SYDNEY TEDONE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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The Ark carried those who carried it (Sotah 35a).
Similarly, the angels who bear the Divine Chariot are actually carried by the Chariot. Thus, the verse states: “The living spirit is in the angels” (Ezekiel 1:20). The living spirit of G-d is in the angels and carries them, even though they seem to be carrying the Chariot.
For this reason, when a person offers others a drink, he is invited to recite a blessing over the drink, too. Initially, he offered to “carry” – or provide- the drinks. Now, as he recites a blessing over the drink, the drink spiritually “carries” him.
Bracha (blessing), is an acronym for the phrase Ki Ruach HaChaya Ba’Ofanim, the living spirit is in the angels.
Sydney Tedone was an actual angel in this world. And eventhough it seemed often that others were carrying her, she was the one carrying them. Above the trivialities of our society, Syd was an old soul and a bright beaming light. Her goodness and compassion extended well beyond her tiny stature and young years. This is who Syd was and continues to be. For us, she seems to have transitioned, but in truth, she was the Ruach HaChaya, in this world, the living spirit, and continues
to be that, the source of blessing, life and light, in the next world. Not only does Ruach HaChaya embody her essence, it includes Syd’s Hebrew name, Chaya, the spirit of life itself, reinforced by her sudden passing at the tender age of 18, the numerical value of Chai, life. Everything we do in her memory and connected to her name, Chaya bat Mordechai v’Dina, will aid us in partnering with her, the living spirit, as she continues to carry us and to bring blessings to us from the next world.
Syd's holy family are steadfast in their dedication to continuing her work of making a difference and in improving the lives of others. They have established a memorial fund in her Hebrew name, Chaya, so that another child can experience the fulfillment of celebrating becoming a bar/bat mitzvah. Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on need and a demonstrated commitment to the ideals that Syd held dear, compassion, empathy, generosity and kindness. Funds will be allocated towards private bar/bat mitzvah instruction and related costs.
For further information on applying,
To continue Sydney's legacy, by contributing in her memory,
Please consider supporting another cause close to Syd's heart, by visiting Girl Rising.
