Video – Shliach Gives Memorial Prayer at Washington Senate

On February 16, 2009, 11am at state capitol campus in Olympia, WA, there was a memorial service for legislators and staff that have died in the past year. During the service Shliach to Olympia, WA, Rabbi Cheski Adelman delivered a prayer.

Transcript of speech the Extended Article.

A fascinating exchange between two rabbis was recorded in the talmud, the Jewish book of law and lore.

Rabbi knockman said to rabbi Yitzah.

The patriach Jacob did not die.

Asked the rabbi, was it for no reason that the Eulogizers, eulogize, the embalmers embalm?

The conversation continues examining the nature of life, teaching us an important lessen about our time here on earth.

Life cannot die, only existence can die.

To exist means one takes up space and does not allow a focus on others.

As two things cannot exist in the same space, existence is selfish.

Life is not about existence, it is about purpose.

Life is about making a contribution to the world.

In other words, for a person to whom life means the pursuit and attainment of material gains, life indeed seizes when the soul departs from the body.

But one for whom life is defined in terms of what he does for others is no less alive after physical death, for the influence continues to uplift and benefit others.

Today, we honor the lives, not merely the existence of the Washington state legislators who selflessly dedicated themselves to the service of the citizens of this state.

These great men and women were not satisfied with merely existing and bettering themselves, but they chose to live and to contribute to the world, dedicating themselves to serving others.

Existence can die, but life is eternal.

Life is growth.

And these remarkable men and women sacrificed of themselves to ensure the growth of others.

Our gathering here today is testimony to the lives that they lived and we honor them by following in their footsteps and by living to help others and to help make this world a better place.

Dear God and God of our fathers, today, as we reflect upon the lives of these leaders in our communities, their accomplishments and the lessons in life they passed on.

We pray for the strength to emulate their good deeds and their legacy of concern for the welfare of others.

May we perpetuate the legacies of the departed and ensure that they also live on through our actions.

May their memories be for a blessing and the guiding light for us all.

Amen.