learning Torah...that were the most valuable to me. Losing touch is bittersweet, and the news of the Rebbetzin's death is bitter, but reflecting back on that time is sweet indeed. Yihiye zikhra barukh.
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Posted by Sarah Bronson:
I want to share a story about Peggy Gopin Weiss. She was the first (and still one of the few? two?) female regional director of NCSY, the youth movement of the Orthodox Union. One year, when I was a senior in high school, or maybe already at Barnard and volunteering as an advisor, I went to National Convention where, often, all the directors line up on stage while someone gives an inspirational talk, and all the kids are on standing on the floor, literally "looking up" to their regional directors. The first day, I noticed that Rebbetzin Weiss didn't go on stage. It was just the long row of male directors, and the director of New England Region was missing. I approached her to discuss it. She said she didn't think it was tzanua ("modest") for a woman to stand on stage with everyone staring at her. I told her "Here's the thing. All the other kids at this Shabbaton are looking up on the stage, adoringly admiring their Regional Directors, and feeling that they have a role model. The kids from New England are looking at that stage and their role model isn't there. We notice you are not there. Your absence is conspicuous. It's not fair to the kids from New England - your kids - for you not to be there with the other directors." She thanked me for pointing that out to her and said she'll think about it. The next time, all the kids were standing on the floor, and there was the long line of male regional directors . . . and next to them, with one of the other director's wives standing with her so she wouldn't be there awkwardly alone, was Rebbetzin Weiss. There's a lot to say about NCSY, about Orthodox Judaism, about feminism, etc. But what impressed me on that day was that "Reb" listened to a different point of view, accepted that her own point of view had been missing some pieces, and fixed the situation for the benefit of "her kids." Sometimes, all it takes to change things, piece by piece, is to let smart, well-meaning people know how you feel. I learned that from her. Rest in peace, Reb. Baruch Dayan Ha'emet.
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Post by Rachel Levitt Klein:
What an honor it has been to know REB (Peggy Gopin Weiss) who was my hero on so many levels. She saw me when I felt invisible. She made every single person feel important and noticed. She was SO patient with me. She lovingly showed me, allowed me to make mistakes and always raised me up. There are not enough words to describe the ways she formed my life and choices. Today I will share one. I recall so vividly how she made me think of my own tefillah as powerful and essential. She was at her husband’s side after an operation and she was davening Mincha out loud for both of them so he could hear. She admitted that she was not sure if he could hear but she knew he would want her to daven for them. In the middle of her recitation of aleinu, he woke up, and she was about to stop, when he indicated to her to please continue, so she joyously did so, postponing her welcome with him by finishing her prayer for the both of them. I remember thinking how amazing their marriage must be, how special her prayer must be and how amazing that they both realized that her words, on behalf of both of them, were so essential. I feel blessed to have been touched by this amazing woman.
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Posted by Mark Blechner:
Peggy Weiss was (still hard to use past tense!) a towering Tzedek in the world of young religious teenage Boston of the 60s when there was no Facebook, internet, email, fax nor big chevreh here in Brookline. She galvanized the small group of youth looking for a common expression of love for HaShem and outlet for expression of Devaikut through chevreh - and I mean ages 14-18 all inclusive as we were such a small group. She single-handedly led the charge with NCSY, with Reb Shlomo, through sweetness and music - coming from the musical-magical Gopin family. It's not hard to recall the times we all were gathered in living rooms singing away and having our neshamot charged and infused with ruach in those turbulent days of the 60s. As she "rose through the ranks" of leadership we were proud it was "one of our own" that carried the banner and mantel. She always had fulfilled the dictum of Chazal "havey mekabel kol adam besayver panim yafot." Yehi Zichra Baruch
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Posted by Ellen Gertler
Peggy Weiss was a remarkable woman who reached out to console me when I was in need of consolation. I was shocked to hear of her passing and wish I had gotten to know her better.
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Posted by Mark Weiner:
I was so sorry to learn of Rebbitzin Weiss's petirah. Growing up in Holyoke, I have so many fond and important memories of Brockton and Rebbitzen Weiss. These include my first NER regional event and the regional convention in 1972 that I had the honor to preside over as Regional President. May her memory continue to be an example and a blessing.
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Post by Ariel Augenbraun Blacher:
She was an inspiration to us all. May we all aspire to be the good-hearted, strong-willed, and wise woman that Rebbitzen Weiss was.
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Post by Mark Schaffel:
I just heard, BD"H, she was something so special. I met Peggy at the National Board Meeting in
Brockton, MA 1981. She helped make that a special Shabbos and we kept in touch for years afterwards,
especially with the magic of FaceBook. I will miss her periodic messages and pithy comments!
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Post by Rachel Katz Pill:
I am so incredibly sad about this news. BDE. Peggy was a true role model and an incredible person.
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Post by Deedee Goldman Chefitz:
So very sad! She was a wonderful woman! She touched so many hearts. May her memory always be
a blessing and a comfort.
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Post by Amy Stark:
Baruch Dayan HaEmet... So sorry to hear of her passing. I feel fortunate to have been part of her NER
NCSY. The Rebitzen was an incredible influence on so many. May her memory always be a blessing.
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Post by Marla Wilson Americus:
Baruch Dayan Emet. I can still see her in my mind, telling us stories, from her soul to ours. May her
family, and all those who knew and were touched by her be comforted.
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Post by Jay Balaban
BDE. Her influence on even those on the outskirts of NCSY was huge. Gone but never to be forgotten.
May all of our memories bring us comfort, especially to her family.
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Post by Scott Feltman:
So sad. She was a trailblazer. More importantly, she was a great person. Baruch Dayan HaEmes.
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Post by Ari Kadish:
Baruch Deyan Ha'emet. A great person; a major loss for Am Yisroel.