From the early days of their marriage, going to the symphony was part of David and Rachel’s dedicated “date night” routine. For David, the symphony was a respite in the midst of life, and for Rachel, it was the fun of being with David no matter what they did together. While sitting unfettered, with the music and each other, their relationship deepened.
Twenty years after their first symphony night, David died. In her mourning, Rachel faced a common grief-conundrum. What do any of us do with an activity that meant so much with the one we loved? What should she do with their season tickets? In talking with Rachel, it was suggested that the symphony was a part of Rachel’s spiritual life with David. It was their liturgy.
When David died, Rachel turned to the Bay Area Healing Center to nourish her through her grief. From her first call, to sitting with their Rabbi, to participating in a grief group and then in their Grief and Growing Weekend, Rachel’s grief journey is one of so many that they were honored to witness. Though they never knew David, they met him in Rachel’s grief.
Rachel kept the season tickets to keep a place for her spiritual life. For others, music might be replaced by a beautiful hike, watching a beloved sports team, or celebrating a holiday.
This legacy resource of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center (BAJHC) is used by the Northern California Board of Rabbis with permission of BAJHC.
One of the core Jewish identity attributes we share is how we are in community and how we deepen relationships. Similar to Rachel and David’s care for one another, we all have the potential to explore and nourish the ways we care for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for the world around us. We encourage anyone who is in a period of grief to seek support. If you don’t know where to start, please see our list of Bereavement Support organizations on our Resource page.