Week End

This is not the weekend, yet, but it is the week end. The week of shiva, the week of mourning. Last night was the last evening service at my parent's house, and it was meaningful to share it with them.

This last week has been quite an experience. Starting Saturday night, we began shiva, in which people visit the house of mourning (in this case, ours), bringing lots of food and well-wishes. Saturday night, nearly 50 people crammed into our living room for the evening service. It was an enormously touching display, a real testament to my grandmother's and my family's contributions to the community.

Sunday included more food, and a couple of friends of mine from high school. And more food. Did I mention food?

Apparently Jews express condolences with food. I completely understand; it's an opportunity to give to a mourning family. It's an opportunity to do something, at a time when there is really nothing to do. As a result, we celebrated the end of mourning last night by loading half a dozen boxes of cookies, candies, and pastries into my car to share with my new coworkers.

Last night, the Rabbi read the following passage:

"A woman of valor, who can find? Her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and nothing shall he lack. She renders him good and not evil all the days of her life. She opens her hand to the needy, and extends her hand to the poor. She is robed in strength and dignity, and cheerfully faces whatever may come. She opens her mouth with wisdom. Her tongue is guided by kindness. She tends to the affairs of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness. Her children come forward and bless her. Her husband too, and he praises her. Many women have done superbly, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a God-fearing woman is much to be praised. Place before her the fruit of her hands. Wherever people gather, her deeds speak her praise."

She was robed in strength and dignity. She was truly a woman of valor.