One Mitzvah Brings Another

As I am originally from Boston, my family is especially saddened by the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. He almost seemed like a member of the family. In the few days since his passing, I thought about what it was I most admired about him-- it is that, despite the fact he came from such a privileged background, he tirelessly spent his career working for those who were downtrodden and marginalized. He was what we call a true mensch. What I couldn’t figure out was what made us feel like we knew him.

In reading a lovely story, one on CNN about his personal interest in Soviet Jewry, especially in the plight of one little girl in one family, I figured it out. He really got to know individuals and listen to them and care about their lives. He always remembered that political issues were really about real people. On JTA, there is a really nice article about his commitment to Jewish issues and to justice, a core Jewish value.

I think a fitting tribute to him is that Jessica Katz, the little Soviet girl that he saved, has now in turn dedicated her life to public service. As CNN says “She says she has no choice but to look after those less fortunate than she is, because Kennedy proved to her how much it means, and that it can work.” This puts me in mind of one of the first things I learned in synagogue as a child,“mitzvah goreret mitzvah” One good deed brings another. Though Senator Kennedy is no longer with us, his legacy will live on through the good deeds of the many people whose lives he has touched. May his memory be a blessing.