The purpose of this blog is to invite some giants to the Shabbat table. Please print and share...
When my grandfather died about 20 years ago, I and a few other family members prepared eulogies for the funeral.
However, the rabbi in charge gently informed me that in that community, he normally says the only eulogy.
Well, I said, today I'll be speaking too.
"You see," he persisted, "Family members are often overcome with emotion and it can be very difficult for them and everyone else. This is why we do it this way."
It was my only chance in my life to bury my grandfather, I wasn't going to budge. "It's a big mitzvah, I want to do it."
It was also my first ever eulogy. My own rabbi had guided me thus: A good eulogy makes them laugh and cry at the same time.
But he wasn't going to go down without a fight. "Why do you say it's such a mitzvah? Where in the Torah is there such a mitzvah?"
"Um... Parshat Chayei Sarah, 2nd verse?"
He had no further comments or questions.
This week the world lost some staggering human beings, each a giant in their own way.
First and foremost was Rabbi Dovid Feinstein zl, a rabbi's rabbi and yet a very down-to-earth man.
Here's an audio portrait of his greatness.
Second was Rabbi Lord Dr (I'm not 100% sure that's the correct order) Yonatan Sacks zl. There were many eulogies of him, but here's one that not enough people heard:
https://rabbidunner.com/harav-Wlord-jonathan-sacks-zl/
Third was my aforementioned grandfathers mechutenes - that's Yiddish for in-law - Eleanor Rubinstein of Portland. She passed away this week at 100 years + 7 years + 1/2-year — she had the wisdom of a 100-year-old, the energy of a 7-year-old, and the innocence of a 6-month-old.
One of her grand-daughters eulogized:
A role model in every way, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to volunteering. Starting with the Red Cross during War War II, she consistently found ways to give back, whether it was the PTA, Girl Scouts or the National Council for Jewish Women. Well into her 100s, Eleanore volunteered weekly for Store to Door, making calls to homebound seniors with her miniature dachshund Sophie sitting in her lap..... Maintaining her positive spirit and clever wit to the end, she said all of her goodbyes before she passed. When asked if she wanted to rest between Facetime calls, she declined: “I’m going to be resting for a very long time.” And last but not least, this week marked the 6th Yahrzeit of the Har Nof martyrs. I blogged about them then and you should only read it if you want to be both uplifted and sad at the same time.
The question for your table - it's rather cliché yet still great for conversation — What do you want them to say at your funeral?
Shabbat Shalom
Announcement: To become a partner in the publication of groundbreaking new book, Body and Soul: A Torah Guide to Health, Fitness, and Longevity, Medically-Annotated, it is now possible to contribute a dedication in someone's honor or memory to be printed in the book, please email dedications@jsli.org for instructions and may the merit of your contribution uplift them and the Jewish People and the world. Eight years in the making, this collaboration of Torah scholars, doctors and dietitians will, we hope, change the way we relate to our bodies and to food.
Enjoyed this Table Talk? Vote with your fingers! Like it, tweet it, forward it....
Well, I said, today I'll be speaking too.
"You see," he persisted, "Family members are often overcome with emotion and it can be very difficult for them and everyone else. This is why we do it this way."
It was my only chance in my life to bury my grandfather, I wasn't going to budge. "It's a big mitzvah, I want to do it."
It was also my first ever eulogy. My own rabbi had guided me thus: A good eulogy makes them laugh and cry at the same time.
But he wasn't going to go down without a fight. "Why do you say it's such a mitzvah? Where in the Torah is there such a mitzvah?"
"Um... Parshat Chayei Sarah, 2nd verse?"
He had no further comments or questions.
This week the world lost some staggering human beings, each a giant in their own way.
First and foremost was Rabbi Dovid Feinstein zl, a rabbi's rabbi and yet a very down-to-earth man.
Here's an audio portrait of his greatness.
Second was Rabbi Lord Dr (I'm not 100% sure that's the correct order) Yonatan Sacks zl. There were many eulogies of him, but here's one that not enough people heard:
https://rabbidunner.com/harav-Wlord-jonathan-sacks-zl/
Third was my aforementioned grandfathers mechutenes - that's Yiddish for in-law - Eleanor Rubinstein of Portland. She passed away this week at 100 years + 7 years + 1/2-year — she had the wisdom of a 100-year-old, the energy of a 7-year-old, and the innocence of a 6-month-old.
One of her grand-daughters eulogized:
A role model in every way, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to volunteering. Starting with the Red Cross during War War II, she consistently found ways to give back, whether it was the PTA, Girl Scouts or the National Council for Jewish Women. Well into her 100s, Eleanore volunteered weekly for Store to Door, making calls to homebound seniors with her miniature dachshund Sophie sitting in her lap..... Maintaining her positive spirit and clever wit to the end, she said all of her goodbyes before she passed. When asked if she wanted to rest between Facetime calls, she declined: “I’m going to be resting for a very long time.”
The question for your table - it's rather cliché yet still great for conversation — What do you want them to say at your funeral?
Shabbat Shalom
Announcement: To become a partner in the publication of groundbreaking new book, Body and Soul: A Torah Guide to Health, Fitness, and Longevity, Medically-Annotated, it is now possible to contribute a dedication in someone's honor or memory to be printed in the book, please email dedications@jsli.org for instructions and may the merit of your contribution uplift them and the Jewish People and the world. Eight years in the making, this collaboration of Torah scholars, doctors and dietitians will, we hope, change the way we relate to our bodies and to food.
Enjoyed this Table Talk? Vote with your fingers! Like it, tweet it, forward it....
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