Why do we say May Her Memory Be for a Blessing?

My deepest condolences on the loss of Alice. I think that burying our elders (or, in Alice’s case, fulfilling her wish to donate her remains to science) is one of the hardest parts of being mortal…. The permanence of not-seeing, not-touching, not-speaking one more time is painful, sad, poignant, and in some also beautiful, in how we embrace the totality of the person who was, when their earthly journey of body has come to an end.

I think often of the idea that someone’s memory should be for a blessing. Sometimes I think it represents a wish that the souls of the bereaved–of Alice’s family and friends and all who loved her–be elevated and comforted each time they think of her, consciously or unconsciously. Other times I think it means that each time we remember our beloved departed one, that memory uplifts the essence of who they were – it imbues the world with their light, and their very mission on earth.

This website is beautiful. I feel blessed by it, in a way. And I think it is a personification of “May her memory be for a blessing.”

I wish you all comfort, care, love, and sympathy during this difficult time.

Deepest condolences from a friend,
-Pamela

p.s. Two Alice memories: 1. When we ran into her at a play at Harvard U. about a famous mathematician, and thought how wonderful it was to sustain such a fervid interest in math and theatre as an elderly, solo woman. 2. When I was at a discussion about biracial/multiracial families and identities and Alice, who introduced herself first, spoke of her hope for grandchildren between her son and his then girlfriend, Marjorie–who then introduced herself (Marjorie – I had to laugh! What a set-up! Alice was a mensch… and she got her wish!)