“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil …”
—Psalm 23
Just as Lag B’Omer, celebrated yesterday, provides Jews with an opportunity for joy and relief amidst the suffering of Jews in antiquity commemorated throughout the 49 days of the Omer, so, too, do we possess myriad opportunities to provide joy and relief amidst the suffering of others.
Most of us know how powerful a kind word or gesture can be to someone who is ill or sad, as we routinely encourage one another at each prayer service to remember those who are ill or sad and to reach out to them in their moment of need. However, such kindnesses may extend beyond our lifetimes.
I recently had the privilege of grieving alongside a family as they prepared to bury their mother, a humble and insightful woman who always put her family first. After consoling a bereaved friend, as well as helping him secure a burial plot and prepare a funeral, she resolved to ameliorate such suffering for her family. She promptly purchased funeral plots and wrote plans for her funeral. She also prepared an advanced medical care directive, a will and trust, and an ethical will, ensuring that, unlike her friend, her family would be left with only one question—how best to grieve.
One of the greatest sources of light we may bequeath to our loved ones amidst the darkness of grief is a plan for when we no longer remain, to ensure that our loved ones’ grief need not be mingled with the burdens of doubt, guilt, or argument.
—Rabbi Josh Knobel