Samuel Louis Helfenbaum

Israel Arie Ben Baruch Ve Chaya

In addition to the in-person service at the Cemetery, the funeral will also be live-streamed. To view the service virtually, please go to https://smclive.ca/ on April 27th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sam Helfenbaum, beloved husband to Esther, father to Jason and Bryan, and proud grandparent of Tehilla, Ahava, Zach, Yedidya, Seth and Ariel.

Donations can be made in his memory to Beit Halochem Canada (www.beithalochem.ca) or a charity of your choosing.

Date of Death: Thursday, April 24, 2025

Yahrzeit Day: Nissan 26

Date of Funeral: Sunday, April 27, 2025

Time of Funeral: 2:00 PM

Memorial Service Location: Graveside Service

Burial Service Location: Pardes Shalom Cemetery, 10953 Dufferin St., Maple, Chayei Olam Section

Shiva Details: 5444 Yonge St., Apt.2112, Toronto, M2N 6J4. Shiva visits immediately after the service till 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday 7 to 10 a.m., 2 to 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., Friday 7 to 10 a.m. Shiva ends Friday afternoon. Shaharit at 7:30 a.m., Minha/Maariv at 8:00 p.m.

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 12:32 PM

Jeremy and Judi Cohen

Dearest Helfenbaum family. Baruch Dayan Emes. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sam A'H was a special man. I worked with him for years and saw him periodically in the community. May Hashem bless you all with strength and good health.

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 1:56 PM

Bella Sanderson

Dear Esther, please accept my deep felt condolences on the passing of Sam. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult and sad time. With friendship Bella

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 4:44 PM

Sonia and Gerry Rowan

We were very saddened to learn that Sam passed away. He was very well thought of in the a Jewish community through his work in the Chesed He was very bright and his mind was sharp. And he loved telling us stories. And who can forget his need for chocolate. Rest in peace

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 5:56 PM

Aron, Avi, Ava-Jessica, David Cohen

Dearest Auntie Esther, Bryan and Jason Our sincere felt condolences on the passing of Uncle Sam. All our thoughts are with you all May his Neshima have a blessing Baruch Dayan Ha'emet

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 5:56 PM

Edie Weisbrod

Dear Esther and Family. Sorry for your loss. May his memories help you get through this difficult time

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 6:42 PM

Randee Goldlist

Dearest Helfenbaum Family, Just heard the sad news of Sam’s passing. We send our sincerest condolences. Sam was a proud Jew who worked in various capacities for the Jewish community. He will be missed. Your old neighbours Randee and Barry

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 6:49 PM

Marion and Stephen Feldman

We want to express our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With sincere sympathy, Stephen and Marion Feldman

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 8:53 PM

Bobby and Sharon Brown

Dearest Esther and Family……our deepest condolences on the passing of your dearly loved husband, father and grandfather. May the love of family and friends provide comfort and peace in the days ahead.

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 9:14 PM

Matthew Friedberg & Kim Smiley

Dear Helfenbaum Family, We were deeply saddened to learn of Sam’s passing. I had the distinct privilege of working with Sam for many years when he led Toronto Jewish Free Loan Casa. He was one of a kind, with a sharp mind and quick wit. Sam was passionately dedicated to community, and lifted up so many people with a hand up through the agency’s mission. He defined what it meant to be a mensch. May your family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May you carry on Sam’s legacy to be a light unto the nations. Sending our love and deepest condolences to Jason and the whole family. BDE.

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 9:17 PM

Joy Zigelman

Esther , Jason & Brian We are sorry to hear about Sam’s passing He was such a lovely person with a great smile Joy & Danny Zigelman

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 9:31 PM

David & Brenda Dimitry

Dear Esther and family, we were so sorry to hear the news of Sam’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing. Your old neighbours, Brenda & David

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 9:56 PM

Karny and Schura

Dear Esther and Family, Our deepest condolences on the passing of Sam. May the memories of the good times you had together will bring you much comfort in the future.

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Posted on 24.04.2025 - 9:58 PM

Carin and Alan

Dear Esther, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We cherish our good memories with you and Sam and send you lots of love to you.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 2:10 AM

Nancy Lev

Dear Esther & Family So sad to receive the news of Sam’s passing. I cherish the memory of your home always open to friends and neighbours in the most loving and sincere way. I am in Israel now but my heart is with you all. Baruch Dayan haEmet.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 7:30 AM

Honey And Marty Kane

Dear Esther and family We are very sorry to read about the passing of Sam. May he rest in peace and your memories sustain you during this difficult time. Love Honey and Marty.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 7:43 AM

Stan Schwartz

Esther, I have fond memories of times spent you and Sam as our kids grew up together . May the memory of these happy times bring smiles to your face and to your heart and may Sam rest in peace.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 7:56 AM

Prosper and Sheila LevyBencheton

Dearest Esther and family, we are so sorry for the passing of Sam. He was a man of great integrity who contributed to the community various capacities. May his memory be a blessing.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 8:03 AM

Brian and Joyce Krasman

Dear Esther, Jason and Bryan, It is with great sadness that we heard of Sam's passing. Our families were so wonderfully connected over the years. May the memories of those moments offer some consolation to you. Baruch Dayan HaEmet May his memory be for a blessing

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 9:08 AM

sharon gladstone and Jack Ajzenberg

Dear Esther and family. We send our deep condolences on the passing of Sam, a uniquely gifted man. Time spent with Sam, whether in a work capacity, or relaxing in friendship, was always entertaining and a learning experience. We wish you all strength at this sad time. B D H

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 9:13 AM

Ophyr Mourad

Dear Jason and Family, Your father left a lasting impression on us during our younger years. We’re deeply sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time. Ophyr and Reena

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 9:19 AM

Jerry Simon

Dear Esther and Family. So sorry to hear about Sam‘s passing. I always enjoyed chatting with him in the building. He was a real gentleman. May you have good memories to sustain you during this difficult time.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 9:47 AM

Fredelle and Harold Brief

Our condolences on Sam's passing. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 9:50 AM

Alan & Penny Goldreich

ברוך דיין האמת

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 10:02 AM

Sheila Engel Cohen

I worked with Sam many years ago. He was a true mensch in every way. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 10:57 AM

Fonda Roth

Dear Jason and family , I was saddened to hear of your father’s passing. I had the opportunity of working with him years ago at the Toronto Jewish Free Loan Casa, where I volunteered a few days each week. His unwavering dedication to the organization and his heartfelt commitment to helping others in the community left a lasting impression on me. He was truly an inspiration.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 11:02 AM

Aron, Avi, Ava-Jessica, Genna, David Cohen

Our condolences on our Uncle Sam's passing. May his memory be for a blessing. Although we reflect on the loss of our past departed, Death is not the end. It's a transition home to Shamayim. Life keeps going in all of its beautiful forms. A real never ending story of epic proportions. Perhaps we are unsure, about being born, just as much as we may (heaven forbid) fear death. We do know, it's normal for change, to be hard on us sometimes. Now is time for tears We also know this life goes on and always gets better and the tears will stop. Hopefully soon enough again we'll experience real joy as we perform Mitzvot in his memory. Thankfully, the Torah, the teachings from our sages and guidance can truly make these life changes easier to navigate. It's because of this we should understand death is not the end and it's because of them we have Shalom as we experience this chapter in life. Be grateful for everyone Hashem has placed with us on this journey. Make each day count. Shalom

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 11:10 AM

Philip Cohen

Sorry to hear about Sam's passing. He was a lovely gentleman and I always enjoyed spending time him. Keep well Esther.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 11:18 AM

Eadie Shoom

Dear Esther. Condolences on the loss of your husband.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 12:28 PM

Harry& Shainey Himal

Dear Esther and family harry and were sadden to hear about Sam’s passing he did so much for our community He was a great friend May his memory be a blessing

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 1:36 PM

The Joel Glass Family

Dearest Esther and Family, We were very sad to read of Sam’s passing. We will always remember him fondly for his sincerity, kindness and welcoming nature, especially his weekly “check-ins” during a difficult time for us. May you find comfort in the love and support of family and friends, as you share happy memories of Sam. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May his soul rest in peace.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 2:16 PM

Judy Shear

Dear Esther So sorry to hear about Sam’s passing My sincere condolences to you and your family Judy Shear

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 3:16 PM

Howard & Roz English

We are sad to hear of Sam's passing. May all the wonderful accomplishments that Sam lived by be a source of strength and wonderful memories for your family. Baruch Dayan Haemet. Howard & Roz English

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 4:13 PM

Precious

Rip Sam. To Esther I deeply send my condolences., to you and the whole family. Sam is resting. You were rock and your care to Sam was unbelievable and in matched . May God comfort you and wipe away tears from cheeks and gives you hope. May God’s presence surround you always.

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Posted on 25.04.2025 - 9:09 PM

Brenda Perlmutter

Dear Esther, I extend heartfelt condolences on the passing of Sam. I have fond memories of seeing him at Beth Tikvah services. He had a friendly demeanour and liked to engage in conversation. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 8:35 AM

Marty Malek

Sam always maintained a dignified presence about himself. In the last few years as he suffered so much, he maintained that dignity. At family gatherings that I was so often invited to, Sam preferred to chat with his children and grandchildren and not focus on his illness. May the family only remember good times.

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 12:48 PM

Maureen and Robert David

With our deepest sympathy, we acknowledge and mourn the death of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and dear friend. We enjoyed Sam’s intellect, his wit and the bantering over the years on our trips to Toronto. Sam’s pride in his family, his family history, and Yiddishkeit, along with his love of Israel, were to be admired. Sam was a mensch. May his memory be for a blessing and may the family find peace and consolation from one another and from their friends and community.

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 2:26 PM

Karen Lev

Sending love to the family and condolences for your loss. I have the fondest memories of Shabbat dinners with you all. May Sam’s memory be for a blessing.

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 2:45 PM

Brian Rash

Halfenbaum Family, Sam worked with my late Father Mark Rash during the 1980’s. I clearly remember Sam as a warm friendly gentleman with a kind gentle smile. It was an honour to have known him. I’m wishing you all strength at this difficult time.

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 8:53 PM

Sandra Linden

So saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. He will be dearly missed by many. Remember first meeting him many many years ago and have kept a friendship since then. Esther, Jason & Bryan thinking of you with much love….

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 9:08 PM

Hartley and Marilyn Nathan

Marilyn and Hartley Nathan send our sympathies to Esther and family on Sam's passing. We only have nice memories of him. Fondly

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 9:49 PM

Lisa Prusak

May God grant you peace in your time of grief. My family and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 9:58 PM

Hartley and Marilyn Nathan

Dear Esther and family. Our sincere condolences on Sam's passing. He was a very nice man and always a pleasure to talk to.

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Posted on 26.04.2025 - 10:07 PM

Chris Nichley

Jason and family- our hearts go out to you all. Our family’s prayer for you during this time is for healing and for peace. May God watch over you all and comfort you.

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 12:37 AM

Marcia (Mushy) Zionce

Dearest Esther, Jason, Bryan and family. So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Sam. We go back many years of enjoyed company. Sam always greeted us with a warm hello and big smile. May the legacy you have both built be of strength and comfort to you all . May Sam's memory be for a blessing.

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 1:01 AM

Elliott Katz

Dear Jason I am so sorry to hear this news. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 9:52 AM

Ron and Phyllis Levin

Dear Esther and Family, Please accept our deepest condolences. Sam always impressed us as a kind, thoughtful and well-spoken person. May his memory be a blessing for all of you.

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 10:17 AM

Carol Kassel

Dear Helfenbaum Family I had the privilege of working with Sam at the United Jewish Welfare Fund. I learned so much from him about wills, estates and bequests. He was a man of extreme integrity and his passion and dedication for the Jewish community was admirable. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 10:21 AM

Rosalind & Menash

Dear Esther and family. We were very sad to hear of Sam’s passing. He was a wonderful man, we will remember the many conversations we had around the dinner table, it was always lovely to be together. We send our deepest condolences to you Esther and your family.

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 10:51 AM

Aimee Lazarus

Dear Helfenbaum family, I am so sad to hear of Sam’s passing, Baruch Dayan Emet. I have so many good memories of our families “growing up together” in our Thornhill enclave, and many times filled with food and laughter. May you find much comfort in your cherished memories. Lots of love, Aimee

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 11:34 AM

Carla J. Silver

Sam was a great friend of my step-dad, Jerry Diamond, in the days when they were both around 4600 Bathurst St. Jerry always spoke of his friend, Sam, with great affection and on the few occasions when we met, Sam struck me as a "gentle man". May his memory always be a blessing.

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 12:40 PM

BALSKY, STEPHEN

Deepest condolences from the Balsky family: Stephen, Cynthia, Taylor and Haley

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 1:56 PM

Rhona and Larry Noble

Sam was an intelligent and gentle companionate soul who worked hard for the benefit of the Jewish community and Israel. Our sincerest condolences to Esther, Bryan and Jason and all of the family. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

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Posted on 27.04.2025 - 5:51 PM

Jamie Golombek

I remember Sam fondly from his days at the Jewish Foundation / wishing the entire family only warm memories and simchas going forward. Sincerely, Jamie

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Posted on 28.04.2025 - 8:56 AM

Shelly Rotman

Dear Esther & Family, I was so sad to learn of Sam's passing. He was a caring and lovely gentleman. Following his retirement, I would see Sam on his way to the JCC and we would kibbitz with one another. He had a sweet demeanor and always put a smile on my face. May all your great memories bring you strength and comfort through this difficult time. Sam will be missed. May his memory be for a blessing. Baruch dayan emet.

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Posted on 28.04.2025 - 9:53 AM

Jeff Springer

Dear Helfenbaum Family, I worked with Sam at UJA when he was the director of the UJWF, now the Jewish Foundation. He was so patient and calm despite the stresses of the job. I learned a great deal from him about bequests, endowments and planned giving. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

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Posted on 28.04.2025 - 10:51 AM

Joe and Lorna Leiboviitz

Sincere condolences to the Helfenbaum family. I knew Sam from the BJCC . A mench if ever there was one!

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Posted on 28.04.2025 - 7:47 PM

Edith Gruda

We were so sad to hear of his passing. Our deepest condolences.

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Posted on 29.04.2025 - 9:39 AM

Sarah Scutaru

Dear Esther, So sorry for your great loss. Sam,z"l -the gentle , smiling & kind husband & father - will be missed by everyone, whether family or friends. May his Nechama have a tremendous Aliyah! HAMAKOM YENACHEM ETCHEM BETOCH SHAAR AVALEI ZION V'YERUSHALAYIM! Hugging you, Sarah

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Posted on 29.04.2025 - 12:16 PM

Ted Sokolsky

Dear Esther and family, I had the great pleasure and honor of working with Sam during his years at UJA Federation. Sam was the constant gentleman and professional and a wonderful mentor. He was a pioneer in the community endowment field and his legacy at the Jewish Foundation of Toronto will last for generations.

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Posted on 01.05.2025 - 10:13 AM

Dov Harris

Dear Esther and family, My deepest condolences on the passing of Sam,z ‘l. He meant a great deal to me as a friend, colleague and mentor. I shall miss him for his grace and warmth, for his kindliness and profound sense of decency. Those qualities shone in all that he did for community and Israel, qualities that will endure for generations to come. May his memory be for a blessing.

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