My deepest sympathies to you and your wife on the loss of your dear friend. It is for good reason that you were welcomed into their havurah, that you and your families welcomed each other into your lives. Surely her memory shall be for a blessing, and may you all know no more of such sorrows.
You are an exquisite writer, a keen observer of the passing scene. In today's tangled, troubled world, it is a real pleasure to read your thoughts, to hear the words of someone who has the courage to wear his heart on his sleeve. Wishing you long life, and much strength.
Thank you for your description of your relationship with your friend. Your beautiful writing about your life experience, friendships and purpose helps me to see the beauty in my own. Thank you, by sharing your story and sorrow I feel more grateful and grounded on this earth today.
My Kippah! I read the entire newsletter wondering why this was at the end. It was at the end so Robert could discuss the issues of the day and then...share the beauty of his departed friend. Beautifully written and the emotion felt by all who read it...especially by people who share the faith of your dear friend. You were both lucky and her legacy to the world is all she did for her family, friends and the community. Thank you for sharing it with us. Shabbat shalom.
I read today's newsletter and then this one from yesterday. Beautiful. How lucky you were to have this profound friendship. And how lucky she was too. She sounds like a wonderful person. Sharing your traditions was a gift to you both. Thank you for writing about it.
As important and thoughtful as the body of your newsletter was, I want you to know how moved I was by today's Concluding Thoughts. It was a beautiful tribute to the long relationship you shared with this very special friend. She, her family, her circle of friends, all welcomed and included you and Jill into their lives. The affection and respect you feel for her and for sharing both of your religious heritages is touching.
I have often wondered, as a daily reader of your newsletter for several years, how you knew so much about Judaism, and in such an intimate way. Your kippah story answered that question.
Thank you, Robert. I add my name to those of your many readers who also find you a most amazing person. You have touched us all. Her memory is clearly a blessing.
I, too, was so moved by your loving tribute to your longtime friend...and your appreciation and knowledge of Jewish traditions and rituals. In our broken world, we need much more interfaith dialogue and the chance to build deep connections among people of different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures. You and your friend were both blessed to have shared a friendship for so many years. And if you haven't already been welcomed as an honorary "Member of the Tribe," I would like to have that honor!
I recently lost a close Jewish friend and several of my relatives have married into Jewish families. It has been my joy and privilege to become part of their lives. my neighbor, in his late 80s, Mel, loved my dog and after his daughters made him move into a transitional care facility, he still drove. He frequently arrived at my door announced just to see "our dog," because his wife hadn't ever let him have dogs and I told him he should consider Juuno his dog, too. He did. And that dog died shortly after Mel. As I read about your graveside thoughts, I started to cry from the pain of it. The loss, the grief, the wanting to do more somehow. But don't focus on "I am walking away." Focus on how this dear friend had to leave earlier than any of you would have wished, and you, too, symbolically, had to leave the ceremony when it was over. It wasn't "walking away;" it was being a huge part of the“havurah” group who shared such a mutual love and affection from their families and yours. What a comfort your presence was for them, as well.
To call this an illustration of the beauty of acceptance is a serious understatement. "Affirmation" and "grace" perhaps come closer. Since this does, inevitably, touch on religion, here is a very old saying from your Catholic tradition: Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
In addition to the newsletter, your description of the ultimate tribute you gave your friend was beautiful and touching. The sound of the dirt hitting the casket is always a shock to me of the true finality of the life of a loved one. May her memory be a blessing to all.
My deepest sympathies to you and your wife on the loss of your dear friend. It is for good reason that you were welcomed into their havurah, that you and your families welcomed each other into your lives. Surely her memory shall be for a blessing, and may you all know no more of such sorrows.
You are an exquisite writer, a keen observer of the passing scene. In today's tangled, troubled world, it is a real pleasure to read your thoughts, to hear the words of someone who has the courage to wear his heart on his sleeve. Wishing you long life, and much strength.
My condolences, Robert. This was a beautiful tribute, and much-needed sentiments at a time when antisemitism is running rampant (again).
Thank you for your description of your relationship with your friend. Your beautiful writing about your life experience, friendships and purpose helps me to see the beauty in my own. Thank you, by sharing your story and sorrow I feel more grateful and grounded on this earth today.
Lovely thoughts on losing a beloved friend. My prayers are for you during this very sad time
My Kippah! I read the entire newsletter wondering why this was at the end. It was at the end so Robert could discuss the issues of the day and then...share the beauty of his departed friend. Beautifully written and the emotion felt by all who read it...especially by people who share the faith of your dear friend. You were both lucky and her legacy to the world is all she did for her family, friends and the community. Thank you for sharing it with us. Shabbat shalom.
Your tribute to your friend brought tears to my eyes. You were both fortunate to have had such a beautiful friendship. So sorry for your loss.
For some reason I am not receiving my newsletter. I am a paid subscriber. It is not in junk mail. Help! How do I get my daily email back!
I read today's newsletter and then this one from yesterday. Beautiful. How lucky you were to have this profound friendship. And how lucky she was too. She sounds like a wonderful person. Sharing your traditions was a gift to you both. Thank you for writing about it.
For some reason I am not receiving my newsletter. I am a paid subscriber. It is not in junk mail. Help! How do I get my daily email back!
Today's newsletter confirmed, in bold letters, you are a true mensch. Thank you. Thank you. A thousand times...Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Hubbell for that wonderful tribute and for sharing. How blessed you were for her friendship.
Dear Robert,
As important and thoughtful as the body of your newsletter was, I want you to know how moved I was by today's Concluding Thoughts. It was a beautiful tribute to the long relationship you shared with this very special friend. She, her family, her circle of friends, all welcomed and included you and Jill into their lives. The affection and respect you feel for her and for sharing both of your religious heritages is touching.
I have often wondered, as a daily reader of your newsletter for several years, how you knew so much about Judaism, and in such an intimate way. Your kippah story answered that question.
Thank you, Robert. I add my name to those of your many readers who also find you a most amazing person. You have touched us all. Her memory is clearly a blessing.
I, too, was so moved by your loving tribute to your longtime friend...and your appreciation and knowledge of Jewish traditions and rituals. In our broken world, we need much more interfaith dialogue and the chance to build deep connections among people of different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures. You and your friend were both blessed to have shared a friendship for so many years. And if you haven't already been welcomed as an honorary "Member of the Tribe," I would like to have that honor!
I recently lost a close Jewish friend and several of my relatives have married into Jewish families. It has been my joy and privilege to become part of their lives. my neighbor, in his late 80s, Mel, loved my dog and after his daughters made him move into a transitional care facility, he still drove. He frequently arrived at my door announced just to see "our dog," because his wife hadn't ever let him have dogs and I told him he should consider Juuno his dog, too. He did. And that dog died shortly after Mel. As I read about your graveside thoughts, I started to cry from the pain of it. The loss, the grief, the wanting to do more somehow. But don't focus on "I am walking away." Focus on how this dear friend had to leave earlier than any of you would have wished, and you, too, symbolically, had to leave the ceremony when it was over. It wasn't "walking away;" it was being a huge part of the“havurah” group who shared such a mutual love and affection from their families and yours. What a comfort your presence was for them, as well.
To call this an illustration of the beauty of acceptance is a serious understatement. "Affirmation" and "grace" perhaps come closer. Since this does, inevitably, touch on religion, here is a very old saying from your Catholic tradition: Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
In addition to the newsletter, your description of the ultimate tribute you gave your friend was beautiful and touching. The sound of the dirt hitting the casket is always a shock to me of the true finality of the life of a loved one. May her memory be a blessing to all.