Home (?)

What is home?
The place where I grew
Where I knew
I’d always be safe
And sound?

The building
Four walls and roof
Undaunted by wind and rain
An edifice
To hold all my pain?

What is home?
The structure that holds
Every physical memory
And every item
That ever belonged to me?

What is home?
The place where I buried my heart
For safekeeping and protection
Somewhere to return to
When I lose my direction?

Will I ever come back here?
Or must I say goodbye
I wonder what would happen
If I came back again
And called this home once more...

Strength... Dear Tamar...

Dear Tamar,
We've never met. And up until a few weeks ago, I had no idea who you were. You and your family lived in relative peace and comfort until it was ripped away. I wish I could do something. I wish I had words to comfort you. But there is nothing I can do... and there are precious few words I could say that would give you even a drop of comfort... To lose your parents, and three siblings in one night? Such an unspeakable act should never have happened... It's terrifying to know what baseless hatred can drive people to do.
After watching an interview that you did with an Israeli news show, I am reminded of a quote that has helped me along...

You  never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.

I think these words epitomize you. From the interview, you carried yourself with grace, poise, and promise, for yourself, for your siblings, for your parents who are watching you and for an entire nation that mourns with you. Your words about rebuilding, about not being broken, about being a nation that will live, and survive, are so powerful, and rang with love and hope.

I can't imagine the nightmare you experienced, or the pain you are enduring, but Tamar, from that small glimpse I had of you, I can see your strength and that will take you far. You have shown an evil nation that despite their acts of destruction, they did not destroy. You have shown a struggling nation, a tired people, a worn out, beaten, yet hopeful family, that we can endure, we can persevere, and we will survive.

התנערי מעפר קומי לבשי בגדי תפארתך עמי

Shake off the dust--arise! Don your splendid clothes, My people (Lecha Dodi)

Tamar, you showed me: They may beat us. They may kill us. But we will never succumb. We will wear our royal clothes, and we will arise. Am Yisrael Chai. Klal Yisroel will survive.

מכל לבי,

Rachelli Dreyfuss