August 9, 2011
Rabbi Gerald H. Hanig, 89
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Rabbi Gerald H. Hanig, spiritual leader of Congregation Am Ha-Yam in Ventura, died Aug. 1 from a post-operative infection. He was 89.
After years of serving as cantor at Temple Ramat Zion in the San Fernando Valley, Rabbi Hanig and his wife, Elaine, settled in Ventura and nurtured the birth of Congregation Am HaYam. Founded in 1995, the Conservative congregation first met in an old warehouse and found its current home in Ventura in 2003. Rabbi Hanig served the congregation as rabbi, cantor, teacher, friend, adviser and more.
Rabbi Hanig is survived by his wife Elaine; daughters Judy (Danny) and Jill (Mike); sons Les (Laurie) and Andrew (Beth); and grandchildren Julia, April, Greg, Bradley, Layla, Adam and Bryce.
