My Brother-in-Law Passed Away
I just had a call from my sister in Arizona. Her husband, who has been ill with liver cancer, passed away today. He was sleeping, and just quietly slipped away. I'm glad because his form of liver cancer was more insidious than my mother's. My mother wasn't in any pain at all -- she dozed off one day, and slept peacefully until she died. My brother-in-law was in a great deal of pain and his body was quite ravaged as a result of his failed liver. My oldest sister (the one I live with) will leave for Arizona tonight to help our sister. Jewish tradition requires burial within 24 hours, so he will be buried tomorrow. There won't be a funeral, so I am not traveling to Arizona at this time. My oldest sister has obligations here that need tending, so I offered to take care of things here at the home front. As the matriarch of our clan, my oldest sister is needed in Arizona more than I. Instead, I will go to Arizona some time in October to help our sister at that time. Kix
My condolences to you and your family on the death of your brother-in-law. Will your family sit shivah? If so, I'm sure your sister in Arizona will appreciate the help of your Colorado sister in tending to the family's needs. And I'm sure she will appreciate your support later in October. My sympathies on your loss - Kellie
Kellie: No, we won't sit shiva. We're sort of a hybrid family (half Reform Jewish and half Presbyterian) and my sister lives in Kingman, where they don't even have a full-time rabbi. My brother-in-law, who wasn't observant at all, surprised us with his request to be buried in the Jewish cemetary in Las Vegas. I've been unaffiliated myself for years, but I found this year that I really missed the rituals around the High Holy Days, so I may find myself back in the fold. Metro Denver has an interesting mix of congregations, including one that holds services in a beautiful park, so I'll have to start making the rounds to see which one is the best fit. I did attend the High Holy Days services at the park, and it was quite a different experience from sitting in temple all day with a growling stomach. Kix
I have a number of friends that are members of hybrid families, and my neighborhood is about 40% Orthodox Jews. So lots of small temples w/in walking distance of my home. I'm also surprised by your brother-in-law's request, but I'm sure he had his reasons. I'm not Jewish, but I do appreciate the rituals and observances around the High Holy Days. The services in the park sound lovely; close to nature, close to G-d... Plus, less chances of your neighbor hearing your rumbling belly as you wonder "is it sundown YET???" Kellie
