How many emotions can one heart simultaneously hold? Love, joy, gratitude, sorrow, hope, apprehension, yearning…all these and more are swirling in mine. Tuesday evening my husband and I enjoyed the great delight of attending—and my husband officiating at—our grandson’s wedding in the land of Israel.
The last time so many members of our immediate family were together was while we were sitting shiva (seven days of mourning) for our daughter, Rena, nineteen months ago. Hence, the sorrow mingled with the joy as we acutely missed her presence. But Rena’s husband, our son-by-marriage, flew in for the wedding, as did two of our daughters and our son. Along with our daughter who lives here and her family, a grandson and two great-nieces who are studying here, cousins and friends whose lives intertwine with ours, and of course the groom’s parents and siblings, the powerful forces of love and gratitude were overwhelming.
This land, itself, is one where life’s vigorous pulse reigns. At this non-touristy time of year, the streets of Jerusalem nonetheless are bustling. Outdoor cafes are packed, playgrounds are crowded, and buses are filled with workers and students. This is a city—and a country—that is vibrantly alive.
Paradoxically, the ever-present threat of war and the constant awareness of how suddenly death can strike, leads to a deep enjoyment of life. Note the three pictures below.
The first shows a typical Jerusalem street scene at lunch time, with tables filled with those stopping to have a bite.
Next, you see two of the food options, side by side. Look carefully and you’ll see a plaque on the wall between them.
Here is a closer look.
Allow me to translate:
In memory of:
| Asaf Avitan | Guy Waknin |
| Yosi Elezreh | Moshe Yedid-Levi |
| Moshe-Michael Dahan | Ido Cohen |
| Yaakov Danino | Yoni Kurgnov |
| Nir Heftzedi | Golan Torgemon |
| Adam Weinstein |
May their memories be blessed.
Who were murdered in this spot in a terrorist attack on Saturday night on the 17th of the month of Kislev in the year 5762 (December 2, 2001)
There are signs like this all around Israel. While Israelis (including many Moslem citizens) work and build, the countries around them and the United Nation’s creation, the Palestinians, teach and sow hatred and destruction.
So yes, each wedding, each birth, each day, is meaningful and we are privileged this week to be a part of it.
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Thank you for sharing your life with us Susan! You give connection, meaning, encouragement, warmth with wisdom for so many of us. I thank God for your light in my life, and pray continued mazel tov for the bride, groom, and blessings for all your family.
I’m dreaming of beautiful Israel now,
Kelly
I very much appreciate your words, Kelly. Thank you.