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Jacob Nissim Bensussen

1967 - 2010

BORN

1967

DIED

2010

Jacob Bensussen Obituary

Jacob Bensussen, 43, passed away in his sleep on March 1, 2010, in Jerusalem, Israel.
Beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend, he was born on February 17th, 1967, in Mexico City.
He is survived by his parents, Abot and Isaac Bensussen of San Diego; his widow, Rebecca Bensussen and children, Miriam and Chaim-Joseph of Jerusalem; and siblings, Melia, Becky and William Benjamin.
He was a graduate of Jerusalem's Aish Ha'Torah Yeshiva, and a friend to anyone in need. His great spirituality, tremendous sense of humor, sensitivity and creativity will be greatly missed.
A wonderful website to learn more about Jake: www.rememberingyaakov.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Jolla Light (Online) from Mar. 17 to Apr. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacob Bensussen

Sponsored by A Family Friend.

76 Entries

Isaac Bensussen (Jacob's father_

March 8, 2024

Dear son. Thinking of you all the time; especially today. You left us so, so young.. You did not even have a chance of meeting Chaim Yosef wife Shira and their baby. Beautiful boy.Good bless him and keep him to an old age.
But who knows. Maybe you have seen Chaim's wife and your grandson from where you are. I hope so. Love you always son.

Isaac Bensussen

February 18, 2023

Dear son. Your mom thinks of you every day. We all miss you and love you but your mother talks about you every day. You are in her heart always. Love you son.

Mama

February 17, 2023

Your son, Chaim Yosef is going to be a father. G-d willing. You are so missed and loved. Your daughter, Mimi, married a wonderful guy y;ou would like as much as daddy and i do.

Isaac Bensussen

March 8, 2020

Dear son. We miss you every day. Tomorrow evening your son Chaim Yosef is going to say Kaddish at your grave in Jerusalem with many people that knew you and loved you. We will light a candle tomorrow evening and think of you on your Jewish anniversary.

Elana Kahn

March 8, 2020

I can't believe it's been 10 years already. I wish you could have met your nieces and nephew. They have all grown so much. You are sorely missed.

Joan Casale

March 8, 2019

Jake was such a happy guy, and Im so sorry hes gone. He made a lot of people smile, and we all miss him!

Melia Bensussen

March 2, 2015

Oh Jakey you are so much on my mind.
Images of little rascally you abound in my memories. Your big sis.

March 1, 2015

Five long years without you! More present in your absence. Never forgotten, always loved. My heart breaks with the pain of losing you. Mama

February 28, 2015

Jake....we miss you so much and hope that you know hope much everyone loved you. You always made us laugh with your humor. Love, your cousin Helen Monica

Isaac Bensussen

February 27, 2015

Dear son: It's been five years since your death and our hearts are still broken and I am sure will remain broken forever. I hope you are in a wonderful place where you are spreading happiness with your wonderful sense of humor and beautiful voice. Your father and mother.

Joan T. Casale

December 2, 2013

As a family friend of the Bensussens since July 4, 1976, I met Jake when he was a little boy who had just arrived in San Diego from Mexico City. His bar mitzvah was the first I ever attended. Years later he was a rabbi in Las Vegas with a radio show. On an unusually warm Saturday afternoon while he was visiting home, he turned to me, the shabbos goy (goyette?), and asked, “Joan, would you please open the refrigerator and get me a Coke?”

I knew the rules and how to get around them. “Jake, why didn't you unscrew the light bulb so that when the door opened, you wouldn't be ‘lighting a fire on the Sabbath'?”

“If I did that,” he replied, “then Grandma wouldn't be able to see.”

It was a kind and thoughtful reply, so I opened the refrigerator door and fulfilled his wish.

Jake had a good heart and we all miss him very much.

Joan T. Casale
aka Joan C. Watkins

Norma Orci

May 18, 2013

I will always remember you as I knew you: a bright and witty boy full of fun and mischief. And absolutely gorgeous.

February 23, 2013

My dear brother
You're so present for me these days, but it's as your much younger self, the adorable "terror" in my life who everyone cooed over and you had such a wonderful way of knowing what and how to get away with...Your smarts about people and your desire for subversion are now something i cherish, and recognize in some fashion in my son. We were almost other people then, and yet i recognize us both still. I'm so sorry i don't get to talk to you as adults and parents, but grateful that there are so many of us with parts of you and memories of you inside us.
- your big sister

Isaac Bensussen

February 22, 2013

Dear Jake

Very difficult days for us between your birthday February 17 and the day you went away March 1st. You are constantly on our minds and the pain is very intense. Your Dad

Melissa Haviv

February 21, 2013

I met Jake when we were children, doing theater together, and we later attended La Jolla Country Day School together, too. We reconnected as pen pals when he went to Israel and exchanged pages and pages of marvelous, intense, thought provoking, deep letters that I still have and cherish. Scrolling through my FB friends list today I saw Jake's name and realized I hadn't heard anything from him for a while....what a shock. My heart goes out to his family - I remember you all and send my deepest sympathies. Jake was - always - remarkable.
Melissa (Hart) Haviv

Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz

December 1, 2012

I was Jacob's roomie in Aish for about two years and they were fun years. We would talk and joke about so many things. He alwasy seemed to be happy and work on so much in his life. There was so much good in him even after leaving the community I still miss him and his smile and I share it with all I encounter a bit of Jake in my head when I teach, learn torah, or try and be a better person.

Yael Schlesinger

May 18, 2012

we love you!!!!

Love love

May 18, 2012

May 16, 2012

Abot, Isaac, Melia, Beck and Will,
I think of you all in the time since Jake's passing. I can not imagine your pain, but please know that you are all in our prayers forever. We will not forget Jake. Love, Babs and Family

Abot Bensussen

May 14, 2012

Another Mothers' Day without you. I am wiaitng for my heart to ease, but missing you is as painful as ever. It has broken my heart.

Your children are flourishing, I hope you are aware. My love for you is forever. Mama

Isaac Bensussen

February 28, 2011

One year has already gone bye and we miss you and cry for you like if it was the day you died. You are missed by your parents, brother and sisters, your two children, your wife, uncles, cousins and nephews and many, many friends that enjoyed your wit and intelligence. Rest in peace my dear Jake

Melia Bensussen

February 19, 2011

Our candle is burning now too for Jake, and for my memories of him. Last night at shul, even while saying kaddish for him, I imagined how comical he would have found aspects of our service, and I was grateful for my visions of him as a boy running about the temple of our childhood.

Abot Bensussen

February 18, 2011

Tonight and tomorrow is the yahrzeit of Jake's death. It's is now one official year and we will light a candle for his soul to continue to rise.

Josh Wittenberg

February 15, 2011

He was a real love and a light to me in that Yashiva. I have wonderful FUNNY and fond memories.. but when the jokes stopped, this man really cared for me and I could Feel It!!!

Greg Maltz

October 24, 2010

My deepest condolences to Jake's family. I knew Jake from Muirlands Jr High, LJ High and Hebrew school at Beth El. He could make me laugh without even trying. I vividly remember waiting for a mutual friend on Via Capri (maybe Adam Olshen?) as Jake told me a story about battery acid getting on him from his siblings' toys--he naturally conveyed humor and lightness no matter the topic. I am shocked to learn that G-d did not write him into the book of life this year. Shalom Yaakov.

Marty Greenberg

September 27, 2010

Jacob was a special human being. He had a wonderful laugh and was always full of energy and vitality. When he was 14, We spent the whole day together telling stories,playing games together,laughing and talking about things that were difficult for him. When we finished that day, we had developed a special bond of connection, something that I have always felt and I think that Jake felt this way too. When I think about this I experience smiling through my tears. I experience a deep down smile and I feel like laughing. I can feel Jake laughing with me. That gives me a warm feeling.

Mercedes Burkhalter

September 14, 2010

Jake and I reconnected through facebook and kept in touch everyday. we reminisced about the days in high school, our loves today, our families, relationship, trust, love and honor. I miss him, i hope he's smiling.

Sally Kane

August 3, 2010

Jake and I found each other again recently and had some truly wonderful and lengthy conversations via the internet. It was a wonderful, rich and natural reconnection. We spoke of our high school days, love, our families, children, relationships, commitment and truth. I just found out about his passing the other day and am still trying to absorb it. I send my most heartfelt sympathies to his family whom I have not seen in so long, or have not yet met...and his wife and children. May peace find it's way to your hearts.

Liz Kaltenbrun

July 18, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear about Jake. I only knew him through FB/Mafia Wars. We chatted a few times and he was very inspirational in what he said to me when I was feeling down. I will miss those chats!

Isabelle Melese-d'Hospital

July 16, 2010

Melia - I am so sorry about your brother. I hope that his wife and kids can find comfort and share grieving with you and the rest of the family during this very difficult year. My deepest condolences. Isabelle (LJHS Class of 1980)

Jake and Dad, wedding day 2004.

July 13, 2010

Happier times.

July 13, 2010

rebecca bensussen

June 9, 2010

I love you so much my Jacobo.

Cristianna Vallera

May 20, 2010

I attended Muirlands & La Jolla High with Jake, and I was saddened to hear of his death from another classmate. My lasting memory will be of his smile; he always left a room a little brighter for his presence. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Christine Mahaney

April 24, 2010

Jake was a very good friend for many years. We lost touch when he went to Israel, but reconnected a couple years ago. I was so happy to have my friend back. He was always so incredibly funny. I really enjoyed him. Even though it's been probably 15 years since I've seen him, it seems like yesterday. I will miss him always, and I am so glad to have known him.

Charles Abraham

April 20, 2010

Only the highest, most spiritually developed souls merit the neshikat ha-mavet, the "kiss of death", the kiss of love of the Lord God Almighty for his most beloved of children. We shall miss Yaakov so terribly, but we know that death is no more than the step from life into eternal life and that by and by we will be together once more with our dear friend who was such a magnificant inspiration for us all.

April 10, 2010

I know my daughter Leslie Wolf sent condolences from our family but I wanted to personally extend my sympathies to your family. The loss of a child is a terrible thing and my heart goes out to you all.

with love,
elaine wolf

Wendy Brazier Neri

April 8, 2010

Jake- It was so great to reconnect with you on facebook after so many years. It is interesting the connection you forge when you grow up with someone- my memories of elementary school seem so vivid still. I loved our religious discussions (who knew Mormonism and Judaism were so alike??) and for the wonderful curiosity for the world and positive attitude you always exhibited.

I know your family will miss you so much here on earth, but I know your spirit lives on and I look forward to continuing our religious discussions in the hereafter (maybe then we'll have answers instead of theories!!). Lots of love and comfort to all the Bensussens,

William Bensussen

April 3, 2010

I Miss You Big Brother. I Wish I Could Have Known You Better, But In My recent Trip To Israel You Truly Showed Me Who You Are & Made Me Feel Alot Closer To You & I Will Love You Forever. I Hate That You Left Us, But I Know You Are Watching Me Grow & Will Continue To Inspire Me Even Tho Your Gone. I Live My Life For You Dear Brother Jake.

April 2, 2010

As I only knew you on the internet you were a great penpal and will be sorely missed.Rest in Peace Mate. S'lante

cynthia andre

April 2, 2010

Abot, I am so sorry and you have my deepest condolences. Jacob is/was/always will be loved, and may his memory always be for a blessing.

Frieda Rosenberg

April 2, 2010

My late husband, Abe, and I, had been neighbors of the Bensussen family for a good number of years. We were very close. We watched the family grow up and shared our lives, the good times and the bad. We watched Jacob grow up into manhood. He was easy to be with and love, his handsome face and warm personality. It's hard to believe that he's gone from all who love him so much. He will always be remembered by all who knew him because of who he was, a great person with all the right instincts. Rest easy. You are remembered. Frieda Rosenberg

Barbara Yoes

April 1, 2010

Although I only met Jake once, on the occasion of William's Bar Mitzvah, he was so loved and cared for by his family, that I felt I was always close to him. I have known the Bensussens for nearly fifteen years, and they have treated me as a daughter, sister and friend. They adored Jacob. We celebrated his life, his wedding, his beautiful children, and our mutual love of his sister, Becky. Abot, Isaac, Melia and William: you are my family, and our losses are deep, but none so deep as the loss of our brothers. You are in my thoughts always, and I am here for you. With my love and respect as family, Barbara Yoes, Luke Ramirez and Constance Cooney.

Becky Bensussen

March 31, 2010

My big brother Jake, my best friend and closest confidante. I can't bear this world without you. I will think of you every single day for the rest of my life. Jake and I didn't have to speak to know what the other was thinking. He had an uncanny way of understanding my sadness and joy. He convinced me to visit Jerusalem years ago and I remember meeting him in the square in the holiest place on earth and walking and talking and sharing our life experiences good and bad. He used to tell me, be happy Beck and don't be afraid, everything will be OK. He was right and everything will be OK despite the fact that he is no longer with us on earth he is with me and my family in spirit every day. I love you Jake forever. I am honored to be your little sister. Thank you for everything you taught me in your short life. I will never forget. Especially to enjoy life as you always did.

abot bensussen

March 30, 2010

people tell me there is nothing worse; but there is, when you are ashamed of your loved one. we are very proud of our jake, he never had enemies and was always surrounded by good friends. he was well loved and understood. and he made a good life for himself in israel.

March 30, 2010

Abotsd:

You have our prayers and thoughts for you and your family.
Momshummingbird
Daily Strength

Melia Bensussen

March 30, 2010

We are all together in our mourning and missing of Jake. I keep seeing him now as a little boy, and the pain of his loss is almost unbearable. I know at least that as I cry for him I am not alone, and that we are keeping him alive in our thoughts every day.

Seth Wolf

March 27, 2010

Jake was one of my best friends junior high through college. He was an exceedingly smart and caring individual, who lived with no pretense and with loyalty to his friends and family. I'll remember him most for his sense of humor -- he had a way of observing a situation and making jokes about it in unique ways that no one else would think of . My deep condolences to his family.

Elana Kahn

March 24, 2010

Oh Jake. I am so sorry that the twins and I never had the chance to meet you in person, but I am so glad that we were able to Skype a few times before this tragedy occurred. You are sorely missed by the whole Kahn family, and I know that your neshama is in the highest level of shomayim.

abot bensussen

March 24, 2010

just missing him so. can't believe i won't hug him again. he was always so strong and handsome. made me laugh regardless of how i was feeling. a very special nashoma. hard to raise and easy to love.

Michael Avraham HaLevy

March 22, 2010

heaven is a happier place now.

Matt Swartz

March 20, 2010

Jake was a great person who was liked by everyone. He was one of the funniest people I have ever known but also totally sincere and friendly. Jake made every place he went easier to be and more fun than it would have been without him.

Cindy Jenson-Elliott

March 18, 2010

My condolences to all the family -- he was funny and quick and kept everyone on their toes as a youngster!

Rebecca Kahn

March 18, 2010

Dear Jacobo, for the virtual elevation of your neshama, know that I love you with all of my heart and miss you every moment of every day. May I, your children and family and all those who loved you be given the z'chus to do good deeds in your name to lift your soul to the heights of Gan Eden. I love you so much my dear Jacobo.

March 18, 2010

My cousin Jacob was very talented, since he was a little boy he participated in T.V. programs for children such as "Plaza Sesamo" (Sesame Street)in Mexico City. Jake was precocious and he was a beautiful boy with piercing blue eyes. Jacob had an excellent memory and the artistic feeling to learn the essence of his multiple characters in Theater. When he was 14 years old, Jake and I worked together trying to add special effects to his home made movies, he was very creative and funny. Since he was a great comedian we laughed a lot working in his projects (Needless to say 8mm home movies were very hard to edit or to add special effects). He had so many talents, I always thought he would achieve stardom status. He loved G-d, life and all his family; and all of us love him back. He will always be in our hearts and prayers. We love you Jake

Esther (Tete) Bensussen

March 17, 2010

YAEL SCHLESINGER

March 16, 2010

QUE NO SEPAN MAS DE PENAS.
LO QUIERO, Y LO SIENTO
YAEL SCHLESINGER

Norma Orci

March 16, 2010

My heart goes out to you and your whole family. My deepest, deepest sympathy to each of you.

Julie Jensen

March 16, 2010

My condolences to the family.

Janis Stover

March 16, 2010

What a shock for you! My memories are of a wickedly funny six year old but I've had glowing reports of the man he became. My heartfelt sympathy to you all.

Janice Harrington

March 15, 2010

Janice Harrington

March 15, 2010

I am speechless, my thoughts are with you Becky and your family.

Neil Rothschild

March 15, 2010

Jake was my student at Muirland's and he got in touch with me from Israel to rekindle and start a long distance friendship. We were always connected by our Jewish roots and as an adult, he would write me and share his religious joys. I was so proud of him and hoped that some day I would be able to visit him and his family in Israel. What I remember best is his big broad smile and great sense of humor. This news saddens me so. Jake, know that you will always be in my thoughts. To the family, my very deepest regrets on this absolute jewel of a man.
Neil Rothschild
San Diego

March 15, 2010

Such a warm and caring man. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with all of you.

Debbie Appel

March 15, 2010

Jake was my friend and school mate at Muirlands Jr. and LaJolla High School. He was my co-star in a play we did called Runaways. I still have a dvd copy of the performance. Jake was a wonderful and good man. He loved his wife and children very much. Jake was funny and witty. I will miss him. Rest in peace Jake. See you in my thoughts.

March 14, 2010

Jake was in my Madrigal Ensemble at La Jolla High School. He was a great young man and I have a wonderful large wooden pencil holder that he made for me which I still have on my desk. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Carolyn Moulton

Joan Casale

March 14, 2010

Jake was a warm-hearted, funny young man. As a longtime friend of the Bensussen family, I offer my heartfelt condolences on his loss. His family, friends and the world were all fortunate to have benefitted from his kind heart.

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