This evening I sat shiva with the Steinberg family at the Crowne Plaza in Jerusalem which is only a few blocks from school, where I live. Really, there were so many of us there to comfort the mourners that the ballroom was set up more like a military pass in review. I was among the few English speakers at the front of the line so it helped in being able to share a quality moment with the family. When my turn came, I knelt before Mrs. Steinberg and, holding her hand, told her and her family how very sorry I was over her loss, that it was our loss as well. I choked back tears as I said that it should never have happened but, given that it did, I appreciate not only his loving and courageous defense of Israel during his lifetime but the opportunity he has provided in death for my friends in the US -- many of them Birthright alums themselves -- to at last feel some understanding on a personal level of what is happening here now and daven more meaningfully regarding the war. She appeared deeply comforted and relieved by my remarks and agreed, saying that at least through him they can identify, there is a palpable connection. I repeated that it should never have happened but thanked her also for his service and said that while I could never have imagined what would unfold when I came for seminary at this time, it was a privilege to have the chance to be there with their family at this time. The whole family seemed very grateful for all of Israels outpouring of love and support, even in words they couldnt understand. In saying goodbye, I thanked her again for the blessing that his memory is already inspiring back home and she beamed with pride amid her evident sorrow saying that at least his purpose is being accomplished, what he came to do can as yet be fulfilled. Mr. Steinberg echoed his wifes mix of pride and sorrow. Maxs brother and sister sat on either side of their parents, a visual symbol of perseverance and optimism. Baruch Dayan Emet. Here is a sense of the turnout before the ballroom opened for us to visit with them. The entire anteroom was filled to the brim with every beverage and delicacy, none of it catered, all of it supplied without coordination of any kind by those who came to pay their respects.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 19:02:34 +0000
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