A few weeks ago, Nissim went to bed angry. I don't really remember exactly why, but what disappointed me was that he didn't say good night or "I love you" to his parents before going to bed and falling asleep. The next day, I explained to him that no matter how angry or upset he is with those he loves, he should always make sure to give a kiss (or hug), or say that "I love you" etc before he goes to bed, or leaves the house. It's best to end these confrontations stressing your love for the person, despite the emotions brewing within you, because you just don't know what tomorrow brings.
Today's tragedy in Har Homa has sadly allowed me to stress this point to yet again to my children.
Amos Saar, the man who was murdered today, was a pillar of our community. He was one of our gabbaim and an ever present in all the tefillot at my synagogue, Panim Meirot. He was humble, hard working and toiled daily to ensure the children's kindergarten would become a house of prayer every day. He was extremely warm and friendly to my children, with even my two year old saying "Amos" when she saw him this past Shabbat. I had a deep respect for him, and it is extremely hard to type "and now he's gone". He's left behind a wife and four children ...
A stairwell two minutes away from my home has become a murder scene ... Our community will never quite be the same ...
Rest peacefully tzaddik ... You will be missed.
עמוס סער בן נדרה
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