Shabbat Wisdom

Life is slowly returning to normal as the house gets put back together and the painting comes to an end.  There will be pictures when it’s all over.  But what I have to share today is a few pearls of wisdom from this morning’s shabbat service.

Our rabbi Esther opened the service with the statement that Judaism is counter-cultural because of the way we think about time.  Whereas many people are saving up all their errands and busy-ness for the weekend, we are commanded to observe a day of rest starting at sundown on Friday.  We can resume our craziness at sundown on Saturday, but our weekend starts by taking a rest.  I think this is one reason I like going to services.  For at least a few hours life’s challenges are put aside as we take a break.

The bat mitzvah girl’s question to the rabbi was how we can stay connected to people after they die.  As part of her answer, Esther read this poem by Merrit Malloy:

  When I die give what’s left of me away
  to children and old men that wait to die.
  And if you need to cry,
  cry for your brother walking the street beside you.
  And when you need me, put your arms around anyone
  and give them what you need to give me.

  I want to leave you something,
  something better than words or sounds.
  Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved,
  and if you cannot give me away,
  at least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.

  You can love me best by letting hands touch hands,
  and by letting go of children who need to be free.
  Love doesn’t die, people do.
  So, when all that’s left of me is love,
  give me away.

A lot to think about...