I so related to your ‘before and after.’ For me, it was the Tree of Life tragedy and the death of my dear friend Lis in October of 2022. I too reflect on the history of both my parents: both Hungarians. Both Jews. One a survivor of the Holocaust. One an Army Top Sergeant who fought in Italy mostly during WW2. Thank you for sharing your story.
A touching piece, thank you 🙏🏻 I relate as a writer and also someone straddling grief at both the micro and macro level. My dear father passed away six months ago and set against the backdrop of the global Jewish grief, it has been, and remains, a huge journey. Writing about it is healing and such a powerful way of exploring all that arises.
This exquisitely written testimony will stay w me for a long, long time. Thank you for sharing the stories, the emotions and the growth exemplified by this meaningful piece. It will help so many of us, whose stories are unique and universal, cope. Am Yisroel Chai.
I love this essay. I remember your stunning & devastating piece about your husband’s death that was published in Brevity Magazine as well.
The way you’ve tied together the before and after examples across the generations is deeply affecting.
I appreciate the strength and optimism you provide as well. It’s beautiful.
I also participate in a weekly online Torah study class now. And I started my conversion journey after 10/7 too. I’m about 5 weeks into Hebrew lessons now.
The pain we’ve suffered and the fear we continue to endure is not easy to transform into new opportunities, but here we all are, doing exactly that.
Oh, Jen! Thank you so much for your thoughtful read, for your kind words, and for remembering my Brevity piece. May you gain strength from your classes and your conversion journey. And yes to "but here we are, doing exactly that."
Oh Diane, your essay takes my breath away and stirs my heart…Your decision to not waste your pain is amazing, and a lesson for us all, and hope for when we are on the other side..You are such an inspiration that if we choose to we can continue to grow and grow..
I so related to your ‘before and after.’ For me, it was the Tree of Life tragedy and the death of my dear friend Lis in October of 2022. I too reflect on the history of both my parents: both Hungarians. Both Jews. One a survivor of the Holocaust. One an Army Top Sergeant who fought in Italy mostly during WW2. Thank you for sharing your story.
Inspiring and encouraging.
Thank you for sharing this powerful story. 🙏🙏
Thank you so much.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Marnie.
Really beautiful writing. So many quotable passages that could inspire my own writing.
Thank you, Joy. And so touched that the essay may inspire your own writing
Diane, I will let you know before I publish anything that stems from these ideas.
I would be honored!
A touching piece, thank you 🙏🏻 I relate as a writer and also someone straddling grief at both the micro and macro level. My dear father passed away six months ago and set against the backdrop of the global Jewish grief, it has been, and remains, a huge journey. Writing about it is healing and such a powerful way of exploring all that arises.
Thank you, Sharon. I’m so sorry for your loss. May you continue to find healing through your writing.
This is beautiful, Diane ❤️🙏
Thank you, Diane. It's so important to savor the joys of being alive while we grapple with the sorrows.
Thank you for this meaningful and inspiring essay, Diane. It sheds a different light on living in the "after" for me.
This exquisitely written testimony will stay w me for a long, long time. Thank you for sharing the stories, the emotions and the growth exemplified by this meaningful piece. It will help so many of us, whose stories are unique and universal, cope. Am Yisroel Chai.
Thank you, Olivia. And yes, Am Yisrael Chai
Really moving essay. Thank you.
Thank you, Johanna
I love this essay. I remember your stunning & devastating piece about your husband’s death that was published in Brevity Magazine as well.
The way you’ve tied together the before and after examples across the generations is deeply affecting.
I appreciate the strength and optimism you provide as well. It’s beautiful.
I also participate in a weekly online Torah study class now. And I started my conversion journey after 10/7 too. I’m about 5 weeks into Hebrew lessons now.
The pain we’ve suffered and the fear we continue to endure is not easy to transform into new opportunities, but here we all are, doing exactly that.
Thanks for this beautiful piece.
—Jen
Oh, Jen! Thank you so much for your thoughtful read, for your kind words, and for remembering my Brevity piece. May you gain strength from your classes and your conversion journey. And yes to "but here we are, doing exactly that."
This is beautiful, honest, and filled with grace and empathy. Thank you, Diane. xo
Thank you, dear Alison XO
I'm move to tears by this story. Wishing us all many more befores and lots of whatever it takes to pull ourselves up after the afters.
Yes to the many more befores, Eileen--and the "whatever it takes to pull ourselves up after the afters." Thank you.
May you continue to explore and grow in your exploration of traditional Jewish values and study of the Torah
Thank you so much, Steven.
Oh Diane, your essay takes my breath away and stirs my heart…Your decision to not waste your pain is amazing, and a lesson for us all, and hope for when we are on the other side..You are such an inspiration that if we choose to we can continue to grow and grow..
Thank you so much, dear Marian.
This is so beautiful and moving. You are an amazing writer.
Thank you, dear friend
I sent you a note to your email.