MADNESS:

It seems that being amazing condemns you to an early grave (Elisheva Harrow, 3/10/03, Jewish World Review)

On my way to synagogue, I see my brother outside with a friend. Here, serious faces always mean bad news.

I'm informed that "there was a pigua (terrorist attack) last night, in Kiryat Arba ... An older couple was murdered in their home --- apartment 35" just as they finished their Friday night Sabbath meal.

That's all that is known.

Kiryat Arba, near Hebron, is where I went to high school. A quick search through my memory: Older couples, older couples. No one immediately comes to mind. I tell myself that there is no point in getting all worried now, anyway --- there's no way of finding out until after the Sabbath.

It's now after synagogue. I'm back at home, playing a game -- relaxing, laughing, having fun -- before Sabbath lunch. My mom enters the room.

"Do you know a Horowitz, from Kiryat Arba?"

The name sparks in my brain. The game is put on the floor. I already understand, but I want to ignore, ignore.

"Yes, Dina Horowitz --- my teacher."

"Dina? Is her husband a rabbi?"

"Yes."

We look at each other, already knowing, but denying. [...]

I don't know how many of you have been taught by an amazing person before. How many of you had the privilege of knowing a real, passionate, gentle, loving teacher? In Hebrew, the word "Morah" means teacher and guide --- someone who shows you the way, who gives you love and encouragement, helps you make your own way in this complicated world.

A Morah is someone who gives you the tools to deal with whatever should happen along your path. Such a person was Dina. She was my "Morah."

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 11, 2003 10:36 AM