Few are the individuals who are successful in life, make their fortunes and are described first and foremost not in terms of their business acumen or trendsetting but in terms of their humility and kindness to others. This is the legacy of Jack Rimokh, who passed away April 6 at the age of 87.
“Despite his great success, he always kept a modest and humble attitude. In truth it is in humility that you find greatness. That was Jack. Greatness and humility,” said Rabbi Joshua Bittan, spiritual leader of Em Habanim Congregation during his eulogy.
Jack Rimokh was born in Fez Morocco, the oldest of six siblings. His father was a leader of the Societé de Bienfaisance Israelite de Fez, an organization dedicated to charitable activities. His personal life’s mission was to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate and Jack certainly followed in his father’s footsteps.
Jack left Morocco for Israel in the early 60s and soon joined the IDF where he fought in the Six-Day War as a tank commander. In 1970, he moved to Los Angeles with the wave of Moroccan Jewish immigrants and started a garment company known as Condor. In 1992, Jack founded Signal Products Inc., which held the exclusive global license for Guess Handbags with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Australia and Italy. Together with his eldest son Jason, the company expanded to include other major brand licenses and became one of the largest handbag companies in the world.
As a trailblazer in the LA fashion industry, Jack became one of the most prominent and respected Sephardic Jewish businessmen in the 1970’s and 80’s. Many industry leaders sought his business advice and wisdom which he was happy to share. In business, his word and handshake were his golden contract. Though deeply committed to philanthropy, Jack’s favorite way of helping others was by quietly giving them an opportunity to work. Countless stories have emerged of Jack offering jobs — sometimes to those less qualified— simply to help someone earn a living and maintain their dignity.
People have shared numerous heartfelt stories since his passing: tales of how Jack discreetly helped them in times of need, offered a scholarship to send kids to Jewish schools or to Israel programs, provided funds for the synagogue before the rabbi would even ask, and so many more acts of “hesed,” or true kindness. One friend described how Jack’s wisdom helped resolve a business conflict, saving not only a partnership but also their friendship. The respect Jack earned through such experiences resonated deeply throughout the community, earning him a reputation that transcended mere friendship. His impact was profound and extended far beyond business.
As my family gathered for our seder last week, and the talk got to the passing of Jack and his good deeds, there were more stories shared about how he would help people whose businesses were in trouble and he would never expect anything in return. Their lifetime friendship was repayment enough. What a gentleman!
Jack’s philanthropy began with his beloved Sephardic community. He was a pillar of Em Habanim congregation and a benefactor to many other charities, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. He was honored by Em Habanim on numerous occasions, starting with Man of the Year in 1984; in 2014, he was the “Spirit of Life” Award recipient from the City of Hope and that same year, he was honored by the Sephardic Educational Center with the Sephardic Legacy Award. In 2019 he received the Royal Officer of The Throne medal from King Mohammed VI of Morocco. Jack even received the Scientific Engineering Technical Academy Award in 2013 for his company Pixologic, the inventor of ZBrush, a multi-resolution editing system that changed the film industry as we see it today.
Though I knew Jack for over 40 years since my earliest involvement with the SEC and admired his constant and generous support, it was in 2014 when he agreed to accept our honoring him and Joelle at our Sephardic Film Festival Gala at Paramount Studios that we got to spend a lot of time together and I could see what a consummate “ben-adam” he was. Unlike many honorees, Jack had no special requests, no guest lists, he didn’t even want us to bother people to come to honor him. He just showed up, proud to be surrounded by his family and community, proud of his Sephardic heritage and happy to help support in any way possible. That was Jack.
Despite these and many more accolades, Jack Rimokh’s life was one of complete humility, quiet dignity, and always accented with a warm smile. The highlight of his life was sharing weekly Shabbat with his family, especially his precious six grandchildren, and performing any acts of kindness, large or small.
How does a soft-spoken, dignified, charitable man leave his mark on a community such as ours? By living a life worth emulating; that would be his greatest legacy.
May he rest in peace.
Neil J. Sheff is President of the Sephardic Educational Center.
