By COLlive reporter
Mrs. Zelda Katsenelenbogen, who has remained steadfast in her faith and dedication to Torah and Mitzvos while living under oppression and in a free society, passed away on Monday, 29 Av 5778.
She was 76.
Born as Zelda Pinsky, her family was one of the many Chabad Chassidic families who suffered under the Soviet regime for their adherence to a life faithful to Judaism.
Upon immigrating to London, she married R’ Moshe Katsenelenbogen in 1973. He too came from a renowned family that has led a life of mesiras nefesh despite the brutal Soviet secret police.
The Katsenelenbogens built a home in London’s Stamford Hill neighborhood, where their warm home would be open to members of the community and visitors alike.
Over the years, Mrs. Katsenelenbogen has impacted many women and girls, offering a listening ear and helping to guide them on the path of Torah. She was especially active with fellow immigrants from the Soviet Union.
She also co-ran the local Hachnosas Kallah charity organization helping to marry off young couples and help cover the expenses of their wedding and starting to build a Jewish home.
She is survived by her children Mrs. Chani Landa, Mrs. Rochel Zajac, Mrs. Nechama Dina Heller of London; Rabbi Nochum Katsenelenbogen – Owings Mills, Maryland; Rabbi Michoel Katsenelenbogen – London; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The levaya will take place Tuesday at 11:00am from 46 Linthorpe Road, London N16 to Addas Yisroel Cemetery, Carterhatch Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 4BG.
You can share with the family your thoughts on [email protected].
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes: Zelda bas Nochum Hillel.
As a seminary girl in Beih Rivkah Yerres, France, I once spent a weekend with this very special family as I was visiting London with a friend. Mrs. Katzenelenbogen could not have been more welcoming and kind to us. I have such fond memories of her preparing breakfast for us in the morning, and marking all the sights she felt we should visit on a huge map! She was concerned that we had enough money, and food to last us through our sightseeing day and made sure we were ok before we left her house every single morning.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים.
A really special woman. An example of a true Aishes Chayil. Warm, welcoming, caring…. and together with Reb Moishke, built a home and family of true Yiddishkeit and eidelkeit. Together and individually, they left big imprints on the Stamford Hill and wider communities.
To their children:
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים.
הצעקה עד שמי שמים.
המקום ינחם אתכם מתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים.
נחום שטראקס
I miss Zelda, we used to seat together on the gallery in Lubavitch House and she showed me where are we up to if I have got lost in Siddur or Parsha. Her support and understanding were unconditional. I wish to see her and Reb Meishe again soon when our King Moshiach will
come! I feel for her children and grandchildren! BDE!
M. Mocker
Back in the mid 80’S we used to go to their house rite before going to the Rebbe. & her husband used to change money, she would be there……very interesting……i remember her & her husband like yesterday. They both rely touch me…..what wonderful people they were. We will miss both of them.
Boruch Dayan Emes
Can’t believe the news
Very sad
She was so sweet and I loved seeing her and chatting to her.
May she be a מליץ יושר and reunited with her family with the coming of Moshiach
So sad to hear of her passing, I have fond memories spending time in the house, wishing the family many simchas in the future.
Growing up in London and going to school with their kids, I have fond memories of them. Aidel special people. She will be missed
So sad. She was such a wonderful women. I have very fond memories. Condolences to the family.