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Man Who Coined Term “Chabad House” Passed Away

Boruch (Dave) Berenson OBM, from the first mekuravim of Chabad in California, passed away today. He is credited for coining the term “Chabad House,” on reference to Chabad-Lubavitch outreach centers. He was also a survivor of the infamous Westwood Chabad fire, which prompted the creation of the Chabad Telethon. He was very beloved to many of the original Chabad Shluchim’s children (many today shluchim themselves) for driving them to school for many, many years.

He is survived by his wife Chaya (Eileen) and daughter Bracha.

The Levaya will be tomorrow, Friday at 11 am at Mt. Olives in City of Commerce, Los Angeles, CA.

Boruch Dayan Ha’emes

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8 Comments

  • Mendy Hecht

    His son was one of my best friends when I was a kid growing on shlichus in California. I remember the fire too. Dave survived by jumping out a second-story window, from what I heard.

  • Dr. Binyomin M. Nemon, Crown Heights

    Just before Shavuos 5731 (that’s 40 1/2 years ago), I, a 16 year old self made Baal T’shuva, arrived unexpected in LA (from Oakland) to meet Chabad (and subsequently became a Lubavitcher from that time on.) At LAX I called up Chabad House on Gayley Avenue (aside from the Long Beach day school, the then ONLY Chabad Moisad in California), and asked if someone could pick me up (yeah, right!!). Who shows`up`at LAX to pick me up and bring me to Chabad House? None other then Dave Berenson driving the “Heavy Chevy”.

    Dave was`my first introduction to Chabad. Hence I deeply mourn his passing. Boruch Dayan HaEmes. And to his wife and daughter, I say “Hamakoim yinachem eschem besoich shaar aveilei Tzion veYerushalaim”.

  • Asher Elbaz

    BS”D
    A Tzaddik Yesod Oilam still lives on, when a Tzaddik goes the Tzaddik is still alive

    Boruch Dayan Emes
    Hamakom Yinachem Eschem Besoich Shaar Avelei Tziyon veYerusholayim.

  • LA kid

    a true chabad house icon! remember when he got stopped by the police because he was driving a van full of kids to school, without a bus driver license. without hesitation, he told the cops “these are all my kids!” and all the kids nodded in the back seat!
    he was creative and innovative, and always saw the best in everyone! he always had a smile on his rosy face. “enjoy” was his motto! the world will be missing another holy jew!

  • Sima Shaindel Bat Yisrael u-Miryam

    I was at the funeral today for David (z”l), whose wife Chaya, is my dear friend, who mourns the loss of her B’sheret. May his memory be for a blessing.

    Chaya will be sitting Shiva at their home in Los Angeles. 1701 Pruess Road