Losing Aaron Abraham

Grandma Stella wakes up to the mournful winds and rain, understanding they lament the loss of Rabbi Aaron Abraham. Reflecting on his humble nature and private mourning for his late wife, she contemplates the impact of his passing amid a raging pandemic.

I wake up to the sound of the moaning winds and the pelting rain. I sleepily make my way to the armchair. I know why the wind keens and the rain weeps so. It grieves over the loss of our beloved rabbi, our dear, dear Aaron Abraham. Do not cry, do not grieve, for you are only mourning your own loss. Our dear, sweet, unassuming leader is on his way to meet his Sheena, his beloved departed wife. We are crying for ourselves, wind. We are weeping for ourselves rain. We have suffered an enormous loss.

I cannot comprehend not attending his funeral, nor not paying our respects by attending his shiva. What kind of times are we living in? Then I remember how he retired into himself when dear Sheena passed away and mourned the loss of her in private. Perhaps that is how he would want it. Perhaps it is the reason he passed away at this moment in time. Amongst this raging pandemic, this gentle man slipped quietly and humbly to his maker. How very typical of him.

Goodbye beloved friend. Goodbye beloved rabbi. Even the rain and the wind suffer from the loss of you. Fare thee well you righteous unassuming man. You shall be sorely missed. Goodbye. Goodbye…

Stella Tawfik Cooperman