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“I completely agree with you,” I smile excitedly. “I have a similar perspective on life.”
We arrive at the kabbalist’s house and knock on his door.
“Sorry for the time,” we apologize, “it’s an emergency.”
The kabbalist let us in, understanding.
“Come in. Sit down here, please, and tell me how I can help you.”
“Esteemed Rabbi,” I start, “you probably don’t remember me, but I’ve visited you several times in the past, unfortunately under similar circumstances.”
Avi looks at me pleased and proud.
The Rabbi tries to refresh his memory. “You seem familiar. You’ve been here once to ask for a prayer for your mother-in-law, haven’t you?”
“Yes,” I say softly, “my former mother-in-law.”
He looks at the two of us and smiles faintly.
“So, what brings you here tonight?”
“My grandmother is on her deathbed; Alzheimer’s,” he summarizes. “I’d be happy if you could bless her, ease her pain, and do anything you can to unburden her.”
“Please,” the kabbalist rabbi asks him for details and dates of birth, his mother’s name, and so on.
Avi provides him with all the details about his Grandma Lola.
The kabbalist makes his calculations and refers to ancient Kabala books. He takes his time, performing his job meticulously and carefully, fully aware of the delicate situation.
“Unfortunately,” the kabbalist says, “as you’ve previously mentioned, it doesn’t seem there’s much left to do. But perhaps we should have a ‘Pidyon Nefesh’, redeem her soul through charity, and ensure that righteous men pray for her day and night. We could make sure her soul has a ‘Tikkun’, and through this atonement she can transcend to the heavens. She’s an extraordinary and precious woman.” Avi wipes a tear and thanks him for his sincerity and directness.
“Yes, sadly, there isn’t much hope left. But we could at least offer her a spiritual closure.” Avi uses my words. I smiled to myself. Have I inspired him? “There are a lot of precious souls up there that she’d be pleased to meet,” he continues. The rabbi warmly shakes his hand.
“Your grandmother must have finished playing her part in this world,” he explains to him with sensitivity. “But her descendants will continue her legacy, if God wills it. I’m here for you,” he adds. “I bless you.”
“Amen!” We both answer together, half smiling at each other.
Avi hands him a stack of bills.
“Hope that’s enough,” he looks at him fondly.
“Thank you,” the kabbalist replies. “May you both be blessed.”
We thank him, leave together and step back into the cab waiting for us outside, and head back home. As we sit in the taxi and start taking deep breaths, he turns to me.
“Sam, I can’t thank you enough,” his bewitching bright eyes stare at mine and he grabs my hand. “I’ve lost the ability to focus on what matters most, and I’ve drowned in my own sorrow. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” He tightens his grip on my hand.
“It was my pleasure.” I blush. “Anyone would have done it.”
“Are you serious?” he laughs, “you might be surprised, but most people are self-centered. No one would have gone through the trouble of thinking about ways to make me feel better, let alone someone who’s known me for just a couple of hours,” he emphasizes. “Everyone accepts the way things are and tries to support me as best they can. However, I don’t know anyone who would have done what you’ve done for me tonight.”
I smile. “It comes straight from my heart.”
“I can feel it,” he tightens his grip even further. “You’ve given me hope that when Grandma’s time in the world ends, she’ll rest in peace as she well deserves. I feel that now I’ll be stronger when the time comes. Losing her will be painful to us all, but at least we’ll know that she has lived the best life she could, considering the cards she was dealt. Just as she had found comfort in me during her time of loss, I’ll try to find comfort in all our empowering memories and her meaning in my life when I lose her. At least I’ll know that her soul had found redemption, was cleansed and will be happily welcomed in the heavens.”
“With pleasure,” I smile fondly again.
We step out of the cab, quiet and pensive; we walk into the house and collapse together on the large, opulent sofa.
