Nadoff Family: May 2007

Memories

Although reflecting on our loss, I write this with a heart full of love
Looking at the next generation and appreciating the gifts of the One Above
Children who follow the path of Torah
Children continuing their grandparent’s mesorah

Yet with all this joy wrapped up in a thankful heart
I remember with sadness when that heart was torn apart
When such an integral part of our life
Was suddenly missing; a grandmother, mother and wife

So many were left alone, confused and longing
For her smile, her warmth, her advice and understanding
Oh Imma, every day and every season
To think of you there is a reason
Whatever we’re doing your memory is beside us
Every step of our life, you were always there to guide us

On Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur you stood before Hashem; it was Yom Hadin
Your Tefilos were sincere; they came from deep within
On Succos you stepped out of the comfort of your home
You were makpid to eat under the stars for you were never alone
Indeed Hashem spread over your pure being His Succas Shalom
While you turned into a Mikdash Mi’at your warm and open home

When Chanukah came, you fried zelabia in piles
For children and grandchildren to enjoy with smiles

Every year as Zaidy’s Yartzeit drew near
Each child and their family received instructions so clear
You faithfully assigned each one Pirkei Avos to say Bringing zechuyos to his neshama in your own special way

How beautiful you arranged your Tu B’shvat table
Although you were weak and in pain and barely able
Yet no Yom Tov would pass that you did not adorn
Oh Imma, for you zrizus and love of Hashem I mourn

On Purim you brought joy to all those around town
As you had Mordechai led on his horse with the king’s crown

No Yom Tov was too hard for you to prepare
You made Pesach with a smile?! sometimes twice in one year
You taught us to understand the meaning of true freedom
To live a life of Torah and spread light throughout Hashem’s kingdom
Without Torah no Jew could ever be free
How could there be cheirus if all I care about is me

As we count the Omer and learn Pirkei Avos, too
There’s not a Mishna we learn that doesn’t remind us of you
Mitzvos were you life; lifnim meshuras hadin was your way
It’s no wonder we think of you with each Mishna that we say

And today, as the Yom Tov of Shavuos draws near
This is a time when to all it becomes clear
That to this gift of the Torah which Hashem gaves us all
You opened your arms and your heart to its every call
You learned the holy words written inside
And then with your mind opened up wide
You looked all around you and taught each child
According to his way; whether tame or wild
Until they, too, saw the beauty in Toras Elokim
And joined you to make this world a dira lo batachtonim

It’s no wonder you’re missed each day of the year
You made each season special as its time drew near
With longing hearts we remember you and every precious moment we spent together
We love you and miss you and wait anxiously to be reunited forever