Tuesday, February 4, 2014
A Tribute to My Grandma Lea Lea bas Sara, my grandmother, exemplified what it is to be a Good Jew. She was instrumental in helping me become the person whom I am today, and whom I aspire to be. Her world was very broken as she endured the horrors of the Holocaust, yet she rose-above this darkness to bring a shining light into the world through tikkum olam - repairing the world. This is one of the core tenants of being a Good Jew. Lea was a giving person whom put the needs of her family and friends first. I remember as a young child being in the care and comfort of my grandma when I was ill, and how she nurtured me in so many ways to ensure a speedy recovery. Her homemade chicken soup was truly Jewish penicillin! While my mother, Lea’s oldest daughter, was undergoing an intensive cancer treatment in another state, my grandma accompanied my mom and dad, without question, to ensure that my mother would make a speedy recovery. Shortly after the passing of her husband Isaac, of blessed memory, she volunteered at a senior day program to bring joy into many people’s lives. Kindness – Wherever Lea went she made friends… whether this was a neighbor, the local butcher, the handyman… so on and so forth. When Lea said “Good Shabbos,” she truly meant it! Lea always provided a festive holiday meal for her family, and for those whom did not have a place to go for a holiday meal. “Welcoming the stranger” is a fundamental concept in Judaism, and Lea was a leader by example. Lea was a true matriarch. She passed shortly after the arrival of Rosh Chodesh – the start of the Jewish month when a new moon appears. I read an interesting article from Chabad that described how Rosh Chodesh is known as a “women’s holiday.” It is because the women, at the time of the Sin of the Golden Calf, did not participate in this most greatest of sins. “It was the women’s luminous, unwavering faith that brought the Jewish people through one of the darkest moments in our history.” I believe that everything happens for a divine reason, and Hashem (G-d) chose Lea’s spirit to be among our Matriarchs at the arrival of Rosh Chodesh as recognition for the light she brought into our world. Myself, as well as everyone whom was touched by Lea’s presence, feels a tremendous loss. I feel that the only way I will heal will be to live in Lea’s ways by being a Good Jew through generosity and kindness. May her memory be forever a blessing.
