בס"ד
EULOGY FOR SABA by Shifra Shomron
Saba.
My grandfather.
The man of medicine and the man of culture.
My mother has told us how dedicated a doctor he was to his patients. How cheerful he was among them. In the past decade or so, though he was no longer a practicing physician, we still asked his advice regarding medical matters – and he was always happy to give it.
He was a cultured man. He loved classical music and attempted to play the cello himself. He was fond of poetry and took to writing his own pieces and even receiving awards for some. In his later years, it became more and more important to him to tell others how much they mean to him. He also started thinking about death, as is reflected in his poems, such as "How to be Remembered" (08-22-06) and "Influential" (05-08-06). All of us think upon the subject, and it's only natural that the older we grow the more we dwell upon it until we make our peace with it.
Our lives are given to us as a present from G-d, and they pass quickly. As King David said in Psalm 90: "The days of our years are seventy; or if by reason of special strength, eighty years; yet their pride is but trouble and wretchedness; it is soon cut off, and we fly away…" Saba was 78 years old at his passing. He had much to be proud of with his loving wife, three daughters and eight grandchildren.
May we all continue to pass on his legacy: his desire of academic advancement, music appreciation and literature. Also, his philosophical musings and ability to start new activities later in life.
May his memory be blessed.
His loving granddaughter,
Shifra
22-12-09
ה בטבת התש"ע
9 comments:
baruch dayan haemet . Didn't hear of this . Did you mother sit shiva in Israel?Now we know where you writing talent genes came from shifra.
Hi!
PLEASE FIX WHERE ????
Shifra - one of the outstanding things about your grandfather that really impressed me (and also shows what type of special man he is) is that when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's (15 years ago??), he didn't get depressed (normal reaction) but instead set up a choir and band (Tremble ..?? - for others with Parkinson's) and joined a public speaking workshop so that his vocal chords and breathing and speaking would be preserved and exercised as much as possible.
Such positive thinking! Also, it should be noted that your grandfather was the primary caregiver for your grandmother (also with Parkinson's)!!
I think he was inspiational to us all.
May Hashem comfort your mother, Sara, and the entire family.
What a beautiful expression of your love for your grandfather, Shifra. I only knew him a LITTLE, many years ago, but he made an impression of strength and deep wisdom that I will never forget. And his positivity and determination still flourish and grow in your mother. That is a glorious legacy. <3
Beautifully written Shifra. I am sorry I didn't here Mom sat Shiva; I'd have written or called.
Your eulogy is so incredibly moving; I am sure your Saba is smiling down at you shepping naches!
May your family only know simchas from now on!
Anita and Netivotgirl, my mother is sitting shiva in Nitzan
Mechi, my Saba joined but didn't set up the "Tremble Clefs" singing group for those with Parkinson's Disease http://www.trembleclefs.com/
He did at times get depressed and writing poetry helped him cope.
Julie, I agree with you that my mother has characteristics in common with my grandfather OBM besides her coloring.
Yehi zichro baruch. Your grandfather sounds like he was a wonderful man. I wish I had had the opportunity to have known him.
May your mother and all your family be comforted with the mourners of Zion.
Baruch Dayan Ha'Emet.
Can someone please clarify for those of us not in the know who is Shifra and who is her mother.
I have an obvious assumption but I'd hate to be making a mistake.
Shalom!
Shy Guy, I know Shifra Shomron and her mother Sara Layah from Gush Katif, fellow expellees. You may be acquainted with the name because Shifra is the author of "Grains of Sand - The Fall of Neve Dekalim". And if you're interested in more: www.grainsofsand.insightonthenews.net.
I'm sure her grandfather is very proud of her literary accomplishments.
Sara, Shifra and the rest of the family, may you be consoled from shamayim.
Shifra, what a beautiful essay! I did not have the privilege of meeting your grandfather, but he must have been a very special person. His children and grandchildren will carry on his memory. May his memory be for a blessing; and may your mother and her family be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
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