From the Rabbi

Things Mary and I learned from the loss of two parents within nine months:
Even the anticipated can feel like the unexpected.
The passing of each generation distances ourselves even further from our
past as the chain of tradition from Sinai adds yet another link.
The Jewish laws of mourning make sense.
Saying Kaddish is both a source of comfort as well as an assurance.
Even greater than the sadness of our own losses is the
sadness we feel when others neglect to say Kaddish for their
parents.
Sitting Shiva in a full house is a reminder of the continuity
of life and of that which the living might achieve. Sitting
Shiva in an empty house is a reminder of death.
The ability to tell the story again and again to those who visit during Shiva
brings home the reality, yet provides the comfort that only saying the words can
provide. The absence of others to listen keeps it bottled up inside.
What opportunities for the strengthening of bonds to Sinai and ultimately to
Jewish continuity lie ahead when Jews place the mitzvah of nichum avelim (comforting
the mourners) above the transient needs of the moment? What future does
Judaism have should this mitzvah be forgotten?
Nothing–and nobody–can be forever.
Let me take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation for the comfort
offered by those who came to bring comfort. May we gather again on occasions
of joy.
– Rabbi Ned J. Soltz