On Sunday night, November 1, the cafeteria at the Bais Yaakov Academy of Queens was filled to standing room only as family, friends, students, and community members gathered for an inspiring event commemorating the first yahrzeit of Mrs. Binah Kasirer a”h. The event was coordinated by Mrs. Khavi Rosenshein, Principal of Bnot Yaakov, and Mrs. Nechama Jurkowitz, Limudei Kodesh Principal of the Bais Yaakov of Queens.
Mrs. Rosenshein welcomed everyone and shared that the Bais Yaakov of Queens was the perfect place to hold the event, as this special makom had been Mrs. Kasirer’s home away from home. She recalled that Binah Kasirer was a good friend and that it was difficult to fathom that an entire year had passed since her p’tirah. She explained that s’farim teach us that on the day of a yahrzeit, the neshamah descends to this world, unrestricted by boundaries of time or place. “She’s here with us tonight,” she said. Mrs. Rosenshein described Mrs. Kasirer as an ordinary person who became extraordinary through her constant efforts to stretch herself and grow.
Next, Mrs. Jurkowitz shared that her connection to Mrs. Kasirer began 40 years ago, at Mrs. Jurkowitz’s own chuppah, when Mrs. Kasirer’s sister approached her and asked her to daven for her sister. “I truly believe that Hashem orchestrates who the people are in our lives and who will be on our radar,” she said, emphasizing that every relationship offers something for us to learn.
Pointing to the room full of students attending the event, Mrs. Jurkowitz noted that they were living proof of the tremendous impact Mrs. Kasirer had made. She referenced the pasuk describing Yaakov’s dream of a ladder reaching toward Heaven, explaining that the ladder reminded her of Mrs. Kasirer, whose feet were firmly planted on the ground but whose aspirations were always directed upward.
Throughout her tribulations, Mrs. Kasirer never complained, instead repeatedly expressing how much chizuk she received from her husband and family. She was a remarkable, ordinary person who became extraordinary in her ability to transcend challenges. She would constantly remind herself, “Binah, Hashem is testing you,” viewing every difficulty as an opportunity to grow.
Her family brought her tremendous joy and nachas, giving her so much to look forward to. Mrs. Jurkowitz emphasized that everyone could learn invaluable lessons in emunah and bitachon from her example.
Rabbi Kasirer then addressed the gathering, beginning by thanking the event’s coordinators. “My goal tonight is to bring glory to our King. That was Binah’s goal in life,” he said.
He explained that his wife saw the greatness in other people as a reflection of the greatness of Hashem and spent her life speaking about His greatness. If one word could describe what made her outstanding, he said, it would be “loyalty.”
Loyalty means remaining committed even when the path is difficult and uphill, keeping one’s eyes focused on the ultimate goal. Hashem loves loyalty, he explained, and chose Avraham because of his unwavering commitment to the right path.
“That was Binah! She was loyal to Hashem, to her family, to the Bais Yaakov of Queens, to her talmidos, and to all those who needed her.”
Rabbi Kasirer shared that when his wife wasn’t feeling well on Erev Shabbos, he offered to purchase prepared food for Shabbos, but she adamantly refused. She loved the mitzvah of preparing for Shabbos and insisted on cooking herself in honor of Shabbos. Her dedication extended to her children as well. When their boys were young, she rose early each morning to drive them to yeshivah, insisting that this was her mitzvah.
On her last Yom Kippur, despite the pain she experienced while standing, she went to shul and remained standing throughout the entire N’ilah. Rabbi Kasirer emphasized that she remained faithful to Hashem through every hardship.
Her loyalty to the Bais Yaakov was equally remarkable. Even when she was unwell, she continued teaching through Zoom, and the girls would squeeze together on the screen because they wanted her to see them. They knew how much she loved them.
Mrs. Kasirer was devoted not only to her students but also to anyone who turned to her for help. Just two nights before her p’tirah, she spent an hour and a half on the phone helping someone strengthen her emunah and bitachon.
Rabbi Kasirer cited a teaching in the Gemara demonstrating that everything in this world, even seemingly mundane matters, comes from Hashem. His wife used every aspect of her life as an opportunity to connect to Him and bring Him happiness.
For family birthdays, she decorated with streamers and balloons, thanking Hashem for another year of life. She transformed the physical into the spiritual, taking everyday experiences and elevating them. Even when she received a new dress, she viewed it as an opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of tz’nius.
She taught her students that there are two considerations in life: what you want to do and what is the right thing to do.
Mrs. Kasirer lived with the understanding that when a person is bound to Hashem, that person cannot also be shackled by negative emotions such as jealousy, revenge, depression, anger, or hatred.
She identified deeply with her neshamah and was exceptionally attuned to the needs of others. Rabbi Kasirer shared a teaching of Rav Henoch Leibowitz zt”l, explaining that someone might become so accustomed to the sound of a train passing outside that she could sleep through it, yet the faintest whimper from her baby would awaken her immediately. This is because her baby is so important to her. Our ability to hear is influenced by the value we place on particular sounds, and we naturally become attuned to what matters most to us.
During Mrs. Kasirer’s final Rosh HaShanah, a student mentioned that she and her mother had never attended shul on Rosh HaShanah. Mrs. Kasirer decided to take her students on a tour of the Rosh HaShanah machzor, teaching with such passion and enthusiasm that they would appreciate the beauty of the t’filos and understand what they were missing. Later, that student told her that she and her mother had gone to shul for Rosh HaShanah.
Rabbi Kasirer also shared a moving dream in which he saw his wife standing in the hallway at the Bais Yaakov, holding one of the three grandchildren named Binah in her memory. At first, he wondered why she appeared at the Bais Yaakov rather than at home, but he soon realized how appropriate it was to see her in a place that had meant so much to her.
Following Rabbi Kasirer’s remarks, Mrs. Kasirer’s daughter, Rebbetzin Devorah Galili, spoke. She expressed how touching it was to see so many people who still felt connected to her mother and wanted to maintain that connection. Mrs. Kasirer taught by example, demonstrating how to balance a close relationship with Hashem, sensitivity to others, and a commitment to personal growth.
Her davening was deeply sincere, as she spoke to Hashem as her loving Father. Hashem was truly a member of their family, and even the preparations for Shabbos reflected that relationship. Mrs. Kasirer looked forward to Shabbos with excitement, playing music as she prepared and setting the table early.
She also used her own experiences and challenges to offer advice, encouragement, and support to others. At Camp Dora Golding, she made a special effort to welcome new families and help them feel comfortable.
Rebbetzin Galili recalled that her mother was always working on herself. When facing something difficult, she would say, “This is hard, but Hashem is doing it, so it’s good, and I will work on accepting it with ahavah.”
She maintained a daily routine of learning s’farim devoted to emunah and hakaras ha’tov, and she possessed a genuine simchas ha’chayim. She appreciated everything she had, and her love of life and Hashem gave her the strength to keep going.
Her daughter described her as a role model for the entire family and noted that many special programs have since been launched in her memory. “She was an inspiration, and she continues to inspire all of us!”
Mrs. Faige Sauber then spoke about her close relationship with Mrs. Kasirer, with whom she had learned for 20 summers. She recalled how Mrs. Kasirer brought life, fun, and positivity to the women at Camp Dora Golding, creating a lasting culture of unity and warmth. She saw the good in everyone, never treated anyone as a stranger, and made sure no one was left out. The culture she established became so firmly rooted that it was woven into the very essence of the camp. Everything she did came from the heart, and she never judged others.
Mrs. Sauber shared several meaningful quotes from Mrs. Kasirer, including, “Hashem doesn’t always answer your prayers the way you expect, but He always answers them in the way you need.” Another favorite saying was, “Hashem gives us challenges so we can grow into people who can handle them.” Mrs. Sauber emphasized how deeply Binah appreciated everything in her life. “I gained from being her friend. Everyone learned so much from her.”
Next, Mrs. Tzvia Loiterman shared how Mrs. Kasirer had inspired her through the shiurim she delivered at Camp Dora Golding, which drew everyone together. “She taught me life lessons,” Mrs. Loiterman said.
Inspired by Mrs. Kasirer, Mrs. Loiterman began keeping a hashgachah pratis notebook to record the ways she recognized Hashem’s involvement in her daily life. She explained that this practice helped her notice Hashem’s presence even in the smallest details and recognize His hugs and kisses during difficult times.
All those who attended the event received beautiful notebooks of their own, encouraging them to begin recording the hashgachah pratis they experience each day.
Thank you to the coordinators for arranging such a beautiful and inspiring event. May Mrs. Kasirer’s family, students, and all those who knew her find comfort, and may her extraordinary example continue to inspire everyone whose life she touched.
Anyone interested in viewing the event can email Rabbi Kasirer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a link.
By Susie Garber
