The Samara Manger-Weil L’HADLIK Hebrew School Scholarship Fund

Thank you for supporting The Samara Manger-Weil L’HADLIK Hebrew School Scholarship Fund in honor of my daughter who physically graced this world with love, light & laughter until her untimely passing May 23, 2020. Jewish Life was integrally woven throughout her secular life as she celebrated holiday traditions and our tenets of Tzdukah and T’ruah, donating her bat mitzvah gifts to help fund an Ethiopian orphanage and fiercely protecting & helping those in need. 

Samara’s formal Jewish study began 20 years ago at JCNP’s Hebrew school in New Paltz; a rich environment of inclusiveness where girls are allowed to flourish and lead. Her love for Judaism soared to new heights when Rabbi Zoe B. Zak prepared her for Bat Mitzvah, 18 years ago. We are bonded through our daughter’s friendship and they by their time immersed in studying and chanting Torah. To have watched them together is a cherished memory for me.

Rabbi Zoe leads the congregants of Temple Israel of Catskill now, with her heart-forward approach and deep love of Judaism. She has and continues to be a beacon of light for me, having traveled through many dark nights of my soul, seeking solace support for the physical loss of my beautiful sweet Samara, my only child. The L’HADLIK Hebrew School Scholarship fund is one of the ways I fulfill my covenant to honor her by affording other children the opportunity to explore and be inspired by their learning. 

For our Judaic tradition of Tikun Olam, I hope Samara’s beautiful spirit of joy, love & light aids in repairing the fractured parts our broken world in ways seen and unseen.; known and unknown. Thank you for your kindness and generous support for this worthy cause.

Donna