Passover '04 '05 '06

Judah story Passover 04 Passover 05 . The measure of the man . Judah was in the middle of his first stem cell transplant in '04. The setting was a crowded hospital room in the old Bone Marrow Transplant building at the City of Hope. Regular food was an issue for him as he couldn't tolerate most foods, and Passover posed additional restrictions. Judah was determined to keep the laws of the holiday even if it meant eating hard boiled eggs. As a transplant patient during the first 90 days all foods had to be eaten immediately upon cooking. This meant I could not bring him food from home. But as the Seder time came close the hospital staff allowed me to bring in a full Seder meal to be shared with Judah, another patient and the staff. The logistics were interesting, the nurses lounge was kashered, I brought in a hot plate, crock pot, and toaster oven, in addition to all of our kiddush cups, Seder plates and wine, grape juice . For Judah and the other patient, the grape juice was in a sealed container and luckily I found individually wrapped matzah for them, and even found charoset in a jar. At 4 pm. Judah was too weak to get out of bed, but by 6 pm, he forced himself into some clothing, and willed himself strong enough to lead the Seder. He explained the service and chanted the songs . The staff numbering almost ten people were mesmerized by service, and by Judah's strength. It came from with in, His body was just following his will power. When the time came for the meal, he excused him self and went back to his room. We completed the Seder for him at his bed side. The second night, he asked that Alissa, Benji and Grandpa just read the Hagaddah with him, as he was too ill to sit up. Last year, Judah again was facing a transplant, but was moderately well between chemo treatments Once again, he wanted to lead the Seder in the tradition set by Seymour. Every one participates and discussions about the text ensue. At the end of the Seder, Judah looked at every one and thanked each one for coming. It is a moment seared in my brain. My heart knew what I did not want to know.

This year Judah's presence was felt by his absence. Seymour's presence was felt by our loss. Alissa, Benji. Grandpa and I went to Seder's at the Zevit's and Eber's. They acknowledged the empty place in our hearts, but in true Judah and Seymour spirit made wonderful Seders.