Rabbi Morton Hoffman
Age 87, of East Lansing, MI, passed away November 13, 2014. He was born February 2, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of the late Morris and Ida Hoffman.
Rabbi Hoffman was a graduate of Western Reserve University and Hebrew Union College. He served as chaplain in the U.S. Army in Japan. He also served as Rabbi in multiple cities in the U.S. and Israel, most recently for 17 years with Congregation Shaarey Zedek in East Lansing.
Surviving are: daughters Sharona (Andy Podgurski) Hoffman, Ronit Hoffman, Dalia Hoffman, and Yael (Andrew Skol) Hoffman; grandsons Yoni Hoffman Skol, Ezra Hoffman Skol and Avi Hoffman Skol; nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Aviva; 2 brothers Joseph and Irwin; and 2 sisters Nettie and Helen.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2014, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek with Rabbi Amy Bigman and Cantor Pamela Schiffer officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek – Aviva Hoffman Tzedakah Fund or any other fund at Shaarey Zedek or to Sparrow Hospice Services. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
18 Messages to “Rabbi Morton Hoffman”
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Denise and Steve Umans
November 13, 2014 at 5:17 pmOur most sincere condolences to all of the Hoffman family. You are in our thoughts.
Denise and Steve Umans
Alessandra White
November 13, 2014 at 5:48 pmMy deepest condolences to Dalia and her family.
Shellie Leach
November 13, 2014 at 6:10 pmDalia, my friend, you and your family have my love and support during this time. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Miriam and Howard Rudnick and Family
November 13, 2014 at 7:01 pmMay the memory of your beloved father and grandfather, and our beloved uncle, be for a blessing, and may your memories of him bring you comfort. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Tanner
November 13, 2014 at 7:21 pmSharona, Ronit, Dalia and Yael… You have my deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed spending time with your parents when we got together with the grandchildren. His eyes would light up when he was with them. Sorry I am unable to be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you…love, Sandy
Stanley M. Hoffman
November 13, 2014 at 7:30 pmDear Dalia, Ronit, Sharona, Yael and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
With sincere condolences,
Stanley M. Hoffman
Ruth T. Hoffman
Naomi F. Hoffman
Mark Krefman
November 13, 2014 at 7:53 pmMy sympathies and prayers are extended to the Hoffman family and the Congregation. The Rabbi was a learned man, a teacher, and a spiritual leader for me and my family. I am saddened by his death. May his memory be a blessing.
Angela Watters
November 13, 2014 at 8:49 pmSo sorry to all of you. Too much in such a short amount of time. You are all in my thoughts. Love you, Dalia. Call me if you need to talk. Angela
Ellie Ross
November 13, 2014 at 9:24 pmOur prayers are with you. He was my favorite Uncle , rembering all the fun visits when in San Francisco and Florida. he will be missed. All my love. Your Cuz.
Ellie Tanenbaum
November 13, 2014 at 11:31 pmYael
Sending my sympathies and love to all of you.
The Esquenazi Family
November 13, 2014 at 11:56 pmLove you all and share your sadness. Grateful to know that Uncle Mort is out of pain and together with Aviva and his family. I wish we were physically closer to be able to give real hugs. Thinking of you all and praying that in this busy life we are able to get together again. Shalom.
Judy Black
November 14, 2014 at 12:51 amWow, what a great photo. This is how I will remember my Uncle. So many great memories. My thoughts and prayers are with my 4 beautiful cousins. Love and hugs Judy
Christine Fenno & Patrick O'Shaughnessey
November 15, 2014 at 1:59 amWe are friends of Rabbi Hoffman’s daughter Yael and we send the entire family our heartfelt condolences. May you be surrounded by comfort at this time, and may his memory be a blessing.
Rabbi, Raina, Sam and Paula Baroff
November 15, 2014 at 4:50 pmWe send our deepest sympathies to the Hoffman family and to the congregation at Shaarey Zedek. Rabbi Hoffman touched many lives through his caring presence and through his scholarship.
He was a devoted teacher of Torah and an inspired leader of prayer.
His holy work will live on in the hearts of those he touched and the minds of those he taught.
Zichrono livracha..May his memory always be for a blessing.
Robert Herrmann
November 15, 2014 at 5:52 pmDearest Hoffman Family,
Sincerest condolences on the passing of beloved Mort. Both he and your Mom were such important parts of our lives, from all our Bar-Mitzvahs and Ted’s wedding, to the memorials for our parents. Please know how deeply sad we are as we carry him, and all your family in our hearts. All my Love to you. Robert Herrmann-Hall
Marcia and Bill Silver
November 15, 2014 at 8:58 pmWe have so many fond memories of he times we shared together at Temple Beth Am in Miami. We enjoyed Mort chanting as much as he he enjoyed it himself. Family was first with Mort and the close relationship he had with his family was a blessing for all to see and observe in their own home.
We will miss you, Mort, but we know that your “girls” will carry on your proud tradition and we wish them the best of health and many years of happiness.
Dara & Alan Finkelstein
November 16, 2014 at 5:03 pmWe are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and wish you peace and comfort during this sad time.
Jesse Lachter
November 17, 2014 at 9:02 amThe synagogue in Haifa which was led by Rabbi Hoffman continues to exist as a Reform community, and is one of the many testimonials to the lasting effects which continue after the passing of Rabbi Hoffman. He affected people and inspired them on both continents, and may knowledge of this be part of the comfort for his family and all who mourn him.