Dear Friends,
In the last month, I have received hundreds and hundreds of condolences on the passing of my dear wife, Frijda Rachel Lopes Cardozo z.l.
It is impossible to respond to each and every one, however much I would like to. And so, I am writing this email to thank you for your lovely wishes, which have warmed my heart and given me strength.
Suddenly, a new life has opened in front of me, now that I am on my own. I am greatly supported by my dear children, children-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Although I have reached the age of eighty, I intend to continue to write, to teach, and to try to give more honor to the greatest thing we ever received: The Torah. I will do all of this in memory of my wife.
For nearly sixty years, my wife and I had a marvelous marriage. We shared much pain, but above all a bounty of blessings. We are now a family of about seventy, who all walk in the way of our holy Torah. This was due to my wife’s dedication, warmth, and her constant wonderful good nature.
Over the years, we introduced many traditions in our family. Here is one such tradition. Perhaps, in memory of my wife, you may want to introduce this into your own Shabbat preparation.
From the first day of our marriage, we made it a “rule” that one and a half hours before Shabbat, we would be ready, dressed for Shabbat in our finest. We would all sit in our front room (later with all our children and grandchildren), and my dear wife would walk in like a queen with many homemade cakes, pastries, and other delicacies, along with coffee and lemonade.
Every week, with great anticipation, our children awaited this Erev Shabbat ceremony, which gave great respect to the holy Shabbat. We would enjoy all the delicacies and then say the “bracha acharona,” the blessing we Jews say after having enjoyed delicacies.
My wife would then light the Shabbat candles while we stood around her.
We would then walk to the synagogue for the Shabbat prayers. Everything was done with nobility and with grace. Nobody ran. Nobody rushed. Nobody was in haste. Only nobility!
We continued to do this even after my wife had to enter the hospital a few months ago.
Many have been inspired by this tradition and have taken it upon themselves. Perhaps you would consider doing so as well?
Thank you again for all your condolences.
Chazak u’Baruch.
May HaKadosh Baruch Hu bless you all,
Nathan Lopes Cardozo
