Goodbye- in more ways than one
Over the past few weeks, I’ve said my share of goodbyes. There was the Israeli mother and her daughter, here for treatment. Things didn’t go as hoped and the next step was to travel to NY. We sat together making phone calls, trying to cut through the endless red-tape. Finally, with her insurance in order, the hospital gave it’s OK. Medical transport was arranged and they were ready to go. Knowing that it was likely the last time I’d see them, I said goodbye. The word for goodbye in Hebrew is Shalom- but it also means hello. Shalom- welcome to a new chapter, may it be filled with hope and new possibilities. The next morning, I officiated at a funeral. With only family present, there were 10 people there- If you count me and the mortuary staff. After a lifetime filled with hardships and difficulties, Sarah’s struggles were over; she was finally at rest. Shalom- at last, she found peace. Fast-forward a week and it was a very different set of goodbyes. Our whole family had come together to Celebrate “Bubby and Zaidy’s” 50th anniversary. We were heading back home- to Pittsburgh and Phoenix, Florida, Rome and Tzfat. Some of the older cousins were getting ready to Spend their year of study in LA, NY, Israel and Argentina. Groups huddled together, Tears flowed, and hugs held tight. No one wanted to leave. With the cousins close like siblings, all that time together Left everyone with a sense of Shalom- Harmony, wholeness and at ease in spirit and soul. It was all capped off at PHX Sky Harbor Airport, Where Mussie and her friends boarded their flight to A year of study and growth in the Holy Land. Shalom- goodbye, because we won’t see you for a while. And Shalom- to beginning this new chapter in your life. But behind their smiles is a painful hole in their hearts. Their beautiful friend and classmate Shaina, Taken from them after her battle with cancer over two years ago. Though not here physically, they feel Shaina with them every day. So, as they all step into the next pha