We remember our past. Some of us keep clothes worn by family and friends or visit their favorite places. Some of us quote favorite sayings and melodies; perpetuating our loved ones years after they are gone. Sharing recipes and stories, even sitting in a particular chair, all link us to our past, whether it be recent or long-ago. The key is to act in our present in such a manner as to honor the memories of our loved ones.
Jewish tradition bears many methods of remembering our loved ones; giving tzedakah to causes that mattered to them, saying Kaddish on a Yahrzeit, kindling a memorial candle and naming children after a beloved relative are but a few. Notice that these methods are acts. We seek to remember by doing something. Memory is not enough. Memory needs to be made tangible in order to serve its goal. When we do not actualize memory, it merely drifts away.
This week’s Parshah details the last phase of preparing special garments for Aaron and his sons. Beautifully-dyed fabrics formed the first layer of ritual garb. Garments fashioned with golden thread and adorned with jewels comprised the second layer. A shield of 12 precious stones with the names of the tribes engraved thereupon was placed upon Aaron’s chest, symbolically attaching the names of Israel to his heart. What a sight it must have been!
Special epaulettes adorned Aaron’s shoulders. Two large onyx stones were engraved with six tribal names. Surprisingly, these two specific stones are named ‘Memory stones’ and the shield upon Aaron’s heart is not identified in any way. I wonder why. Perhaps it is easy to associate memory with the heart and it was not necessary to label the shield thusly. But, as Aaron dressed himself, he needed to remember for whom he was conducting the ceremony. It is easy to get caught up in pageantry and pomp. It is difficult to remember for whom the pageantry is being conducted. I wonder how we would act if we all wore initials of the names of our loved ones as we dressed for special circumstances. Would our behavior be holier if we were actively remembering the people dependent upon us?
Shabbat Shalom.
*Arad is on the Bima tomorrow evening!(Friday March 11) Oneg refreshments to follow. 6:00-7:00 p.m. Please join us to hear a special message from the MAJF shaliach!
** Join us for cookies and fruit in the Chapel during the Saturday morning service. We are proclaiming Chazak! We are finishing the Book of Exodus! Stand with us and ensure a minyan!
(Coffee beforehand and lunch to follow).
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