Jacqueline: some things should be taken apart.
Amichai: These were once essential parts of a functioning machine with every piece in place, every soldier standing at attention, spokes in a turning wheel. But when they break, dismissed, dismantled, burnt out electric plugs or fuses lit no more – the lights are out, the hum of life gone silent. Until others replace them, and the machine will re-electrify itself to whirring power, the wheels turn and return as before: but the burnt out plugs are forever not.
On day 18, and 18 is Chai – life, we also remember the fallen in the battlefields of Israel’s survival. It’s different here in NY but in Israel the music on the radio is different and the grief more tangible, the silence loud. I think of friends of mine today, the ones now buried, and the many within ripple range mourned always but by all today.
Netzach of Tiferet: eternity of compassion, meets infinite loss. And in this silence there is gratitude, humility, a candle lit in simple statement: the lights in our home of hope are still on.