“Living the Cycle of Life”
Throughout my six years as a Chazzan I have been very involved in the life cycle events of the members of my shul and the community that I represent. After all, this is my job. I teach Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, attend the parties, visit the sick, officiate at weddings and funerals, visit Shiva houses, and attend bris and baby namings. It is not unusual for me to be involved in any or even all of these events in the span of a week. I am accustomed to riding the emotional roller coaster dictated by my profession as Cantor. However, this year has been different. Since I moved back to Toronto, being a representative of the people has gone beyond my shul and extended to my own family. For the first time, the roller coaster I was riding was my own life – I was living the cycle.
This past May, within the short timeline of nine days, I developed an understanding for the ‘cycle of life’ better than ever before. It all began on Sunday, May 19 when I officiated at my sister-in-law’s wedding at Beth Sholom. The event was beautiful and everyone in attendance had a wonderful time. Sadly, two days after attending the wedding, Melissa’s Zaidy was hospitalized and on Wednesday evening he passed away. The following Tuesday, while the family was still sitting Shiva, Melissa went into labour and delivered our first child into this world. Samuel Morey Moses was born on May 28. The life cycle events for our family culminated with Sammy’s bris the following week.
My brief and intense encounter with the ‘cycle of life’ within the context of my own family helped me to draw the following conclusions. Our life cycle events convey a much deeper meaning – far greater than the events themselves. A wedding of two individuals is not merely the sum of 1+1. The truth is that two people together create more than two; they create worlds. Bikkur Cholim, visiting a sick person, is probably the greatest mitzvah we can do for another human being. Holding their hand and reminiscing about better times is an immensely powerful experience. The week of Shiva, albeit exhausting, provides the truest form of support and family unity for those in mourning. Although it is not intended to be acknowledged, a visit to a Shiva house is a most meaningful act of kindness. The loss of a dear Zaidy who lived a good life, and the birth only days later of a new baby truly exemplifies the beginning and the end of the ‘cycle of life.’ G-d takes life but G-d also gives life in return. The most incredible thing my eyes have ever seen is the miracle of birth. I am grateful for being present during this unforgettable moment.
As the week I dubbed “the week of eternal truths” unraveled, it is fascinating to look back. I neglected to mention that I had been engaged to perform in a concert in Montreal on the day of my son’s birth. Furthermore, I was to open the concert with one of my favourite excerpts from the High Holiday liturgy – “Haven Yakir Li,” my beloved child. Needless to say, circumstances did not permit me to sing this beautiful prayer. G-d delivered a “Ben Yakar,” a beloved child, to my family instead.
On Rosh Hashana we ask G-d to inscribe us in the “sefer hachayim,” the book of life. As we celebrate these Yamim Noraim, Days of Awe, may we capture the true essence of the ‘cycle of life.’ It is our unbroken faith which gives life meaning and purpose. May we all be inscribed for goodness, for life and for peace.
Shana Tovah