A Granddaughter’s Eulogy for Mom
This morning was my mom’s funeral, it was such a beautiful ceremony for such a beautiful person. One of the highlights, I thought, was the eulogy written by my 22-year-old daughter, Hadas, about going on a walk around the block with Savta. Here’s what she wrote:
I have a strong memory of me and savta walking around our block two years ago. Savta took her time reading all the signs in Hebrew on the way and picking up pieces of garbage from the ground.
I remember thinking to myself that I walked this block so many times, but I am always in a hurry and I never notice anything that happens on it and how rich it all is.
I told savta that I think she teaches me how to walk.
Savta pointed out a palm tree nearby. I told her that every time I see that palm tree I will remember to enjoy the way. She laughed.
Savta was an expert in enjoying the way.
On her birthdays she would always say that life only gets better. And I could see that she meant it.
Savta loved her life.
She loved Saba, and her family, she loved her work as a psychiatrist, she loved watering her flowers and reading the newspaper In the morning with Saba.
Savta taught my how the routine of life can be so beautiful and loveable.
I hope I will learn how to do that too.
for the end’ I just wanted to say
Savta, thank you for are talks and for being there for me when I needed you, with your listening and advice.
I love you.
You can see the rest of the eulogies in this video (starting at 6:06) by my mom’s rabbi, Rabbi Daniel Burg of the Beth Am Congregation, my brother John Freedman, and my sister-in-law, Cecily Baskir (who recently became the mayor of Chevy Chase, Maryland, congratulations Cecily!).
So sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. From everything written about her it seems like she lived life to the fullest and celebrated every minute. What an important lesson for us all.
Hamokom yinakem eschem bsoch sharei evlei Yerushalayim. May we only share good news!!
It seems that this special trait of finding beauty in everyday occurrences has been passed down from mother to daughter to grandaughter…
What a special lady your mother was, Chana Jenny. And what joy she must have experienced watching you grow into who you are. And, indeed, her grandchildren.
Thank you for Sharing Chanah. May these beautiful life lessons that she passed on to you and your family always be with you
Baruch Dayan HaEmet. I’m sorry for your loss. And wow, this really inspired me. Enjoying the everyday routine (and doing your bit to make the world better in this every-day routine, like your mother clearly did eg by cleaning and giving your daughter advice while going for walks even) is a wonderful spiritual lesson. Thank you!!
Chana Jenny, I ‘randomly’ checked your website today, and I was so moved by
your daughter Hadas’ piece on your mother and the walk around the block. I
am listening now to your brother speaking.
You are definitely carrying on in her ways of’picking up the garbage:’ (as was mentioned by a few) cleaning up the world and making it a better more beautiful place through Torah living and chizuk to the Jewish women!
I am so sorry for your loss and sad to sayHaMakom Yinachem Eschem b’soch shaar aveilei Tzion v’Yerushalayim
May k’lal Yisroel and your family know no more sorrows
I couldn’t find a current email address for you to send this privately…
Julie H
thank you so much julie! I like how you put it, that I’m picking up garbage in my own jewishmom way:) truth is as I get older I’ve started picking up garbage on the street at times, like mom did a”H
Baruch dayan haemes. Your mother sounds like she was an amazing woman. Im sorry to hear of her passing.
Dear Jenny,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother.
We learned so much from her love of family, devotion and care to her patients,and the way she appreciated the little things in life.
How wonderful that you have her wedding gown for your daughters!
May G-d comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalim.
May her soul rise on high_ May her memory be a model for blessing.
May you know no more sorrows. May you have strength and comfort during
this difficult time!
love, Phyllis
Dearest Chana Jenny,
Your Mum sounds like an absolutely fantastic person. Her positivity, resilience and belief in the goodness of life found its way to you and will remain for a thousand generations BH. Wishing you nechama and peace. Baruch Dayan Haemes – HaMakom Yinachem Eschem b’soch shaar aveilei Tzion v’Yerushalayim.