Building a full life, leaving a beautiful legacy

Hilda, right, at her Bat Mitzvah with her daughter

Hilda and Manfred Namm (z"l) lived lives marked by the upheaval of the Holocaust and both were continuously grounded by their Jewish traditions and community. The couple, Hilda (1926-2022), and Manfred (1920-1995) were both born in Berlin to Jewish families who fled the rising Nazi regime. For Hilda's family, the loss of their fabric store on Kristallnacht, when Hilda was 13, was the sign that it was time to seek safety and they escaped to China.

Hilda's family struggled but managed to stay fed, warm, and housed even under difficult conditions. Manfred and Hilda traced similar journeys, both eventually landing in San Francisco by way of Shanghai. The couple met and eventually moved to Marin County where they enjoyed a vibrant Jewish life as members of a variety of Jewish organizations. They raised two children, Evelyn and David, and were always deeply involved in a diverse range of Jewish causes.

After Manfred's death in 1995, Hilda continued to pursue her passions, regularly swimming at the local JCC, partaking in senior activities and events, and even becoming a bat mitzvah at the age of 94.

Hilda and Manfred were deeply committed to Jewish causes, and were unassuming in their dedication, giving generously and quietly. Alongside gifts to Ben Gurion University, Rodef Sholom, B'nai Brith, and Chabad, Hilda contributed to Jewish National Fund's Charitable Gift Annuity program, securing a fixed income for life, and tax benefits. In addition, Hilda and Manfred left a significant bequest in their trust to Jewish National Fund, which will support the work of building and strengthening the land and people of Israel and support Zionist education for generations to come.

Hilda visited Israel many times, and she took great pride in seeing the Jewish people thrive in our ancestral homeland. Now, and for always, Hilda and Manfred's Jewish pride will live on as a beautiful legacy. To learn more about the many ways you can leave your legacy with Jewish National Fund, visit jnflegacy.org or call 800-562-7526.