Mrs. Egosah Reichmann transmitted joy, warmth, and a love of Yiddishkeit into everyone she touched

Egosah Reichmann a”h, whose shloshim has just passed, was known for her combination of joie de vivre, elegance, and strict adherence to Yiddishkeit. “So many people described her as ‘regal,’ ” says Breindy Koenig, her daughter. “But ‘regal’ sounds stiff, as if she were standoffish or formal. That couldn’t be more untrue! During her shivah, the most-repeated thing people said was how tremendously warm, friendly, and approachable she was.”

The daughter of a diamond merchant, Egosah Reichmann had her own sparkle. She was a people-lover who could connect with anybody,  from the household help to politicians and diplomats. While her bearing was aristocratic, her attitude toward other people was profoundly democratic.

A Jew was a Jew regardless of title or financial status, and every human being has a tzelem Elokim, deserving of respect. At the same time, she held herself and her family to high standards of behavior and Yiddishkeit, insisting that they always be presentable, well-mannered, and considerate of others.

Although her husband Reb Beri (Albert) and his brothers would eventually achieve financial success, the Reichmanns remained down to earth. “My parents always lived normal lives,” says son Duddy Reichmann. “Money was primarily considered a means to do chesed and ma’asim tovim. Any luxuries that were acquired — first-class airline tickets, jewelry for my mother — were my father’s initiative, as he loved to care for her graciously.”