Aviva HelfandBeloved member of the Jewish community of Long Beach, California, known for her memorable meals and warm hospitality, died on Erev Shabbat, Parshas Vayera, 19 Cheshvan 5787.
Aviva HelfandBeloved member of the Jewish community of Long Beach, California, known for her memorable meals and warm hospitality, died Friday, Erev Shabbos Parshas Vayera, 19 Cheshvan 5787.
She was 74 years old.
Legendary for her warm hospitality and delicious food, Aviva ran the kitchen at the Hebrew Academy of Huntington Beach and Camp Silver Gan Israel. She nurtured and cared for generations of students, teachers, campers and counselors with love and dedication.
His passion for cooking and serving the community knew no bounds. As one of the few kosher caterers in South Los Angeles at the time, she hosted wonderful events, catered and cooked for countless families and communities throughout Long Beach and Orange County. Her elegant cakes were often the centerpiece of simchas, renowned for tasting as good as they looked.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Aviva’s first connections to Judaism took shape while living with her grandparents. His grandfather, Carl Urstein (formerly Orenshtein), was the distinguished cantor of the Sinai Temple. Aviva loved listening to Daven at Amud with passion and grace.
A free spirit with a colorful personality, Aviva embraced the hippie life and even briefly lived in a cave in the mountains of Big Sur. She later worked alongside her mother, Judy, at her famous clothing boutique on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. The store attracted celebrities and rock stars, from Janis Joplin to Barbra Streisand.
Aviva’s journey took a turn in the 1980s when she sent her son, Josh, to Hebrew Academy (located at the time in Long Beach). While volunteering at their weekly Bingo fundraisers, Aviva made friends with Robin Greenspan, Sora Warhaftig and Angie Levin, friendships that will last a lifetime.
Through these connections, Aviva gradually returned to her family’s roots and embraced a life of Torah, Mitzvos, and Chassidus (Aviva’s great-grandparents were Chassidim of the Frierdiker Rebbe in Eretz Yisroel).
After moving to Crown Heights, Aviva met her husband, Mottie Helfandat the Hershkowitz family’s Shabbos table. Mottie had also made her own journey from growing up on Broadway to becoming a Chossid. Together they returned to Long Beach and built a home known for its warmth, generosity and hospitality.
A devoted mother, Aviva gave tirelessly to the community while caring for her daughter Mindy, who was born with special needs. She cared for Mindy with extraordinary love and dedication until she passed away at the age of nine and a half in September 2000.
Like Avraham Avinu’s tent, Aviva’s house was always open – a fitting connection to Parshas Vayera, the week of his death. His Shabbat and Yom Tov tables regularly welcomed dozens of guests. She kept china for 40 years, always ready to welcome anyone who came through her door. The Helfand House provided delicious meals and a place where everyone felt welcomed, cared for and part of the family.
Shiva took place during the week of Parshas Chayei Sarah, which recounts the passing of Sarah Imeinu and the continuation of her legacy. Aviva also leaves a lasting legacy. The warmth, generosity and love that Aviva shared so freely continues to live on through her family and all those lucky enough to know her. Aviva will forever hold a treasured place in the annals of the Chabad community of Long Beach.
She was predeceased by her husband, Mottie Helfand, in 5770; his daughter, Mindy, in September 2000; and his son, Joshua Hoferin 5785.
She leaves to mourn her children, Joseph Helfand And Esther Nolanand their families, all of Long Beach, California; his sister, Nili Hudsonfrom Mar Vista, California; his grandchildren; and many others who were like family to her.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
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