In the Spirit of the Rebbe
Mr. Paul Hoffman, San Francisco, CA;
In 1975 Paul became acquainted with Chabad in Berkeley. As Paul became more observant, he assisted Rabbi Yosef Langer in many of the various Chabad programs. Paul would make a daily commute from his home in Berkley to volunteer for Chabad in San Francisco.
Paul was involved in all facets of activities at Chabad. He worked tirelessly to facilitate the growth of Judaism in the bay area. He was always there to help his fellow Jews with tremendous care and compassion. He humorously told people he was Chabad’s oldest errand boy working in the country.
At Chabad, Paul became part of the furniture. He was drawn to Judaism for the sense of community and to help nourish his Jewish identity. His exploration of his Jewish roots gave him a purpose in life, and he became friendly with the many students that passed through the Chabad house.
Later in life, when he developed Lou Gehrig’s disease, Rabbi Langer and his wife assisted Paul in finding the best medical care possible. From doctors and social workers, to hospital visits and trips to the pharmacy, the Langer’s were at his side. With his disease deteriorating, they arranged for care givers to help him. He moved in with Rabbi Langer and was adored by his family.
Paul’s legacy gift has allowed Chabad to continue the work he cared so much about. He was particularly interested in the education of Jewish youth, a subject which was very dear to him.
