I rarely use this list to write about my personal life, but this week I thought I would.
The parsha says that if the high priest does not wear his robe with bells, or the other priests do not wear their uniform pants, they might die in the sanctuary before God. Amongst other things, these Laws say that, in the intimate holy space, we risk real loss.
I think this is true of our intimate space with friends, too.
Over the last few months, I've finished these pieces with a request that we pray for Yechiel ben Michal. Some of you have asked who he is and how he is doing.
Yechiel is my friend Alan, who passed away from cancer this past week. He was a wonderful person and a great friend and I miss him.
This Shabbat, in honor of Alan, a request: invite people to your meal, embrace people who are different from you, take your friends on an adventure, look up to the people around you and the people you love, strive to be your best, and learn Torah.
In other words, be a little like Alan.
Shabbat shalom,
Abe