About

(You can see photos here and read our stories here.)

Paul Venze 1925-2022

This site was created in memory of our Paul. Our loving husband, father, cuz, grandfather, great-grandfather, and amazing friend to all.

We’ll start his story with what we know and hopefully, this will help us learn more about a man who would rather tell you about all kinds of other things than himself. Maybe his pictures will help us learn more. Bottom line, maybe this will help us all become better people, people who would make Paul proud.

Obituary

Paul Venze, of Los Angeles, CA, passed away on Friday, March 4th, 2022 at the age of 96. He is survived by his children, Anne Venze Sendor (Rabbi Meir Sendor) and Howard Venze; grandchildren, Shira (Yehuda) Isenberg, Atara (Rafi) Eis, David (Rebecca) Sendor-Israel, Noam (Sara) Sendor, Avishai Gebler, Meirav Gebler Ong (Jeff), Ze’ev Gebler and Akiva Gebler; and 15 Great Grandchildren Ka”H”. He was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte Venze (nee Sass); daughter, Claire Venze Gebler; and parents, Anna and David Venze.

Services at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Monday, March 7th, 2022 at 1:00 pm. Interment Har Zion Tifereth Israel Cemetery. Please omit flowers.

BIO OF PAUL VENZE

Written for the Beth Jacob Gala, 2019, Los Angeles

Paul Venze was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 4, 1925.  His elementary school, high school, and Hebrew education all took place in Baltimore; he attended the University of Maryland with a major in Business graduating in 1960.

His business career was primarily in sales and advertising for retailers and he was actively involved in the sale and advertising of real estate.

He married the love of his life, Charlotte, in Baltimore in 1952.  Shortly after their marriage, they moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico for three years, where he oversaw the manufacture of cosmetics.

They returned to Baltimore in 1955 and lived there until 1968.  In Baltimore Paul was a founder and builder of Ner Tamid, an Orthodox congregation.  He was active in Israel Bonds, and organized a confederation of the Orthodox shuls in Baltimore during this period of time.

In 1968 Charlotte and Paul moved to Miami for three years where he was active in the sale of real estate.  From Miami, Paul and Charlotte moved to Beverly Hills.

Paul first learned of Beth Jacob when he and his three children, Anne, Howard, and Cookie, ob”m, visited Los Angeles on a family trip in July of 1969.  He asked for an Orthodox shul and was directed to Beth Jacob, where he attended for a Shabbat service, sitting next to Bernie Melamed.

After moving to California, Paul joined Beth Jacob and has been a member since 1971.  We all know Paul as the premiere “Greeter” who greets people entering the main sanctuary, making them feel welcome, introducing them to other BJ members, and making them feel at home.  He was always active as a shul member, and served as President of the Congregation for three years, starting in 1990.  Paul is famous for sharing information about various members of the Congregation when making Shabbat announcements, and ending each presentation with the tag phrase “And that’s why I’m proud to be a member of Beth Jacob.”  Paul loves Beth Jacob, loves the people, revels in how comfortable a place it is, the closeness he feels with members, and the lifelong friendships he has developed.

Paul lost Charlotte in 2006 after attending to her as her full-time caretaker for the six-year period of her illness.  He has eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.