Teaneck—When Bryna Malitzky retires at the end of this year, her presence will be missed in more than her capacity as the engine that keeps the Teaneck Mikvah going. The smooth operation of the evening mikvah, the keylim mikvah and the Sterling Place mikvah is largely due to Malitzky’s time and efforts during the day.

Malitzky moved to Teaneck almost 20 years ago, from Kew Gardens Hills, where she had been president of the local mikvah. She was immediately recruited to help with the Teaneck mikvah. “Bryna ran the day-to-day operations as a volunteer before and during the construction of the new mikvah,” explained Miriam Greenspan, the past president of the Teaneck Mikvah, and the force behind the mikvah expansion project. “It was obvious that Bryna was the right choice to continue running the mikvah after it was completed. She not only had the skills, but she had the devotion. The passion,” continued Greenspan.

As anyone who has worked behind the scenes at the mikvah knows, however, Malitzky’s dedication to the success of the mikvah does not end when she goes home from her office. Alisa Levy, the mikvah’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed, “Bryna’s dedication to the mikvah and to this community is awe inspiring. The mikvah has been a labor of love for her.”

Her dedication has helped the 18-room, four-mikvah facility to become a point of pride for the community. The women from the Teaneck area truly appreciate the aesthetics of the mikvah, as it enhances the performance of this essential mitzvah. Mikvaot from all over the United States have called on Bryna for advice and tours as they construct or improve their local mikvaot.”

“Bryna was involved in the mikvah at a critical time,” explained mikvah president Nomi Rotblat. “From the beginning of the construction of the Windsor Road mikvah, to the start and completion of the Friday night mikvah [on Sterling Place, in southern Teaneck], she was invaluable in establishing a solid foundation for the continued success of the Teaneck Mikvah Association, and the enhancement of Taharat Hamishpacha in this community.”

Malitzky herself downplays the praises of the women she has come to work with and admire over the years. She explained that originally the mikvah needed someone to take care of its bookkeeping, and that is her strength, so she was happy to get involved and apply her skills. “Miriam [Greenspan] and I really complemented each other. We worked off of each other’s strengths together,” she said. Many of her warmest relationships have evolved from her mikvah involvement as well. “One of the greatest gifts that came out of all of this is my relationship with Miriam Feman, head shomeret,” she continued.

Malitzky and Levy, having worked together fine tuning many of the operational details of the mikvah, also became very close over the years. “Bryna is incredibly giving. She is a role model of dedication, generosity and chesed, always baking, organizing and rolling up her sleeves for others. She is always the first one to volunteer, to reach out, to act when others need assistance.”

Malitzky meets a few times a month with Rotblatt, Levy, Greenspan and Ruchi Tiger, the treasurer for the mikvah. They review usage, staffing, finances, maintenance issues, comments, feedback and any other issues that can be addressed to sustain and even improve on the success of the mikvah. Malitzky adds, “We are fortunate to have women from across the community, shuls and schools who take an active role in supporting and maintaining the mikvah.”

Malitzky’s retirement has become bittersweet for everyone involved in the mikvah. As much as they look back and appreciate all her accomplishments, her dedication will be missed. As Miriam Feman remarked, “It is only now starting to hit me that I won’t be working with Bryna anymore. It really has been a very wonderful experience.”

Women are invited to join the community as they pay tribute to Malitzky’s dedication to the Teaneck Mikvah on November 23, at Congregation Keter Torah. Not only does this give everyone a chance to thank Malitzky, but it is also the mikvah’s annual major fundraiser. The mikvah usage is close to 1,000 patrons a month. Mikvah usage fees, however, do not cover the operating expenses, and the generosity of the community, and the sponsorships available for the dinner, continue to ensure the mikvah’s consistent service.

To enhance the evening, the dinner will feature performances from The Stern College B’Notes. Everyone is encouraged to attend what is sure to be a wonderful evening with women from throughout the Teaneck, Bergenfield, New Milford and extended communities. Please visit https://teaneckmikvah.adjournal.com/event.aspx to register for this meaningful evening.

By Jenny Gans