Obituaries are supported by a generous grant from Sinai Memorial Chapel.
David H. Folkman
Nov. 6, 1934–Nov. 27, 2024
David H. Folkman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and mentor, passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on Nov. 6, 1934, in Jackson, Michigan, David was the son of Rabbi Jerome D. Folkman and Bessie Schomer Folkman. Jewish values and teaching were woven into his family life and were part of everyday conversations.
David spent his early years in Michigan before moving with his family to Columbus, Ohio. A talented and enthusiastic student and school leader, David pursued his many academic interests at Harvard, where he earned a BA in 1957 and an MBA in 1960. David had a deep appreciation for the opportunities Harvard provided and remained an active alum until his passing.
David’s long and distinguished career in retail had its origin in his love of fashion. His analytical mind and leadership abilities, combined with his love of fashion, paved the way to senior executive positions at several large department stores, such as Famous Barr in St. Louis, Macy’s California, and Emporium Capwell in San Francisco, where his vision and expertise helped shape the industry. In 1987 he shifted his focus to venture capital as a partner at US Venture Partners, bringing his vast experience to support innovative and emerging retail businesses.
Throughout his career, David was a strong advocate for the promotion of women and minorities in the workplace. His dedication to mentorship remained a constant, even after his retirement. David found immense satisfaction in teaching and guiding others, advancing the careers of individuals at all levels of achievement.
David was known for his humility, strength of character, and quiet sense of humor, qualities that endeared him to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
David is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Susan Kleppner Folkman; his four children, Louis (with former spouse Karen), Sarah (Randi), Karen (Gordon), and Jeffrey; his six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Judah Folkman, and his sister, Joy Folkman Moss.
A memorial service was held on Dec. 4, 2024, at Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo, California. In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to the Peninsula JCC in Foster City, Peninsula Temple Beth El and the Harvard Endowment for Jewish Studies.
David’s legacy of leadership, kindness, and generosity will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Hal Feiger
Hal Feiger died Wednesday, Jan. 29 at age 76. He is survived by his wife Diana, sons Lennon, Aaron (Ashley), and Zach (Danielle) and four beautiful grandchildren, his siblings Tina and Alan and their families.
While alive, Hal lived life to the fullest. A real mensch, he loved his Judaism and was passionate about the Jewish community. He helped facilitate the brokering of the buildings for both Chochamat HaLev and Kehilla Synagogue in years past.
A funeral was held Feb. 5 at Home of Eternity Cemetery in Oakland and a shiva memorial service was held at Chochmat HaLev Feb 6.
Condolences can be sent to Diana Feiger, 1081 Warfield Ave., Oakland, CA 94610. Donations in his honor can be made to Chochmat HaLev, Kehilla Community Synagogue and/or to We Care Solar, a global project to provide light and electricity in birthing facilities.
Estelle Lorraine Goldstein
Estelle Lorraine Goldstein, 85, passed away on Jan. 3, 2025. Estelle is survived by her son David, daughter-in-law Angela, grandchildren Elliot and Elsa, brother Robert Blumberg, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased in 2018 by her husband, Bernie, after nearly 57 years of marriage.
Estelle was born in San Francisco shortly after the start of World War II and lived her entire life in different parts of the Bay Area. She never lost her love for “the city” and knew its streets like the back of her hand.
Her father, Harry Blumberg, owned and operated an Army surplus store located across the street from the Presidio. Her mother, Mary Blumberg, was one of a few women at the time to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. Mary worked for years as secretary to the rabbi in her family’s synagogue.
As a child, Estelle developed lifelong interests in biology, genealogy, and Reform Judaism. Denied the opportunity to have a Bat Mitzvah due to the cultural norms of the time, Estelle later insisted on having an Aliyah at her son’s Bar Mitzvah — a moment of intense pride and vindication for her.
Estelle attended San Francisco State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential. There, she met fellow biology student and future husband Bernie Goldstein. Estelle taught various high school subjects while Bernie earned a Ph.D. and later went on to a lengthy career as a professor and administrator in the California State University system. Estelle was a co-equal partner in Bernie’s success — she edited his textbook, speeches, and essays, and powered his ascent to the top of the CSU with her legendary cookies and conversation.
After David’s birth in 1969, Estelle worked part-time as a teacher’s aide in David’s elementary school before changing careers to become the comptroller for a medium-sized insurance agency. Estelle managed all of the family’s finances, and she oversaw David’s educational trajectory, which culminated in his graduation from UC Berkeley School of Law in 1994. Prior to retirement, she also served as a manager of a family apartment building and condominium, and was president of her synagogue, Temple Beth Israel-Judea in San Francisco.
Estelle and Bernie were avid world travelers and lifelong birdwatchers, and most of their trips involved a natural history theme. Examples include Darwin-influenced travels to Down House in England and to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, as well as two separate, big-game safaris to different parts of Africa. More recently and following her cancer diagnosis, she took David’s family on a Mediterranean cruise where she was able to check off a lifelong bucket list item by ascending to the top of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
Estelle was an expert dessert chef who designed a home from the bottom-up, and who held her own with the boys around a ping-pong table. She hosted all holiday dinners. She maintained a pristine file organization system that could make the surliest accountant or tax preparer weep with joy. She was a passionate advocate for individual rights, gender equity, public education, and the separation of church and state, and she was not afraid to stand up to bullies of any form who threatened either her principles or her family.
Her favorite “job” of all, however, was serving as Bubbie to her grandchildren, and even as an honorary Bubbie to their friends and family members. She doted on Elliot and Elsa and considered them to be, for all practical purposes, perfect human beings. They helped her to expand her comfort zones and to become more open-minded over time, not less. Hers was a life exceptionally well-lived, and she will be deeply missed.
Herb Levine
Born in the Bronx, Herb Levine died Jan. 6, 2025, wearing a Warriors T-shirt — a fitting end to 82 years of serving as a fearless warrior for the flag of justice. He battled with a keen mind, a sharp tongue, a warm, bright sense of humor and an unconquerable spirit.
Herb worked for over 30 years at the Independent Living Resource Center of SF, which he considered a gift he always tried to be worthy of. From his participation in the landmark 28-day sit-in at the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977 that led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, to his role as executive director of ILRC, he shared his unique combination of tenacity, humor and gentle wisdom as a leader and a teacher.
Although his professional work was advocating for people with disabilities, his drive to help others, deeply rooted in his Judaism, extended to all areas where people could be helped. He had an intense love of knowledge and was well read in many areas. His Jewish learning included an affinity for the works of The Chofetz Chaim and Rabbi Samson Refael Hirsch. His love of reading was such that he wanted to share it with everyone who stopped by, guests often leaving with a book in hand. He was a lifelong learner with a questioning nature that never diminished.
Herb’s most treasured role was that of husband, and father. He was a nourisher: preparing meals, providing a shoulder to cry on, and filling up his family with a lifetime of love.
Herb was a dedicated husband (wife Karen Weissmann), nurturing father (Sarah and Michael) and beloved grandfather. He also is survived by his brother (Bernie) and first wife (Channa Ora) and best friend (Bill Palmer). He leaves behind a blueprint on how to live a purposeful life.
In lieu of flowers, send a letter to your congressman to prevent cuts to social and disability services.
Herb requested that donations in his memory go to either the Senior Disability Action (sdaction.org) or Kollel Avreichim (checks for Kollel to 2225 Rue Goyer Montreal Quebec Canada H3S1H1). A memorial was held Feb. 5 at Adath Israel in San Francisco.
May his memory be blessed.
Betty Simon
Sunrise 1930–Sunset 2025
Betty, a proud native of San Francisco, was the beloved daughter of Louis and Ida Shaffer, loving wife of the extraordinary Allen Simon, and devoted and cherished mother to Debbi (Joe) and Sharon (Cliff).
Affectionately known as “Bubbe,” Betty was adored by her loving grandsons, Joel (Lindy) and David (Leah), and treasured by her great-grandchildren Bennett, Delaney, Dylan, Allie, and Beau.
Family was the cornerstone of Betty’s life. She shared close bonds with her aunts, uncles, cousins, and extensive circle of dear friends. Betty was renowned for her fashion sense, musical talents, sense of humor, and the warmth and kindness she extended to all she met.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Magnolia in addition to Golden Heart. An extra special thank-you to Nathalia for the compassionate and loving care she provided to Betty and for being by her side, along with Debbi and Sharon, during her final weeks.
Betty’s two greatest passions were her Jewish faith and love of animals. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Israel Music Fund (templeisraelstockton.com) or Dogwood Animal Rescue Project (dogwoodanimalrescue.org).
A private family service was held at Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma. A celebration of Betty’s remarkable legacy will be planned at a later date.
Betty, you will forever remain in our hearts.
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