Sorry to upset you, Daniel. I am writing this from my husband Max’s bedside at Huntington hospital ICU where I have spent the night trying to explain his condition to doctors and nurses because he has aphasia and can’t explain himself. Rabbi Gerald Wolpe was your father. He was also my Rabbi. He was part of my life as a Jew and a human being. He is still part of my life, speaking to me in my mind as I try to help Max since his stroke, inspiring me through the most horrible and difficult life passage I have ever experienced by his example of how he helped your mother. Having spent the night here in ICU, and checked my phone, your email popped up. What an unpleasant but meaningful surprise. Your words hurt, but I understand your pain. I also feel intense pain and sorrow over the state of Israel, though my belief in what should be done is an obviously very different. Anyway, I must get back to Max, but I did want to say thank you for writing to me and expressing your righteous anger. You don’t seem to remember me, but I remember you (I was in your brother Steve’s class). And I will never forget your father. I don’t think he’d say I couldn’t attend Shabbat services because I questioned Israel’s aggression and felt for the people of Palestine. Of course, you’re his son and knew him far better than me, so maybe you *know* that he would kick me out of shul. But it’s my right to speak his name as the Rabbi of my youth, and now as his spirit guides me to care for my husband as he cared for your mother. Shabbat Shalom, Daniel.
Dr. Susan Block
Sat, May 10, 7:52 AM

PRAY FOR PEACE IN ISRAEL. SUPPORT OUR BRETHREN HOWEVER YOU CAN. REMEMBER THE FALLEN. AHM YISROEL CHAI!