Malka Tennenbaum MeZahav z"l

January 25, 1938 – May 10, 2025

Malka Tennenbaum MeZahav passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Malka, sister to Amos z”l and Shlomo, was the only daughter born to Yerachmiel and Sarah Tennenbaum, on January 25,1938, in Tel Aviv, Israel. During her youth, she was an active member of Bnei Akiva. She earned a B.A. from Bar-Ilan University, proudly part of its first graduating class, and later completed an M.A. in Early Childhood Development. Continuing her academic journey in the United States, she obtained a second master’s degree in School Administration from Fordham University.

At 20, Malka met her bashert, Menachem. They married on March 12,1959, and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. In their early years together, they lived in Ramat Gan, Israel, where Malka—a gifted and passionate educator—worked as a consultant for the newly established Israeli Educational Television, helping to shape its foundational content.

In 1970, they relocated to Belle Harbor, Queens, where they built their family home. Malka spent over a decade teaching at the Robert Gordis Day School, eventually rising to the position of Assistant Principal. A devoted figure in the New York Conservative Jewish movement, she contributed to the development of educational materials that enriched Jewish learning across communities. Later, as the Executive Director of Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, NY, she embraced her role with heart and soul. Renowned for her dedication to academic excellence and her warmth, she fostered deep, lasting relationships with students, families, and staff. Under her leadership, the school received numerous accolades. Universally adored, Malka was remembered as everyone’s favorite teacher, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In 2010, Malka and Menachem moved to Charlotte, NC, to be closer to their daughter Talia, son-in-law Steven, and grandchildren Elleana and Jake. Malka loved fiercely—and was fiercely loved in return. Her grandchildren, and later her great-grandson Raphi, were blessed to call her Savta.

Malka remained deeply connected to her Jewish heritage and had a profound love for Israel. In Charlotte, she became a cherished member of both Temple Israel and Chabad of Charlotte. She deeply valued the Sandra Levine Jewish Community Center, where she taught adult Melton classes, spoke frequently at Oasis programs, and continued mentoring others.

Malka is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Menachem MeZahav; her brother Shlomo Tennenbaum, daughter Talia (Steven) Goldman; son Amatzya MeZahav; grandchildren Elleana (Jason) Goldman-Chalil and Jacob Goldman; and great-grandson Raphael “Raphi" Chalil.

A graveside service was held at the Hebrew Cemetery on May 11, 2025.

In Malka’s memory, donations may be made to:

• The Malka Fund for Jewish Education at Beth Shalom of Roslyn Heights

https://tbsroslyn.shulcloud.com/form/donation-form

• Jewish Preschool on Sardis - https://jpskids.org/support-jps/

• The Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center https://engage.queens.edu/register/greensponcentercircleofsupport