Remembering

A very nice tradition underway on the University Woods campus of Oakwood Village is a quarterly memorial service.

A bell rings as each name of the roll is called during the brief and meaningful service.  The reverberation of the bell sounding long after the name is said.

Memories of these individuals and their lives goes on - living in the minds and lives of family and friends.

Just a few days ago, the remembering for those who left us during the months of January, February, and March.  29 names were read.

In memory of each individual remembered, a family member or Oakwood staff person, took a rose and placed it in a vase.  As each name was said, the bouquet of roses grew larger.

Listening to each name said and the accompanying chime that slowly fades is a good moment of reflection.

Yielding to the silence, the name belongs to the ages.  Yet, as the bell resounds, so do the memories of our loved ones and close friends.

The closing responsive reading written by Sylvan Kamens and Jack Reimer is from the New Mahzor Hadash:

At the rising of the sun and in its going down,

we remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,

we remember them.

At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,

we remember them.

At the shining of the sun and the warmth of summer,

we remember them.

At the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,

we remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends,

we remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us,

as we remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength,

we remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart,

we remember them.

When we have joys we crave to share,

we remember them.

As long as we live they, too, shall live; for they are now a part of us,

as we remember them.