Irving Gelman Obituary

January 24, 1925 - March 4, 2018 Irving (Yitzchok) Gelman, the Holocaust survivor who became the founder of Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School, in loving memory of his daughter, Naomi Gelman Weiss, passed away on March 4, 2018. Irving became the "Papa" of many as he touched the community through his generosity, vision, tenacity and devout belief that every Jewish child deserves a stellar Jewish education. Irving believed that the key to the Jewish survival is lifelong learning. Since its opening in 1991, Tarbut has grown from 36 students to a flourishing TK-12 college preparatory school with over 500 students, making it one of the largest Jewish Day Schools in the nation. By the sheer force of his personality and his gift for making visions come to fruition, Irving rose above the struggles of the Holocaust and his arrival to the United States in 1946 from Hosht, Poland, with only $5.60 in his pocket. He married his sweetheart, Rochelle (Rachel), who hid during the Holocaust with Irving and his family in a hole on a Ukranian woman's farm, on July 4, 1947. Irving will be remembered as a charismatic leader, "Papa" to all, and a messenger of quality Jewish education to Orange County, earned by his uncompromising persistence and determination. Irving lost his daughter Naomi in 1989 when she was 38 years old, his grandson Joshua Joseph in 1993 when he was 7 years old and his son Glenn in 2014 when he was 60. No stranger to the trials of life, he still maintained a smile and his sense of humor. Irving is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rochelle, his son-in-law Lou Weiss, his grandchildren, Lonny Weiss (and Allison), Rebecca Duel, Leora Robles (and Adam), Elana Roumell (and Anthony), Lavy Weiss, Lyla Weiss and Jake Weiss, and his great-grandchildren, Noah, Ari and Levy Robles, Aviva Roumell, and Noah Weiss. Irving "Papa" Gelman, Yitzchok ben Litman HaLevy v'Fraidel, was an incredibly special and truly one of a kind. We can anticipate that his legacy will continue for many generations to come. Papa Gelman, Chai, Chai, v'Kayam (Papa Gelman lives and endures).

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Irving Gelman

5 Entries

Joe Bennett

July 20, 2020

Irving was a generous and kind visionary. It was a pleasure to know him.

Raylene Rebai

March 5, 2019

Thinking of you today, as I have on several occasions, except today my heart is a little heavy as I remember teaching at our Tarbut Community Day School in Costa Mesa (before moving to the impressive school site you have now). One of the first things I remember as I sat there waiting to be interview by Mrs. Gelman; was the welcoming environment - good feeling it held. I instantly thought what a great community this would be to work in. Then I met you and I could see why your school was so special. It is because of you; you put your heart and soul into your school and it shows. I wanted to become part of that community and hoped I would have the opportunity to contribute. When I returned to my home, after our interview, and found a message waiting for me, offering me the position as your technology teacher. I felt blessed. Truly blessed and thankful to be given the opportunity to be a part of your dream for your school, the children, teachers and staff.

Teaching at Tarbut is still one of my most cherished experiences I had as a teacher.

You are miss very much, Mr. Gelman. You gave so much of yourself to your school community and the larger community as well. I will always hold fond memories of my time at your school.

Thank you for all your time and dedication. You leave a beautiful legacy for your family and your community.

Always in my thoughts,

Raylene Rebai

November 15, 2018

I am very sorry to learn of Mr. Gelman's passing. I will remember him with fond memories of his kindness, sensitive and caring nature. I have admired Mr. Gelman from the day I first met him in 1995. He was very committed to his dream of building a quality educational experience for the students of Tarbut V Torah; supportive of the school staff and always present. I have thought of him often; speak very highly of him and share his amazing life story with my family, friends and fellow educators.

March 9, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of your lost. I want to extend my most sincere condolences to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in knowing that God keeps those who die in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15

March 9, 2018

Please accept my condolences for your loss.May the God of all comfort help your family at this difficult time.

2Thessalonians 2: 16,17.

PL.

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