16 Weeks...Loneliness, Love, and Kindness

 Dear Friends,


Terribly lonely....but never alone...

How could I be alone when after last week's blog, I received over 100 hugs from people who are reading these glimpses into my heart and soul.  And believe me, each and everyone of them is so appreciated and so needed right now.

The student who responded with the emojis with smiling faces hugging, the friend who told me that Sue was my best "catch" after reading about the game of catch at the Field of Dreams, the student who wrote a beautiful reflection who I hope reads this and contacts me again, the friend who wrote a poem,  and so many good wishes.  I am grateful to each and everyone of you.

Today we finished reading the Biblical Book of Numbers during our Shabbat worship services.  Each week we read from a portion of the Torah (Five Books of Moses) and when we complete a book, we say in Hebrew, "Chazak, Chazak, v'nitchazek." which translates as "may we be strong, may we be strong and may we strengthen each other."  Your hugs were a way to help strengthen and accompany me on this grief journey.  Thanks to all of you who responded.

When I was traveling with our grandson last weekend, I noticed that he was sleeping with a smile on his face which reminded me of when Sue would sleep with a smile on her face.  I would quote the following lyrics and if I sang them to her, the smile would disappear.:-)  When she woke up, if I just quoted them, we shared a wonderful connection and realized that in fact our cup did runneth over with love. I only wish that I had told her more often and hope that those of you reading this will tell those you care about that your cup runneth over with love.


As you (hopefully) listened to the lyrics I hope that you will read Psalm 23 which has a verse that says that my cup runneth over and surely good and kindness will follow....

When people reach out and are kind, they encourage the cup of love to run over and over and over and there is goodness and kindness.

May we all reach out to those who are in need and may we all be blessed with cups that run over with love.  

B'shalom (in peace),

Rabbi Bruce Aft

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