I am feeling some tenderness and a sense of profound loss, for today, one of our great leaders, Harold Kushner left us, while yesterday another one, Jonathan Omer-Man entered hospice. This Shabbat, we read a double Torah portion, Acharei Mot-Kedoshim. When taken together, the names of these two parshiot can be read as after death, there is holiness.

It was the day before Pesach and Laura’s friend Froukje came to visit. She’s Dutch, lives in southern Oregon, and true to her heritage, she brought Laura a gift of tightly-closed, striated orange tulips. At the bottom of each petal, the orange shifted colors to a gentle butter yellow. The tulips were exquisite. It was touching to be able to throw a glance at them during our seders. Portland may be experiencing a delayed Spring, but the tulips weren’t much bothered. They were already prepared to do their job.

Today is Robert Steele’s last day as our security guard, which has led me to meditate on the attention he has given us while watching over our security. He deserves our thanks and praise for how fully and sincerely he was engaged in his mission here. There are people who view their work as a job, leaving it behind them when they go home, but there are others who find a deep sense of purpose in their work. Robert was the latter type; we were so fortunate because of that commitment.