A Message from Cantor Cotler

“If some messenger were to come to us with the offer that death should be overthrown, but with the one inseparable condition that birth should also cease; if the existing generation were given the chance to live forever, but on the clear understanding that never again would there be a child, or a youth, or fi rst love, never again new persons with new hopes, new ideas, new achievements; ourselves for always and never any others—could the answer be in doubt?”

Gates of Repentance p. 484

Memories are miracles. They come in different fl avors: Sensory, short-term, and long-term. Our brains, much like the RAM or hard drive in our computers, have the capacity to process and store an incredible amount of information in our lifetimes. And while some memories may warm our hearts and others might make us cringe, the fact that we were blessed with that capacity is nothing short of miraculous.

Though recalling those who are no longer with us physically can be a painful process, Yizkor serves the profound purpose of paying tribute to them and the relationship we had with them. As we call to mind our loved ones, my hope is that we will all fi nd gratitude in our ability to look back on the people we love and the ways they helped mold us into the individuals we are today.

Cantor Rabbi Kyle Cotler