Israel Vana

Israel Vana - father, grandfather, brother, community leader, and dear friend - passed away July 6, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. He was 71. 

Born January 4, 1953 in Be’er Sheva to Saadia z’l and Shulamit Vana z’l, Israel was a devoted son and brother to his siblings Avram z’l, Rami, Tamar, Yoav, Benjamin, Drora, and Meir. He often told childhood stories of his antics with his siblings, especially with his brother Rami about how they kept themselves entertained and of the hard work they put in on the fields farming. From a young age, he dedicated himself to learning Torah and growing his religious knowledge, even competing in the Chidon HaTanach. Following graduation, he served in the Israeli military and proudly fought in the Yom Kippur War as a demolitions expert on the Egyptian front. 

Following the war, he moved to the United States where he continued his pursuit of knowledge in many disciplines including law and medicine. The United States soon became his second home. It was here that Israel realized his dream of starting a family, welcoming daughter Sanda, a son Samuel, and gaining a step daughter, Nadia. He truly loved being a father and would always do whatever he could to ensure their success and happiness.

Israel dedicated the majority of his life to being a religious mentor. First as a Baal Kre'a/Bar and Bat Mitzvah teacher for Beth Tefillah in San Diego, and later, as a Rabbi and mohel. He spent over 40 years serving the San Diego, Chula Vista (Temple Beth Shalom) and the Pensacola Florida (B’nai Israel) communities. Israel also served as a chaplain to the surrounding U.S. military communities and prisons. He loved to teach, sing, bake challah, and share his knowledge of Judaism with everyone. He devoted his life to others and always put them first above his own needs. This was evident by the close community and friends he kept in touch with over the years across the United States and Israel. He was patient, humble, and kind - always willing to assist others in their times of need.

Israel spent his later years traveling across the United States driving semi trucks and exploring small towns and communities along the way. He continued to be a mentor, leader, and educator as he drove, routinely conducting services from the road and stopping in to visit his friends and family, and rural and often isolated Jewish communities. 

Services were held in Tirat Shalom, Israel as he requested to be buried near family. Israel will be deeply missed and remembered lovingly by daughter Sanda, her husband Daniel, grandchildren Yosef, Eliyah, and Yedidyah as well as son Samuel and his wife Rakellie. He was loved fondly by his granddaughter, Emmunah z'l. The family requests you honor his memory in a way befitting your relationship with him. More details of how to be part of his continuing legacy will be updated on his memorialized Facebook account.