Aviva Helfand, a beloved member of the Long Beach, CA Jewish community, known for her memorable meals and warm hospitality, passed away on Erev Shabbos, Parshas Vayera, 19 Cheshvan 5787. Full Story
Aviva Helfand, a beloved member of the Long Beach, CA Jewish community, known for her memorable meals and warm hospitality, passed away on Friday, Erev Shabbos Parshas Vayera, 19 Cheshvan 5787.
She was 74.
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 fed and cared for generations of students, teachers, campers and counselors with love and dedication.
Her passion for cooking and serving the community knew no bounds. As one of the few kosher caterers south of LA at the time, she curated beautiful events, cooked and baked 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 early connection to Judaism took shape while living with her grandparents. Her grandfather, Carl Urstein (formerly Orenshtein), was the distinguished cantor of Sinai Temple. Aviva loved listening to him daven at the amud with passion and grace.
A free spirit with a colorful personality, Aviva adopted the hippie life and even briefly lived in a cave in the Big Sur mountains. She later worked alongside her mother, Judy, at her celebrated clothing shop on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. The boutique attracted celebrities and rock stars, from Janis Joplin to Barbra Streisand.
Aviva’s journey took a turn in the 80s when she sent her son, Josh, to the Hebrew Academy (located in Long Beach at the time). Volunteering at their weekly Bingo fundraisers, Aviva made friends with Robin Greenspan, Sora Warhaftig and Angie Levin—friendships that would last a lifetime.
Through those 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 Helfand, at the Shabbos table of the Hershkowitz family. Mottie had also made his own journey from being raised 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 her passing at nine and a half years old in September 2000.
Like Avraham Avinu’s tent, Aviva’s home was always open—a fitting connection to Parshas Vayera, the week of her passing. Her Shabbos and Yom Tov tables regularly welcomed dozens of guests. She kept china for 40, always ready for whoever might walk through her door. The Helfand home 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 Sarah Imeinu’s passing and the continuation of her legacy. Aviva, too, leaves a lasting legacy. The warmth, generosity, and love Aviva shared so freely continues to live on through her family and all those fortunate enough to have known her. Aviva will forever hold a cherished place in the annals of the Long Beach Chabad community.
She was predeceased by her husband, Mottie Helfand, in 5770; her daughter, Mindy, in September 2000; and her son, Joshua Hofer, in 5785.
She is survived by her children, Yosef Helfand and Esther Nolan, and their families, all of Long Beach, California; her sister, Nili Hudson, of Mar Vista, California; her grandchildren; and many others that were like family to her.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
