You are the children of the LORD your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead… — Deuteronomy 14:1
Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Re’eh, which means “see,” from Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17.
When my father Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, died unexpectedly from a heart attack, I was in shock and despair. My father was everything to me—a beloved parent and an irreplaceable mentor. I didn’t know how I could go on without him. But as the fog lifted after those first weeks of mourning, I began to realize that in some ways, my father was still with me more than he had ever been before. When he was living, my father was bound by physical limitations, and either he was with me or not. Now that he is no longer confined to his body, I feel my father’s presence all the time.
Join us for our new podcast series, Holy Days, Holy People, and explore the sacred seasons, feast days, and inspiring lives of faithful people whose stories continue to deepen and enrich our spiritual journey.
Since 1983, various stories of destitute Jewish people, whose names and photos may have been changed for privacy and security have been used to bless Israel and her people. Through these retellings, generous friends like you have helped feed, clothe, and shelter as well as provide medical care and heating for tens of thousands of those who struggle greatly.
