Counting for Something
Monday, 18 July 2011
Only five people were expected. Which is why I was surprised to see an assemblege of a dozen or so, gathered by the side of the road.
“My mother wanted this to be a simple, low-key sort of thing,” remarked the grieving son, when offered condolences from this group of strangers.
“We can leave…if you would prefer the privacy,” replied one.
“We came to offer comfort,” said another.
“We came so that you would have a minyan for Kaddish,” rejoined a third.
That is what it means to live in community. To know that your presence counts. To know that if you are need, someone will come to your aid. That you will not grieve alone.
And this is what we are leaving behind…
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You, of all people, will find it again.
So sweet of you to say…thank you so much.
But if you don’t find it, I know you will work to develop it where you are.
Such faith you have in me…
I read this, and said, “A High Holy Day talk is writing itself with this true vignette.” It’s a message of great importance for our American Jews today. I bet you’ve caused many of our colleagues to get their wheels turning with this one!
Love,
Former BossGiraffe
Perhaps your HHD talk is writing itself. I, on the other hand…well, see the previous day’s post.
Love what ZaydeGiraffe replied and agree with the others as well.
Thanks, Alyson!