Since my return to blogging in April 2020, following my year of mourning for Papa, I have searched for interesting and likeminded blogs with themes similar to my Skeptic’s Kaddish.
Just recently I was very gratified to come across a blog by Amanda Achtman called ‘Dying to Meet You’, in which she has taken to blogging daily in 2021 about death from an interfaith Christian-Jewish perspective.
The short video below is one that I found through Amanda’s blog. I was already familiar with this Jewish folktale, but I consider it a powerfully poignant and important lesson and often reflect upon it, for it applies to all of humankind. I’m very thankful to be able to share it with all of you here, on The Skeptic’s Kaddish:
Transcription
Edward Reichman was an Israeli billionaire and philanthropist who died a few years ago. When he passed away, he left a great fortune worth billions of dollars.
He left his family with two wills and instructions that one be opened immediately after his death and the other be opened 30 days after his death.
Among his requests in the first will was that he asked that he be buried with a specific pair of socks that he owned. However, despite the family’s best efforts, the burial organizers refused to let Mr. Reichman be buried with his socks on, as it was against Jewish law – one may not be buried with any item of clothing.
The family argued that Mr. Reichman was a very learned, religious person, and that he must have had a good reason for wanting to do this; however, as the rabbi explained to the family, “Although your father left that request when he was in this world, now that he is in the World of Truth, he surely understands that it is in his best interests to be buried without his socks.”
So – he was buried without his socks.
30 days later, the family opened the second will that allotted his wealth. In the letter, it read: “My dear children, by now you must have buried me without my socks. I wanted you to understand that a man can have 1 billion dollars in this world, but in the end, he can’t even take with him his favorite pair of socks!”
What really matters in life is not how much money you have in your pocket, nor how successful you are, but rather the good you can bring to this world; that is all you can really take with you, and that is all that will really live on.
Thank you for the story. So touching. It reminded me of a story between my uncle and his grandson. They were in the grandmother’s house when the boy asked him: “To whom belonged all the things in the house”, and the uncle said: “To my mum.” After a while the boy said:” She was a very generous lady. She left everything.”
Mary.
Wow. Children say such precious things. My father died when my daughter was 3½-years-old, and that’s when she gradually came to understand the concept of death… but we had to explain it to her delicately, over time, because we didn’t want to scare her.
Yours,
David
I agree David. I was an eight years old when my dad died in an accident. Recently , I am 53, I managed to heal the grief and be at peace with it. I can imagine it took some effort to explain it with grace to your daughter.
Wonderful story, David! A message left with his family in a way that they, and we who hear the tale, will never forget!! ❤ All the best!
Thank you so much, Cheryl ❤ – I love this story!
‘A Touch heart ‘ post, indeed true.
Thanks, Dariush ~ I’m really glad you resonate with this, as I do.
Yours,
David
Brilliant.
Your blog is amazing! I admire it so much. That tale was great, I love that you gave the transcription. Perfect ending for sure. 👌
I can sincerely say that the admiration is 100% mutual, Lia! Thank you.
Yours,
David
Awwwwww!!! thanks David. I very much appreciate it and feel honoured. 🥰🙏🤓💗
A wonderful story full of truth and wisdom!
Dwight
It is truly one of my favorites.
:>)