A Time for Tears, a Time for Laughter

Two events today in Baltimore, representing the balance of joy and sorrow which we read about in Koheles [Ecclesiastes] yesterday:

Rabbi Naftali Neuberger, President of Ner Israel Yeshiva and "elder statesman" of the Baltimore Orthodox community, passed away on Friday night. More on Rabbi Neuberger Z'T'L here. Baruch Dayan Emes.

Also this weekend, Soccer Dad and family celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their eldest son. Mazel Tov to David, his wife and son, and their entire families!

Besides the geographical connection, these two emotionally polar events are interlinked in another way that had a personal impact. Due to Rabbi Neuberger's funeral this afternoon, the Bar Mitzvah celebration, which I had hoped to attend this afternoon, was moved up to the morning, and I wasn't able to make it. So I must send my love and good wishes to my dear friends from afar. May our next simcha together be purely and solely "eis tzechok", "a time of laughter".