235 - In Memoriam

I first met Rabbi Alex Graubart several years ago, during one of my many sojourns at Evanston Hospital where he was the Jewish chaplain. He was a frequent and welcome visitor during my long summer of respiratory failure. We talked of many things; I was always taken with his scholarship, his gentleness, his humor, and his faith. He liked my psalms and flattered me. I was shocked to learn of his death last week. May his memory be for a blessing.

Two Hundred Thirty-Five

In Memoriam

Let there be a time of gentleness,
Let there be a place of memory;
There You ease our hearts, Holy One,
There You offer comfort.

The beauty of a life of mitzvot shines,
Lighting a path now seen through tears;
You will dry our eyes with remembrance,
A soft embrace with past deeds.

You are the Support of the righteous:
Now we lean upon You by association;
In our sorrow, You bless us with recall,
Images that offer healing and peace.