On Motza’ei Shabbos, February 8, the community gathered for a remarkable melaveh malkah at the Young Israel of Queens Valley held in commemoration of the third yahrzeit of Bryna Bracha bas Aryeh Yaakov a”h. The evening was a blend of inspiration, warmth, and remembrance, celebrating a life of chesed, Torah, and unyielding faith.
Mrs. Rena Greenberg, Bryna’s mother, opened the evening with heartfelt remarks. She shared, “Bryna Bracha had a way of making everyone feel special, of seeing the good in others and elevating them with her kindness.” She spoke about her daughter’s love to take on acts of kindness for others, her love for Torah, and her ability to touch the lives of those around her. She emphasized the importance of carrying forward Bryna Bracha’s legacy by continuing acts of chesed and generosity in her memory.
Rabbi Eliezer Gewirtzman, Rav of Congregation Yekusiel Mordechai Mishkoltz in Lakewood, and poseik for Agudah’s Chayim Aruchim and Beth Medrash Govoha’s Gefen Poriah, spoke of Bryna Bracha’s unparalleled ability to bring light to those around her and uplift others with sincerity and depth. Rabbi Gewirtzman explored the ways in which Bryna Bracha’s spirit continues to uplift others, even beyond her time in this world. He also connected his message to the words of Shiras HaYam, emphasizing the significance of recognizing Hashem’s presence in every moment of life.
Rabbi Gewirtzman elaborated on the words of the Machzor Vitri and Rabbi Chaim Brisker, explaining how shirah is only recited when we witness Hashem’s strength and redemption personally. Bryna Bracha embodied this concept, living each day with the awareness that she was experiencing Hashem’s kindness in a deeply personal way.
He further explored the idea that tzadikim remain “alive” even after their passing. He explained that true tzadikim continue to influence the world through their deeds and the people they inspire. He shared a moving story of a friend who faced a difficult illness but continued to inspire others with his emunah. Similarly, he described how Bryna Bracha, in her final days, radiated faith and joy, strengthening those around her. He connected this idea to the Jewish custom of reciting Kaddish on a yahrzeit, explaining that Hashem reassesses a neshamah annually based on the continued positive influence the neshamah has in this world.
Rabbi Yedidya Berzon, Rosh Mosdot Mevaseret, emphasized that Bryna Bracha was someone who always recognized Hashem’s hand in everything she did. He shared reflections on her love for Torah and her ability to lift others spiritually, ensuring that her presence would be felt long after she was gone. He quoted Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, who taught that true emunah permeates a person’s entire being, even reaching one’s hands. This teaching was embodied by Bryna Bracha, whose unwavering faith and commitment to Torah influenced everyone around her.
Through a moving video presentation, family and friends shared deeply personal reflections, painting a vivid picture of Bryna Bracha’s boundless kindness, her passion for learning, and the profound joy she found in helping others. Her passion for Torah, her deep love for Eretz Yisrael, and her commitment to ensuring that others had access to Torah learning were beautifully illustrated.
Through the establishment of Bryna’s Legacy MMY Scholarship Fund, her dream of making Torah learning accessible to all continues to be realized. This fund provides scholarships above and beyond MMY’s existing financial aid, ensuring that no young woman is denied the opportunity to learn in Eretz Yisrael due to financial constraints. It is a testament to Bryna Bracha’s belief that every Jewish woman should have the opportunity to engage deeply with Torah and grow in her avodas Hashem.
Perhaps the most stirring moment of the evening was a recollection of a conversation with Bryna Bracha just days before her p’tirah. Despite her physical weakness, she exuded an unshakable vibrancy, her emunah radiating in every word. As recounted, she lived her life with the full embodiment of ki gamal alai, recognizing Hashem’s miracles even in the most challenging moments.
The night culminated in an emotional and uplifting call to action, as attendees were encouraged to take an active role in continuing Bryna Bracha’s legacy. The energy in the room was palpable as people came together, contributing generously to The Bryna Greenberg MMY Legacy Scholarship Fund, ensuring that her passion for Torah and chesed will continue to inspire future generations.
May Bryna Bracha bas Aryeh Yaakov’s neshamah have an aliyah, and may we each take upon ourselves to walk in her path: spreading her light, embodying her kindness, and living with the same unwavering emunah that defined her extraordinary soul.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
