Rabbi Dov Kentof

Rabbi Kentof was born in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1934 to Paul and Anna Kentof. Although he was an only child, his extended family includes thousands in the Jewish community.

Rabbi Kentof studied at Jerusalem University and served in the Israeli Army prior to immigrating to the United States with his wife, Alina. His career was his life calling, working as the education and youth director and rabbi of communities first in Sharon, Massachusetts, then Charlotte, North Carolina, Orlando, Florida and Jacksonville, Florida. Over the span of his career, Rabbi Kentof served in his position in Jacksonville and was still actively involved in this community for 43 years.

People were his passion. Rabbi Kentof was a lover of nature and camping, adventures, classical music, playing harmonica, reading and sharing Jewish stories.

He is survived by his wife Alina Kentof, children Gil Kentof and Tali Kentof, grandchildren Zachary Whiteley (Lauren Whiteley) and Josh Kentof.

His funeral service will take place at 10:00am on Wednesday, June 30, at the Jacksonville Jewish Center followed by interment at New Center Memorial Park.

Members of the Kentof family will be receiving visitors at the Jacksonville Jewish Center from 5:30pm to the end of minyan on June 30, July 1, July 4, July 5.

Contributions in memory of Rabbi Kentof may be directed to the Rabbi Dov and Alina Kentof Hesed Fund, or any of the Youth Funds at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.