Dear Readers,
They say that grief comes in waves. The last couple of weeks since the passing of my father, Rabbi Dovid Schochet, of blessed memory, have been trying. One moment I’ll be aware of my sadness, but managing to navigate it. Then, in the early hours of the morning, or as one of the many memories surface, there will be a rush of feelings and I’m left with tears in my eyes.
Many of you responded to my editor’s note last week. Thank you for sharing your condolences. Your letters were heartwarming and comforting. Knowing that there are so many of you out there who care and consider yourselves part of my larger “family” brings consolation.
This week’s episode of Ordinary People with Extraordinary Stories is different from any of my other interviews. This interview was very personal, and, to be honest with you, I was hesitant about filming it.
It was probably the hardest interview I’ve ever done because this time, I was the one being interviewed, and the topic was my father. My indecision wasn’t only because of the proximity to my father’s passing and how deep and raw my emotions are right now, but because it is impossible to encompass the many facets of my father’s full life in words, or in an hour’s interview.
Ultimately, I agreed to my colleagues’ suggestion, because if any of the many examples in my father’s life motivates someone to increase in Torah study or mitzvot, or to be a kinder and more compassionate individual, then it will be meritorious to the soul of R’ Dovid ben R’ Dov Yehuda and make our world a better place.
We are now in the month of Adar. May the joy that accompanies this month bring joy, solace and comfort to our entire nation.
Chana Weisberg
Editor, TJW
