Other Interests: pursuing your passion

Song of hope: Falling Slowly

Falling Slowly won the 2007 Oscar for best song in a movie (Once). Beautiful song, poignant movie.

Brevity can say a lot

Six word memoirs...excellent use of photos with words

On funerals

I've been to too many funerals lately. Perhaps it reflects my age.

I go as a sign of respect for the deceased.

Jewish funerals are simple and dignified: no flowers, a basic pine coffin, some brief prayers .

The funeral and burial takes place as soon as possible on the day after death, ideally within 24 hours.

The eulogies share the good things about the deceased and praise what they did and express our loss.

Yesterday I attended the funeral of a 96 year old lady who made friends easily through her energy, enthusiasm and teaching ability. Her husband, a minister, died 15 years ago. Her final years were in a nursing home but people regularly visited her and she was well cared for. The rabbi put it well when he said that although she had no physical children, she had many spiritual children.