By The Rev. Dr. Carl Grosse

From time to time, Denise and I have visited Jewish worship services (they’re called shabbat in Hebrew/Yiddish). Even though my Hebrew skills are not even at kindergarten level, it’s good to brush off what I have and get a workout. Our most recent visit was at Mount Zion Temple on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, right after the attack at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We were honored to share their sorrow and hope, and they were glad to have the support. In spite of my sweating through the liturgy, moments of familiarity allowed me to just worship, to converse with God and my neighbors about holy things. The nice people sitting next to me even complimented me on my Hebrew. I suppose it’s like French and they appreciate the effort even if you’re a hack.

In all the synagogues and temples we’ve visited, I noticed they had in their bulletins something called jahrzeit (pronounced like German: yartsite). When I asked about it, I discovered it’s like our birthdays and anniversaries, only for people who’ve died. They remember the day loved ones leave this world, and at the end of the list for that week they say, “May their memory be a blessing.” Over the years, this Jewish practice has grown on me. It’s a beautiful way for the living to remember that loved ones still matter, and that we are all part of something much larger than the world at the end of our noses. 

I might suggest to Session that we try this practice. You have such a rich history here! You’ve told me stories of saints who are no longer here, who blessed this church with their dedication, sacrifice, and love for God and others. I’ve seen them in pictures at funerals, in the Heritage Room, and at your Centennial celebration. Perhaps remembering them in a jahrzeit each week might keep us mindful of how God has blessed us through them, and that they are still part of our ongoing life as the family of Christ called Fountain City Presbyterian Church. May their memory be a blessing!