Thank you to all the incredible generous people who raised money for the traditional Jewish Funeral Leslie so deserved and so desired.
Wow, I am blown away by the generosity of all of you, who came up with over one thousand dollars in just a few days.
The lovely Rabbi Berenson of Portland, Maine, surprised me and decided to do a mitzvah-a Jewish tradition in which a good deed is done for another without ever expecting to be repaid. He wanted to cover the full $7000 cost of a minimal, simple Jewish funeral. The funds we raised here, he and the Portland Jewish Funeral home will put towards the next person who needs help paying for services. You've all done a blessed thing and mitzvah that will keep on giving in Leslie's name-thank you, from the bottom of my hear, and I know from hers as well.
Thanks to all of you I didn't shoulder the burden alone of throwing together a service for my mom-I knew I had support, And we were able to give my mom a beautiful, lovely service she truly deserved in the beautiful Levy Chapel in Portland Maine, a lovely, simple pine casket with the star of David on it I didn't think we'd be able to afford, the traditional bathing of the body by expert, caring hands while traditional prayers are said, and all the other fixings of a simple, beautiful Jewish ceremony and send off for my amazing mom who so deserved it.
Now, this kindness will go on to bless and help someone else in need in a very stressful time. You've all done a really lovely thing.
I"m forever in awe and grateful for all this love. THANK YOU.
With love,
Oceana and from somewhere, Leslie. thanks you too.