Legacy Of Love: AMIT Yom Iyun Honors Rebbetzin Mimi Mehlman, a’h, and Mrs. Audrey Wagner, a’h

By: Rochelle Maruch Miller

Jackie Bitton served as keynote speaker at the AMIT event

Beth Mehlman, daughter-in-law of Mimi Mehlman, a’h

Genene Kaye, AMIT’s chief development officer

Despite the torrential downpour, a standing-room only crowd filled the Sephardic Temple on Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av. From the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, and beyond, women came together to participate in the extraordinary AMIT Long Island Yom Iyun, an immersive day of Torah learning presented for women, by women.

Arriving at the event, friends greeted each other in an atmosphere of warmth, unity, and spiritual purpose. People of all ages gathered side by side, infusing the room with the energy that arises when women come together to learn, reflect, and grow. But beneath the joy there was a profound sense of remembrance. This year’s Yom Iyun was dedicated to two exemplary n’shei chayil, Rebbetzin Mimi Mehlman, a’h, and Mrs. Audrey Wagner, a’h, remarkable women whose devotion to Torah, education, chesed, and the children of Israel evoked loving memories in all who knew them.

The program featured keynote speaker Jackie Bitton, internationally renowned educator, mashgicha ruchanit, and motivational speaker, who spoke about “Our Words, Our Power,” providing a message about the power of words, a fitting topic for a gathering to honor two women whose own words, actions, and deeds touched countless lives.

Debby Gage, chair of the event, graciously welcomed the guests and opened the outstanding program. Her remarks reflected the spirit of the day and the enduring strength of the AMIT community, whose members share a commitment to Torah values and securing a brighter future for Israel’s children.

The gathering then joined in the recitation of Tehillim for the State of Israel and the tefillah for the Israel Defense Forces. The prayers were led by Jessica Koenigsberg, niece of Rebbetzin Mimi Mehlman, a’h, and Yael Axelrod, granddaughter of Audrey Wagner, a’h. Their participation created a deeply meaningful bridge between the generations. As their voices filled the room, the audience prayed for the safety and security of Israel, the protection of its soldiers, and strength for its people, creating a moment that was both solemn and uplifting, reminding everyone present that Jewish continuity is sustained not only through memory, but through the values and responsibilities transmitted from one generation to the next.

A beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Rebbetzin Mimi Mehlman, a’h, was delivered by her daughter-in-law, Beth Mehlman. Through loving personal memories, Beth conveyed her mother-in-law’s sterling character imbued with a wisdom, devotion, dignity, and warmth that enriched the lives of her family, friends, and community.

To all who knew her, Rebbetzin Mehlman was truly an eishet chayil. She embodied the belief of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt’l, that women’s Torah learning should extend well beyond their formal academic years. For Mimi, Torah study was not merely an intellectual pursuit; it was a lifelong spiritual calling and an essential component of Jewish life. She understood that continued learning gives women the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration to strengthen their families and communities.

A beloved leader and devoted friend, Mimi possessed an unwavering commitment to the children of Israel. Her dedication left an indelible imprint on AMIT and the many women she encouraged to embrace serious Torah learning.

For decades, Rebbetzin Mehlman served with distinction on AMIT’s Board of Governors. Her connection to the organization was more than an honorary affiliation. Being an integral and cherished part of the fabric of AMIT was a true labor of love. She believed deeply in the organization’s mission of educating and nurturing Israel’s children and providing every student, regardless of background or circumstance, with the opportunity to develop his or her potential.

Nearly 30 years ago, Mimi founded the AMIT Yom Iyun on Long Island. Her vision was to bring women together for meaningful Torah study, spiritual elevation, and connection. At a time when advanced Torah learning for women was continuing to develop, Mimi helped create a forum in which women could engage seriously with Torah and draw strength from one another.

The annual Yom Iyun brought together three of her greatest loves: Torah learning, education, and community. Through her determination and foresight, she transformed Rabbi Soloveitchik’s sacred vision of Torah study for women into a vibrant and enduring reality on Long Island.

Year after year, women attended the Yom Iyun and left enriched by the experience. Some came for the scholarly presentations, others for spiritual inspiration, and still others for the profound sense of sisterhood. Each gathering advanced Mimi’s belief that Torah learning does not end with graduation. It’s a lifelong pursuit that deepens faith, sharpens perspective, and provides guidance through every stage of life.

Rebbetzin Mehlman was also the devoted ezer k’negdo of her beloved husband, the esteemed Rabbi Daniel Mehlman, shlita. Together, they raised their sons in a home steeped in Torah, chesed, and communal responsibility. Rebbetzin Mehlman’s influence radiated out from her family to the wider community, where she served as a role model of thoughtful leadership and purposeful Jewish living.

Although her physical presence is deeply missed, the very existence of the Yom Iyun testified to the enduring power of her vision. Every woman who entered the room to learn Torah participated in the fulfillment of Mimi’s dream. Her rich legacy of faith, education, and leadership continues to inspire the next generation.

Another exemplary woman being honored at the Yom Iyun was Mrs. Audrey Wagner, a’h, whose life was defined by compassion, generosity, and service to others.

Blessed with grace, elegance, and a heart of gold, Audrey was a gifted educator who was deeply loved by her family, friends, colleagues, and students. She was a teacher not just by profession, but also through the examples of her daily life. With an exceptional capacity for kindness, compassion, and caring, she made people feel seen, respected, and valued.

Audrey understood that education can alter the course of a child’s life. This conviction naturally drew her to AMIT, whose work reflects the belief that every child deserves dignity, opportunity, and the tools to build a meaningful and productive life.

Audrey and, yibadel l’chaim, her husband, Max, became pillars of chesed and gracious supporters of AMIT through multitudes of initiatives. Their generosity was never simply a matter of providing financial assistance; it reflected a deeply rooted sense of responsibility for the Jewish people and a sincere desire to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Israel.

Audrey’s connection to AMIT began early. Her mother had been a strong advocate for Mizrachi Women, as AMIT was then known, and instilled in her daughter the importance of making a difference. Audrey absorbed her mother’s example and carried that devotion into adulthood.

After marrying Max, Audrey continued to work on behalf of AMIT. Together, they created a family culture grounded in caring, generosity, and communal responsibility. That culture profoundly shaped their four children, ensuring that the values Audrey inherited from her mother would continue through subsequent generations.

To celebrate Audrey’s 90th birthday, her family chose to honor her in a way that reflected the values to which she had dedicated her life. Continuing their multigenerational legacy of devotion to AMIT, the family dedicated the front entryway of AMIT’s Beit Hayeled Youth Village in her honor.

Beit Hayeled serves children from severely challenging family backgrounds, providing them with stability, educational opportunities, emotional support, and a nurturing home. The dedication was a natural and deeply meaningful tribute to a woman who had spent her life championing children in need.

“From a young age, I remember my mother being completely devoted to her work as president of her AMIT chapter,” said Steven, one of Audrey and Max’s four children. “AMIT spoke to her. My mother was a champion of the underprivileged, and AMIT champions underprivileged children. She worked tirelessly and believed deeply in AMIT’s mission of educating children and caring for orphans and those less fortunate.”

Steven recalled that this work touched both of his parents’ souls, particularly when they witnessed the transformation that AMIT could bring about in a child’s life. Children who had endured uncertainty and hardship were given the support necessary to flourish. For Audrey and Max, seeing those lives transformed affirmed the tremendous importance of AMIT’s mission.

“My mother was passionate about helping AMIT,” Steven added. “She believed that everyone should find a worthy cause and devote their efforts to championing that cause.”

That belief captures the essence of Audrey’s life. She did not view chesed as an occasional act. To her it was an ongoing commitment. To champion a cause means to invest one’s heart, energy, and resources over time. Audrey did precisely that, and her dedication created a legacy that her family proudly carries forward.

Genene Kaye, AMIT’s Chief Development Officer, welcomed the participants on behalf of the organization and introduced keynote speaker Jackie Bitton.

An internationally acclaimed motivational speaker with more than 25 years of experience in education, Jackie currently serves as dean of Bnos Bina and Ateres Naava Seminaries founded by Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, z’l, and also serves as mashgicha ruchanit of Yeshivat Lev Torah. She is also a highly sought-after kallah teacher whose engaging style, warmth, and profound insight inspire audiences throughout the world.

Those signature qualities were evident from the moment she began speaking. Jackie immediately captivated her audience with an enthralling and deeply moving personal presentation. Her topic, “Our Words, Our Power,” explored the extraordinary ability of spoken words to shape another person’s identity, courage, and future.

Through the power of her own beautifully prepared presentation, Jackie empowered and moved everyone present. She shared personal encounters and experiences that illustrated how a carefully chosen word can strengthen a struggling person, restore confidence, heal emotional pain, or provide the encouragement necessary to persevere against seemingly overwhelming odds.

Her stories were soul-stirring and transformative, reminding the audience that words are never inconsequential. A sentence uttered casually can remain with another person for years. Words can wound, but they can also heal. They can diminish hope, or they can awaken potential. A sincere compliment, an expression of faith, or a few words of reassurance can change the course of a person’s life.

The message carried particular resonance during the program to honor Rebbetzin Mehlman and Audrey Wagner. Each had used her words and influence to educate, encourage, and uplift. Their legacies demonstrated that meaningful change is often achieved not through dramatic gestures, but through countless acts of kindness, thoughtful conversations, lessons taught, and responsibilities faithfully fulfilled over the course of a lifetime.

Naomi Kaszovitz delivered the closing remarks on behalf of the event committee, expressing appreciation to those who contributed to the success of the Yom Iyun. As the program concluded, participants remained visibly moved by the Torah-infused experience and the powerful tributes conveyed.

The guests then proceeded to the ballroom, where they conversed, connected, and savored a delicious dairy meal masterfully prepared by Genadeen Caterers. The luncheon offered an opportunity for friends to reflect upon the program, renew relationships, and share the inspiration of the morning.

The event was far more than a memorial tribute. It was a living continuation of the values cherished by Rebbetzin Mimi Mehlman, a’h, and Audrey Wagner, a’h as the women learned Torah, recited Tehillim, and strengthened friendships and their bond to the State of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF. Through their example, a new generation witnessed the profound impact that determined, compassionate women can have on their families, communities, and the Jewish people.

May the women of AMIT continue to be a constant source of inspiration and strength to their families and communities. Through their Torah learning, leadership, generosity, and devotion to Israel’s children, may they perpetuate the beautiful legacies and precious memories of Rebbetzin Mimi Mehlman, a’h, and Mrs. Audrey Wagner, a’h, whose lives remind us that a legacy is not confined to the past. A true legacy lives on in every person who has been inspired to learn more deeply, care more generously, speak more thoughtfully, and act with greater purpose. Such is the legacy of these two remarkable women: a heritage of Torah, chesed, education, and above all—love.

Celebrate AMIT’s Centennial in Israel this November. For more information, contact Laurie Georgeou [email protected] or call 212-792-5025.

Founded in 1925, AMIT provides a quality, Jewish values-based education to over 42,900 students in 92 schools throughout Israel. AMIT welcomes all children and levels the playing field, helping them to realize their potential while strengthening Israeli society. To learn more visit AmitChildren.org. 

Rochelle Maruch Miller is a contributing editor for the Five Towns Jewish Times. She is a journalist, creative media consultant, lecturer, educator, and writes for magazines, newspapers, websites, and private clients. She welcomes your comments at [email protected]. Read more of Rochelle Maruch Miller’s articles at 5TJT.com.