3 degree wind chill factor

I had never been to a Jewish funeral until... today.

The service was held for a wonderful man that was revered by all. He lived to the ripe old age of 98. When he was born the average life expectancy for a man was 55 years of age. He beat the odds.

A man of great drive, success, large family, lots of friends and a great tennis player!

I had the privilege of meeting the Rabbi conducting the service. We had an almost immediate rapport.

The service was very well done with a few friends sharing their remembrances and love.

The service came to a conclusion and people made their way to the exits.

Next on the agenda was for everyone to go to the cemetery for a "graveside service." There must have been 40 cars in the procession. We looked like a centipede making our way through the city blowing right through stop signs, red lights and pedestrian crossings. We were an unstoppable force with our hazard lights blinking!

We arrived at the cemetery and gathered around the coffin. There must have been at least 70 of us.

The temperature outside was 19 degrees with a "3 degree wind chill factor."

My iWitness...

Why would 70 people go to a cemetery and huddle together for 15-20 minutes in temperatures that were hovering around 19 degrees with a biting wind that would send the wind chill factor plummeting?

The Rabbi stated it loud and clear. "One of the greatest "mitzvahs" (good deeds) a friend can do for another friend is to attend the funeral of a friend's loved one."

To what lengths do we go to help a friend or show our love for our closest of friends?

May you have many "mitzvahs" in your life for your friends even if it means you do it in a
"3 degree wind chill factor."

And that's my iWitness...
Laugh often and Fear not!
David!

"And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." (Matthew 5. 41-42)