United Hebrew new staff announcements include two familiar faces in new roles. Samantha Fomera and Jen Newmark bring a mix of Jewish communal experience and fresh energy to their leadership positions at United Hebrew Congregation. From youth education to storytelling, both are already shaping the future of St. Louis’s oldest Jewish synagogue.
Building Jewish connection through family
Samantha Fomera (she/her) is United Hebrew’s new director of youth education and family engagement. A Missouri native with deep experience in youth development, special education and family programming, Fomera comes to UH with both a practical and deeply personal connection to Jewish learning.
She holds a Master’s degree in human development and family sciences from the University of Missouri and is currently pursuing a second Master’s in Jewish Studies at the Academy for Jewish Religion. Her work has included time with MU Extension as a 4-H youth specialist, as well as over a decade of work supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“What truly excites me is the focus on family engagement throughout the K–12 journey at United Hebrew,” Fomera said. “This congregation is filled with generations who already understand the importance of passing down Jewish tradition and resilience. I’m honored to contribute to that legacy.”
Fomera has also completed fellowships with the Pardes Institute (Mahloket Matters), the Jewish Ideas Fellowship at HUC-JIR and the ADL’s Glass Leadership Institute.
A natural fit in a familiar place
Jen Newmark now serves as United Hebrew’s communication manager. A member of the congregation for 15 years, Newmark’s résumé includes creative direction, community leadership and a career pivot that took her from veterinary technology to visual communications.
She graduated summa cum laude from Maryville University with a degree in graphic design, was active in Hillel and served as co-president of the student AIGA design club. She’s also served on the United Hebrew board and the Jewish Community Relations Council and is an alum of the Wexner Heritage Program.
“United Hebrew has played a major part in my life for the last 15 years,” said Newmark. “This new role is the natural progression of my continued commitment to this community. I get to use my skills and connections to tell the story of the oldest Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi. What an honor!”
Shared vision, new energy
Both Fomera and Newmark describe their new positions as opportunities to work collaboratively with UH’s professional team and deepen relationships across generations. As the synagogue prepares for fall programs and the High Holidays, their work is already taking root.
