On The First Yartzeit of David Mintz OBM, The Founder of Tofutti

The following was posted on social media by Chabad of the Palisades-Tenafly, regarding the first yartzeit of David Mintz, the founder of Tofutti and donor of the Chabad house.

Today, 12 Adar 1, 5782, was the first yartzeit of David Mintz, David Yitzchak ben Avraham Ze’ev. How apropos was it that on the Shabbat commemorating his first yartzeit, Lubavitch on the Palisades hosted a bris of a newborn baby boy, in the “House of Simchas,” as David liked to call it. Our loved ones are here with us even more then we realize. Though we miss their physical presence every day, we are grateful that they were in our lives.

Over 28 years ago, David Mintz, z”l, donated the first new Torah scroll to the Lubavitch on the Palisades community.

8 years later, David financed the building of Tenafly’s very own mikvah (for men and women), named after his mother, Sarah Devorah.

He was the first president of our shul, and he was always the first one to jump at any opportunity to help Lubavitch on the Palisades and every Jew in our community. His passion was endless and his energy was unstoppable.

“A House of Simchas (celebrations)” was David’s way of referring to the Chabad House. He always wanted us to celebrate and enjoy together. He was forward-thinking – always looking for what could be done next, how we could improve, add, and enhance the Chabad House and the community.

“B’harchava (in abundance)” was his motto. Whether it was his vision for our community or his Shabbat kiddushes, everything was done “b’harchava,” using his blessings to help others and elevating the physical into spiritual.

David’s love for the Rebbe was immeasurable. The Rebbe encouraged him to pursue the creation of the Tofutti brand and David visited the Rebbe numerous times for guidance and advice. David loved and cherished the Rebbe and his relationship with him. The Rebbe always told him to have trust in G-d. When David asked the Rebbe how he can have more trust, the Rebbe instructed him to learn a portion in Torah that speaks about trust in G-d.

We, as a community, owe so much to David and his vision.

May the neshama of David Yitzchak ben Avraham Ze’ev have an aliyah and may he be a Melitz Yosher (faithful advocate) for us on high.

In loving memory of David and Rachel Mintz, Malkie Shain will be hosting a special mikvah course for women. To join, please reach out to Malkie at malkie@chabadlubavitch.org.