My fondest memories of Reb Zelik were those special times when I would surprise him with a visit at his apartment.  The front door was always open, and there I would find him sitting in his overstuffed chair. Sometimes he would be napping, and I would make sure not to startle him.  I would start singing a tune to gently awaken him, and he would open his eyes, those wonderful twinkling eyes, and give me a broad smile.  We would sit and talk, and sometimes, watch a television program together.

On one visit, I had learned of his birthday from Rabbi Paltiel, and brought in a small cake with lit candles.  I began to sing, "Happy Birthday" as I entered, and before I knew it, his buddies from the other 3 apartments (whose doors were also open most of the time) came in and joined me in song.  We had a great celebration, singing songs, clapping hands and laughing.

 

Zelik wasn't the lucky one that day~ I was.  It was a privilege and an honor to be in his company, and any time I could bring a "twinkle and a smile" to this wonderful man's face, I felt blessed. 

 

Carol Arnold 

Me and my two daughters were fortunate enough to be able to meet Zelik this past summer in Port Washington. It was an amazing moment that... never will I be able to forget.
Zelik was a very special man with a very hard history who touched our hearts. Thank you Ellen for introducing  Zelik in our life.
We'll never forget him.
Marga de la Vega, from Madrid, Spain

Reb Zelik - A Multi-Minyanaire

My fondest memories of Reb Zelik, are what took place during the daily minyan (prayer service) every morning.

Zelik would open the door before 7am each morning. It could be raining, it could be hailing, Zelik was there.

At 7 o'clock he was already at the Amud ready to begin. Before you could blink this precious Jew who davened (prayed) like he was still in “Piolin” (Poland) took off! Five minutes to Barchu, another ten until the repetition of the Amidah.

He davened out loud, and trust me you couldn't make out the words, but it was so sweet, so “geshmak”! He had such enthusiasm that is was almost contagious!

After davening was over is when the fun really started. Zelik was always the first with a joke, which would make everybody smile. He had his competition - Robi and Alan of course. After that he would discuss the day’s plans (“You will be my partner, and we’ll rob a bank, and split the profit”), and leave us all in a jolly mood.

For all of us who are a part of the daily minyan, this was the daily routine. But if you have not been there, try it! Zelik did it - you can too!

Sunday morning at 9am; every other day of the week at 7am. It is just over a half hour, the best way to start the day.          

I will miss him greatly.  He loved to sing with me  "Ha Yom, Ha Yom" on Rosh Hashanah. It won't be the same without him.
He also loved to sing with me the different versions of Adon Olam I sang on Shabbos.
                                                            Marshall Hubsher

Chabad Dinner 2007

Zelik was a very good friend and I will miss him. Ellen  

Courtesy of Rob Salzbank

Zelik with Tefilin wrapped over his number as he led the morning minyan in Chabad.

Zelik was a special man who touched all of our lives at the Chabad. Although his presents will be missed his spirit will live on at every event at the Chabad. It will alway be easy to imagine Zelik with us as we daven and celebrate. I know my family and I will greatly miss him.
                                                   A Member of Chabad