Sara Kofman had two families — her own and Temple Israel’s in Alameda.
Her son Morton Kofman recalls his mother as “dedicated to her husband’s career, and to her family.” In the same breath he adds, “She was also very dedicated to the temple. Whether they needed someone to bake for an Oneg Shabbat or make charoset for the seder, she was there.”
Sara Kofman died Oct. 27 after suffering a massive stroke. She was 92.
For nearly 50 years, she stood at the side of husband Abe Kofman, former owner and operator of the Alameda Times Star. Abe Kofman, who died in 1986, passed his passion for news on to two of his sons, who followed in their father’s footsteps in the newspaper business.
But Sara Kofman infused all three children — Morton, Kenneth and Stephen — with a sense of tzedakah.
“Just the other day we were going through her mail. There were a bunch of requests for money. She said she’d rather give a bit to everyone rather than wonder if someone is overlooked,” Morton Kofman said. “Her mother taught her that lesson. And she taught it to us.”
Born in Poland, Sara Kofman arrived in the United States as a young child and was raised in New York. She met husband Abe on vacation and married him soon after. The couple lived in Norwich, Conn., until 1939 when they moved to Alameda.
Morton Kofman knows little of that time. “My mother was never one to talk about her past. She was a very private person,” he said.
But he does know that when Abe and Sara arrived in California, the first thing they wanted to know was, “Where is the temple?”
They found Temple Israel and “the first Friday night, they were there. My mother was immediately asked to join in a bridge game and was quickly in the forefront of temple activities,” Morton Kofman said.
Sara and Abe supported the temple both spiritually and financially. The benches in the sanctuary were donated in their name.
In addition, Sara Kofman was a lifetime member of Hadassah and a supporter of the Home for Jewish Parents in Oakland. Until a few years ago, she and other members of the synagogue volunteered to run bingo games at the home. And during World War II, Sara Kofman knitted items for the Red Cross.
However, “Her primary function was to keep the house,” Morton Kofman said. “To keep the cookies and good chicken soup coming and to bandage up knees.”
Sara Kofman is survived by children Morton (and Elaine) Kofman, Stephen (and Marlene) Kofman and Kenneth Kofman, all of Alameda; grandchildren Edward, Paul, Gail, Laura, Peter, Yale, Stacey and Jana Kofman; and great-grandchildren Amber, Rebecca, Holly, Sara and Alexandra Kofman.
Private funeral services to be held. Contributions to Alameda Meals on Wheels, 516 Willow St., Alameda, CA, 94501; Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Rd., Alameda, CA 94502; or Special Olympics of Alameda County, 39237 Liberty St., Fremont, CA 94538.