Seymour Teitelbaum, House of Israel leader

Seymour Teitelbaum
Seymour Teitelbaum

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – For many people, longtime volunteer and former House of Israel President Seymour Teitelbaum, who died earlier last week, was synonymous with the House of Israel.

His funeral services will be conducted at1 p.m.. Monday, August 18, at the Home of Peace Cemetery.

Board member Sandy Golden, who met Teitelbaum when she began volunteering more than 20 years ago, said: “When I think of Seymour, I think of the House of Israel.   Everyone I have asked who has volunteered at the House of Israel doesn’t quite remember when Seymour started, because he seemed to have been there before everybody­.” Volunteer Ruth Mastron quipped “I think they built the place around Seymour”.

Teitelbaum and his beloved wife Sylvia were dedicated and passionate about the State of Israel. Together they made regular trips, volunteering their time to roll bandages in hospitals and teach in schools.  They always brought back wonderful photos depicting life in Israel, which they would post on a bulletin board inside the House.

Teitelbaum loved to talk to people while showing pictures of himself at the Western Wall or in Tel Aviv. Former Board members Irv and Renee Golden remember that “Seymour was extremely knowledgeable and regularly engaged in social and political conversations with those wanting to know more. Seymour was a good friend to us in all the years we knew him. We will miss him, his humor, and his love for Israel.”

Teitelbaum served as President from 1996 – 1998. In the early 2000’s he and Sylvia planted the rose garden which graces the front of the House to this day. After Sylvia’s passing, Seymour continued to devote his time to the needs of Israel.

Early in 2014, Seymour moved to Phoenix to be near his children. Many people came into the House looking for him, and it became apparent how many came just to sit and schmooze with him! He had developed quite a following!

Board member Galiah Bukspan remarked “We worked together so many years, and like everybody who knew him I became very attached to him. I will always remember the advice he gave me, how patiently he listened to me venting my frustrations and how he encouraged me to continue. Talking about opening the House every Sunday morning, Seymour said “The flag must be raised and the door opened”.”

Bukspan said, “I think of him every time I raise the flag.”

The House of Israel said it will donate 18 trees through Jewish National Fund in memory of Seymour and Sylvia Teitelbaum’s devotion to Israel.

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Preceding provided by the House of Israel