And the Healing Begins

Tuesday 6/22/99 - A page from the ashes

The synagogue is the sanctuary of Israel. Born out of our longing for the living God, it has been to Israel, throughout our wanderings, a visible token of the presence of God in His people's midst. Its beauty is the beauty of holiness; steadfast it has stood as the champion of justice, mercy, and peace.

Its truths are true for all people. Its love is a love for all people. Its God is the God of all people, as it has been said: "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Let all the family of Israel, all who hunger for righteousness, all who seek the Eternal find Him here--and here find life!

"And after the fire, a still, small voice."
[I Kings 19]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashes to be boxed for burial

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday 6/24/99 - Grounds are open to
the public for viewing 

We do not ask for a life of ease, for happiness without alloy. We ask only to be uncomplaing and unafraid.  In our darkness be our light, and in our loneliness help us discover the many souls akin to our own. Give us strength to face life with courage, to draw blessing even from its discords and conflicts. Make us understand that life calls us not merely to enjoy the richness of the earth, but to exult in heights gained after the toil of climbing.

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the ashes have been boxed

A Psalm of David. A song of Restoration

I sing to You, Adonai, who lifted me up,
Who did not permit my enemies to celebrate my fall.
To You, Adonai, I called. You healed me.
You raised up my soul from the grave,
You rescued me from death's pit.
Sing to Adonai, O faithful ones,
Praise the holiness of God's glory-
Whose anger lasts but a moment,
Whose love, a lifetime.
Tears may linger through the night,
But joy comes with the dawn.
Once, while at ease, I thought,
Nothing can shake my security.
Favor me and I am a mountain of strength.
Hide Your face, and I am terrified.
To You, Adonai, do I call,
Before You do I plead.
What good am I if silenced?
Can dust sing praise?
Can it proclaim Your faithfulness?
Hear me, Adonai, be kind to me;
Hear me, Adonai, and be my help.
You turned my mourning into dancing,
You changed my sackcloth for joyous robes.
I shall never keep silent, Adonai, my God;
I shall forever sing praises to Your glory.

[Psalm 30]

I owe so much to others, O God. Some of them I know, most I will never meet, however many gifts they send me. May they receive equal gifts from me, though they never know my name. We all are known to You, and for that I give thanks.

Healing Service with Rabbi Mona Alfi

The first box of ashes is buried by members of the congregation.