By Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz
This Sunday will be a year (on the Hebrew calendar) since that dreadful day,
When from out of nowhere, Rashi was suddenly taken away.
There is so much on my mind, but I couldn’t decide,
What things to share this weekend, and what to hide.
So I opted to write this goodbye letter, in the form of a poem,
To the memorial candle which burned for a year in our home.
*
For 12 months now you sat on our window sill,
And in a strange way, our hearts you would fill.
Despite what you represent, our loss and our sorrow,
When we looked at you, strength we would borrow.
The flickering flame on the top of your head,
Was always silent, but there was so much it said.
The flame represents the soul, is what we are taught,
I have now felt that for real, with the comfort you brought.
You witnessed so much as the year went by,
You saw us laugh and you saw us cry.
You saw the strength of the human spirit
But you also observed that we do have a limit.
I wonder what you thought as you sat there and watched,
The things we did right and the things that we botched.
You got to see the beauty and power of a united extended family,
Roots, trunk, branches and leaves, oh what a strong tree.
You also saw true friends, that are there for each other,
Though not related, treating us like a brother.
A community that rallied to their leader in need,
I hope you noticed that and took heed.
You must have been amazed, at the actions of the housekeeper,
Who knew to expand her role, to something much deeper.
When there were bumps in the road, or other kinks,
You surely enjoyed seeing, Hashem sending those winks.
But I know that what gave you the most joy in the midst of the sadness,
Was seeing the children thrive, which must have filled you with such gladness.
When we get home from New York your flame will not be there anymore,
Providing your warmth as we walk through the door.
It seems that now a new phase in the journey does start,
But you won’t be missing, forever you will illuminate our heart.
* * *
A groundbreaking ceremony will be taking place on Sunday, March 8, laying the cornerstone for the new Rashi’s Campus, a full service Jewish educational and outreach center which would carry her name, and serve as a permanent home for Chabad in North Fulton.
At the event, a new Torah written in her honor will be completed to be housed in the new center which she co-founded with her husband and family.
To join the campaign, visit rashiscampus.com
I lost y mother a little over a yr ago and you expressed my feelings about the candlelight
So simple, so real, straight from the heart.
Your poem speaks volumes. May you only know of joy and be comforted!
So eloquently written!
May Hashem give you the
strength to carry on! Hatzlocho Rabba!
to rabbi hershi and family you wil alwase be in our harts you shluchim brother hu love you
This was very hard on all of us- your extended family, and your weekly words of wisdom are what gave us all the strength to see the light. Hashem should continue to show you the light at the end of the tunnel with healthy, hatzlachah and mazal for you and your precious children.
Moshiach Now!!!
Hashem were standing tall & ready for MOSHIACH immediately!!!
May your entire family have the strength to keep strong, stay close and keep inspiering us all.
Your pal,
Mendy S.
Short Hills, NJ
May Hashem continue to give you and your family the strength and comfort you need
Very special. No words
beautiful!
Hershi and kids, Shlit’a, You’re always on our mind.
from now on.. let us only hear good news from each other.
Dear and precious family… We never see you but we think about all of you every single day and pry for your wonderful family…Hashem bless all of you and please send משיח צדקיהו!
may hashem grant you your every wish
much nachas from you children
best wishes in all your future endeavors
thinking of all of you always
You and your family are in an inspiration to us all !
Only Simchas!
I too have a candle burning in my home this year. Never imagined how comforting it would be.
May Hashem give you strength and He give us all moshiach now to end our people’s tears.
We love you