These words that follow were read from the bimah this morning on behalf of Seth Schuchman. Seth and his wife, Amy, sponsored today's kiddush lunch in memory of Seth's dear mother, Geri.
Good Shabbos. Nancy asked me to share a few thoughts today about Mom.
As time goes by, beautiful memories replace painful ones. That is really a gift and I only hope anyone else who experiences loss has the same experience.
I think of Mom nearly every day- in a conscious way. Most often I imagine her face as we see our kids grow. She loved Eli. I believe she loves Sadie. I also believe she can see them in a way that I don't understand.
Mom was a wise woman. She just "knew" things and was quickly able to read a situation. It was one of her many gifts. I believe her connectedness and relationship talent somehow stemmed from her faith. The more she engaged in tradition and ritual, the closer she grew to G-d. The closer she grew to G-d, the more she intuitively understood about people and her environment. It is really a beautiful loop.
I easily picture Mom in the kitchen- maybe her greatest joy. She is baking Challah for the High Holidays. She loved to give Challah and Honey Cake to so many congregants. As she bakes away with one hand, the phone is in the other. Of course, she is talking Synagogue business. Mom understood and taught me that people are what matter. As you check in on friends and friends of friends, the community grows tighter. And, that, is really the business she loved.
I can't think of Mom without picturing so many memories of Tifereth Israel. It was such an integral part of her life and is tied to her memory. My generation has a lot to learn about growth and joy that commitment to an institution can give a family. That, the work repays in generational culture.
Mom knew that Tifereth Israel is a diamond. It may be a small diamond, but the folks on top of the Wells Fargo building can verify, that most often, the smallest diamonds are the most perfect ones.
Please toast today to the Congregation and the beauty of the community. Each of you make it shine.
Please remember my Mother as you toast.
And, please accept my heartfelt thank-you for a wonderful place to grow-up and a place that felt safe, special, and warm as I mourned Mom.
Best,
Seth A Schuchman
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