Vayechi (and he lived)
Olga's passing and the Africa-Israel connection
This week’s Torah portion Vayechi (and he lived), the final one of Genesis, includes an Egyptian state funeral for the Hebrew, Ya’akov, father of Yosef and the other 12 sons of Israel. This is one of the many times that Africa and Israel are mentioned together in a significant way, as Pharaoh, the leaders of his family, and the leaders of Egypt joined the children of Israel and mourned for their patriarch as if Ya’akov were their father.
Genesis 50.11
And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians: wherefore the name of it was called Abel-Mizraim (Mourning of Egypt), which is beyond Jordan.
Olga passed away during the Torah portion Vayechi, and Africans and Israelis (and Jews in the diaspora) are mourning her passing. I reflected on this fact as we finalized the plans to officially honor her life. For those who have asked about funeral or memorial services, we will release all of the details tomorrow evening (Sunday, January 12).
Shabbat Shalom — and Shavua tov
What a meaningful way to mark Olga's passing....I did not meet her personally, but i very much would have like to...Her passing fills even those like me who never met her, with grief and I can only imagine how it affects those who had seen the bright and joyful face in person...Her memory is already a blessing, may it be always a blessing...as the other's mentioned, its through tears that i am writing to you. Thank you and Shabbat Shalom where i am for a few more hours...
Such a beautiful Dvar in honor of a stunning woman. May her memory be a blessing.