This morning, as the sand and the sea continue their endless dance and the hills surrounding Jerusalem continue to absorb last night's nourishing rain, my best friend is burying her big brother.
He was a young man, the family protector, humorous, a devoted Union member. He and his family have been both cherishing his life and preparing for his death for more than a year, just after his sudden diagnosis with Stage 4 cancer. In his last moments, he was surrounded by friends and family. They gathered to look at old pictures, to laugh, to recall the strong man he was even through most of his battle. My friend had the responsibility and the privilege and the blessing of holding his arm as he died--a great mitzvah, to accompany a dying person who will never have the chance to repay that kindness.
And there is another kindness to be done here, the mitzvah of comforting mourners. I wish with all my heart that I could be with the family at the burial and in the coming days to say, "Hamakom y'nachem etchem," May God, the one who is in all places, comfort you."
"As a mother comforts her son, so I will comfort you." (Isaiah 66:13)
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