16 | DECEMBER 19 • 2024 

garments and ancient coins, representing 
prosperity and beauty. There are three 
pomegranates, which amounts to more than 
1,800 mitzvot, reflective of Woll’s many 
mitzvot as well as those of her friends and 
family. 
There’s the image of the etrog, which refers 
to the heart, the place of understanding 
and wisdom. The dove represents peace 
and unity, holding the olive branch. The 
grapes signify harmony and the figs signify 
endurance. 
The mosaic border, in bright colors, relates 
to the windows of the Downtown Synagogue 
of which Woll was the president of and had a 
deep love for. 
In the bottom corner is a bicycle wheel, 
representing Woll and her Hillel graduating 
classmates often riding together while living 
in Detroit and the broader connection these 
students had. More figuratively, the circle, 
in its continuous loop, symbolizes universal 
energy and the continuity of the soul. 
Ariella Goldfein, a childhood friend and 
member of Woll’s Hillel graduating class, 
spoke at the event.
“I remember Sam being friends with 
everyone in our class. She was beloved by 
everyone. How could you not love Sam?” 
Goldfein said. “Which is why, even though 
many of us hadn’t been in touch with Sam 
or with each other for decades, our whole 

class immediately came together after what 
happened.
“Reconnecting, reminiscing, coming 
together as a group feels very ‘Sam.’ And 
honoring her with this beautiful mosaic at 
the school where we grew up together, shared 
so many memories together, and where we all 
had the privilege to get to know her, it’s very 
fitting.” 
Woll, even after her death, is bringing 
people together.
Monica Woll Rosen spoke and shared 
memories of her sister during those Hillel 
years — stating her commitment to advocacy, 
equality, social justice and love for others was 
built right there at Hillel. 
“As students look at this mosaic, I hope 
they remember the lessons my sister taught 
us, of compassion, justice and having a 
strong identity. I hope it serves as a daily 
reminder to stand up for those who cannot 
stand up for themselves, to act with integrity 
and approach each day with a heart full 
of kindness. Through this mosaic, I hope 
Sam’s legacy will continue to inspire future 
generations of students who walk these halls, 
just as she once did.” 
A plaque near the mosaic, also in honor 
of Woll, reads: “May her vibrant spirit and 
unwavering commitment to building bridges 
across communities continue to inspire us all. 
— The Hillel Day School Class of 1997.” 

Artist Gail Kaplan 
spoke beside 
the mosaic she 
crafted with Dani 
Katsir.

Many of Woll’s 
friends from 
the 1997 Hillel 
graduating 
class were in 
attendance.

The Woll family, 
friends and 
more gathered 
to honor Sam.

OUR COMMUNITY

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