North Star

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.”