L'Ilui Nishmas Sam Seidner, a Tzadik Who Has Left the World

BS"D

GINAT RISYA - Women's Bais Medrash

Tuesdays, Noon - 1:15pm - In Sherith Israel's Library

In memory of Sam (Shimon) Seidner

This past Thursday, July 27th, Tammuz 21 on the Hebrew calendar, a beautiful soul left this world.

Many of you remember Sam when he was the administrator of our Shul: a fresh pot of coffee always brewing, something baking in the oven and Sam constantly humming a "niggun"(a melody considered to be the language of the soul). Sam would greet you: "Hello Boob-ba-la." He'd shove a cup of coffee into your hand, pull out a chair for you and slide a plate of cake in your direction. He'd talk-to-you, sing-to-you, laugh-with-you, advice-you, cry-with-you, teach-you and inspire-you.

Sam was the heart of the Shul. He was the kind of guy who would pull a wad of bills, out of his pocket, and force it into your hands, even while his own family was experiencing financial difficulties.

And Sam would invite you over &over again to Shabbos dinner. He and his wife, Valerie created an unparalleled Shabbos atmosphere, infusing heavenly aromas, delicious foods, schnapps and "zemirot" (Shabbos songs) with lively,Torah discussion. Many families who came to Sam's and Valerie's Shabbos dinners became "Shomar Shabbos" themselves.

About fourteen years ago, Sam and Valerie made aliyah ultimately settling with their seven children and four grandchildren in Tekoa, Israel, continuing their countless acts of goodness and kindness. Valerie currently facilitates the Tekoa GINAT RISYA Midrasha.

GINAT RISYA World Wide will now include the following added section (underlined) in their opening remarks as Rebbetzin Posner was the mentor and close friend to Sam:

"This learning is dedicated in honor of Risya bat Shlomo Aharon -- ah-le-ha hashalom -- of blessed memory, and may her soul continue to fulfill the Rebbe's shlichus, the privilege of preparing the world for Moshiach. And also in the memory of Rebbetzin Posner's student, Shimon Beryl ben Yaakov."

By Margot Nash

Dixie Yid: P.S. As I was becoming religious I spent almost every Shabbos in the Seidner's home. Sam, Valerie and their wonderful family were a part of my life until, with a mixture of happiness and sadness, they made aliyah from Nashville, TN to pursue their dreams. They made a big impact on my life. Even though they have undergone so many types of misforture and suffering, they always maintained their Emunah and Bitachon in Hashem. I feel horrible for them in this terrible time and I cannot believe that we've lost Sam at such a young age. I daven that Hashem send nechama to Valerie, the children and the grandchildren.

(Picture of a playground in Tekoa, courtesy of Jewish Agency)

Click here to get Dixie Yid in your e-mail Inbox.