Hag Sameach! I hope that your Sedarim were wonderful and that you are all having a meaningful Passover experience! As the last two days of Yom Tov Pesach begin tonight, I wanted to send you another Sunday Morning Message.
The final day of Passover is traditionally a time to come to the synagogue for Yizkor, the memorial prayer that is recited in honor of our loved ones who have died. As the eighth night of Passover begins, we are invited to light a Yizkor candle in their memory. Interestingly, there is no blessing recited before we light the candle and no words that are traditionally offered. If you have ever found yourself searching for words during this moment, I offer the following prayer written by Rabbi Naomi Levy.
I haven’t forgotten you, even though it’s been some time now since I’ve seen your face, touched your hand, heard your voice. You are with me all the time.
I used to think you left me. I know better now. You come to me. Sometimes in fleeting moments I feel your presence close by. But I still miss you. And nothing, no person, no joy, no accomplishment, no distraction, not even God, can fill the gaping hole your absence has left in my life.
But mixed together with all my sadness, there is a great joy for having known you. I want to thank you for the time we shared, for the love you gave, for the wisdom you spread.
Thank you for the magnificent moments and for the ordinary ones too. There was beauty in our simplicity. Holiness in our unspectacular days. And I will carry the lessons you taught me always.
Your life has ended, but your light can never be extinguished. It continues to shine upon me even on the darkest nights and illumines my way. …May God bless you as you have blessed me with love, with grace and with peace. Amen (Talking to God, Rabbi Naomi Levy, A Memorial Prayer)
Please join us for Yizkor Services on Tuesday April 26th. Services begin at 9:00am and Yizkor should be at approximately 11:00am.