Gitel Rubin, 59, of Los Angeles, California, ended her miraculous 15-year battle with pancreatic cancer on March 27, 2024, surrounded by her parents, her husband, and her 7 children.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, she dedicated her life to enhancing and bolstering the community in which she lived and ultimately raised her family. A graduate of Yavneh Hebrew Academy and Rambam (YULA), Gitel’s humble wisdom and unique intuition were integral in planning, fund- raising, and supporting the schools, both of which proudly have buildings named after her and her husband David, thanks to their philanthropic efforts.

A woman with a greater vision beyond her own community, Gitel along with David both publicly and privately sup- ported educational institutions throughout the city, with scholarships, donations, and programming. At the same time, Gitel was generous in a unique way, privately donating to the school lunch program which would cover lunches for children who could not afford lunch otherwise.

Gitel’s unique ability to connect with others coupled with her strong will to live served as inspiration for those faced with a similar prognosis. During her many years battling cancer, Gitel served as a beacon of light and hope for countless other patients and their families. Humbly and anonymously, she would field phone calls at all hours, listening to her fellow cancer warriors and motivating them to keep fighting, stay positive, and appreciate every day. This community of patients and their families drew on her relentless perseverance, hope, positivity and determination to continue to fight. Her com- forting presence and motivating persona was so powerful that her oncologist would purposely schedule her treatments to coincide with his newer patients so she could engage with them and serve as a source strength and support.

Gitel was diagnosed in the midst of raising her 7 children; her youngest, Zachary, was only four months old. Though she was initially given a 6-month prognosis, she always looked forward to the next family milestone as a goal: Zachary’s 1-year-old birthday, 3-year-old upsherin, and she ultimately was there to celebrate his 15th birthday together during her last month. Her unwavering dedication as a mother is seen in the legacy she leaves with her family.

Gitel’s home was always open to everyone. She was the ultimate hostess, serving an abundance of food, love, and advice no matter who walked through the door. She created a home for those that lacked one, and provided a family to those who searched for one. With a taste of magic only Gitel could create, there were always fresh carrot muffins, an elaborate Shabbat feast, and engaging conversation, no matter at which point she was in the current chemotherapy cycle. She did not view herself, nor allow others to view her as someone who suffered from an illness. Rather, her grin and witty charisma warmed those around her, and left everyone wanting to surround themselves with her charm.

For many years, Gitel was a host family for Aish, welcoming people from all walks of life and across the spectrum of their religious journeys. Gitel believed that demonstrating the beauty of Shabbat and the importance of family was paramount. Her Friday night dinners and Seder table were the epitome of beautifying a mitzvah and celebrating life and family.
While her first night’s Seder focused on family and celebrating the close relationship she fostered between her children; the second night’s Seder focused on community. With an open home and genuine invitation, Gitel would invite those who may not have a place to go or a Seder to attend. The guests’ presence was celebrated, their stories honored, and they left with a sense of love, appreciation, and belonging.

When it came to her 7 children and 11 grandchildren, she was the master teacher who taught by example. She imparted on them her own values by how she conducted her life. From her love of reading, to her walks on the beach, to prioritizing the truly im- portant parts of life, she lived her beautiful life to the fullest.

Gitel is survived by her parents, Alan and Adele Goldstein, her brother and sister, Joey (Tracey), and Devorah Goldstein, and her children, Elizabeth (Aryeh) Ribak, Daniel (Talia) Rubin, Steven (Jaclyn) Rubin, Laura (Joel) Jesin, Madeline, Benjamin, and Zachary Rubin, and her 11 grandchildren.