Rabbi Renee’s First Shabbat in Tinton Falls
Discovering Life's Timeless Realities
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 6 seconds
I was honored when Rabbi Renee invited me to her inaugural Shabbat services at the Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT) in Tinton Falls on July 7th. With over one hundred and ninety congregants expected, she requested my presence to offer a calming influence from the front pew. Her generous offer included a seat with her family, treating me like one of their own. Despite my reservations about my ability to offer comfort, I accepted the invitation, even with the potential traffic issues on a summer Friday evening near the shore.
Surprisingly, there was less traffic than anticipated, and I arrived early on Friday night. As I entered the MRT, I immediately noticed a banner welcoming Rabbi Renee Edelman and heard her voice. As I made my way down the hallway, Cantor Gabrielle Clissold hugged me and remembered me from the second night of Passover Seder. Every person I encountered, whether we had met before or not, was friendly and welcoming throughout the evening. Rabbi Renee even introduced me to her MRT family, which made me feel included and grateful that I had attended the Shabbat services.
Rabbi Renee has been an incredible source of strength and comfort for my wife, Jan, and me. Her unwavering support throughout Jan’s battle with lymphoma was truly invaluable. Even after Jan’s passing, Rabbi Renee continued to show love and compassion, providing hope.
With Rabbi Renee’s guidance, I discovered solace and comfort in Merrit Malloy’s Epitaph. This newfound understanding of life’s eternal truth has allowed me to navigate my grief and fully embrace Jan’s spirit. I am forever grateful for the unwavering love and support of my family, friends, and fellow widows. Thanks to Rabbi Renee, I can live life to the fullest.
Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away.
Rabbi Dr. Renee Goldberg Edelman speaks about Jan and how much she misses her at Celebrate Jan Day.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Love Generates Quasi-buried Treasures
During my morning walk, I reflected on the intensity of my dream and how our love deepened over time. Lorrie Moore's quote, "Love was its little generator of quasi-buried treasure," filled me with happiness. I felt like expressing my love for you loudly and publicly, like shouting it from the rooftops!
Epitaph by Merrit Malloy
Discovering Life's Timeless Realities
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 6 secondsWhen I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give to me.
I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.
Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live on in your eyes
And not your mind.
You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands,
By letting bodies touch bodies,
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.
Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away.
