Oy...I think just reading all of Rachel Friedman's credits was like listening to a lecture. Very...interesting.

I'll be thinking of you all -- and Ariel -- on Sunday.

I as well... G-d willing I will be there next year. I expect a full report from the other Seraphic friends who will be there.

See ya Sunday ;)

Pearl:

We'll be thinking of you too.

Jake:

Hope to see you next year. Thanks for writing.

Lance:

So kind of you to take the time and make the effort to come in. We greatly appreciate it. See you.

Will there be a Seraphic Secret reserved seating section?
I am sure this will be a sold out event.

There will be a table at the brunch marked Seraphic Secret.

I would love to be there also, Robert, and I am sure it will be a wonderful day; especially so since she is speaking related to what Ariel wrote...that is beautiful. The topic is...well, I am that much more sorry I can't be there, it is something I would love to hear. Have a wonderful Shabbos

Maurice:

Very thoughtful of you to write. Maybe someday you will be able to join us. Have a lovely and meaningful Shabbos.

Am greatly looking forward to meeting in person Ariel ZT"L's devoted family and friends. It'll be an honor, and - with Ms. Friedman at the podium - an education.

Shabbat shalom.

Jeremiah:

Karen and I are deeply touched that you are making this trip in Ariel's honor. We look forward to seeing you here in Los Angeles and thanking you in person. Have a lovely and meaningful Shabbos

I wish so much that I could be there at the lecture today - perhaps next year. I'll be thinking of you all in this most heartfelt day.

As an aside, every time I read the Book of Ariel I am humbled by how much of incredible person Ariel was.

Most sincerely,
Rachel

Wish I could be there. I hope everything goes smoothly and that it is a meaningful experience for all involved.

I am looking forward to the lecture and hope that the seraphic press readers who came in for the event enjoy themselves.

Would it be possible to put a recording of the lecture on the internet for those of us who couldn't attend due to distance.

"Tehei nishmoso tzerura betzror hachaim--May his soul be bound in the bond of life." And may he be a meilitz yosher--an advocate in heaven. And you should know only simchas.

Mordechai

The lecture was inspirational. We're touched to have been included and were happy to have the opportunity to meet your daughters.

It was a simple and complex affair. We were fortunate to have Mrs. Friedman as a lecturer - she discussed Torah with an upbeat, attentive authority. Karen introduced her. Karen speaks with no fluff. She's on message from start to finish. I don't know what it was like for people who've known the Avrechs for years, and who knew Ariel zt"l before 2004. Anyone with a heart cannot attend, cannot read the Book of Ariel, cannot witness people's faces & postures, cannot listen to the chant at the end (I'm ignorant, if contrite, as to its name in Hebrew, but anyway it defies description), and not long to have wanted to meet Ariel Avrech. I now feel a custodian of his memory, and obligated and made capable - somewhat - to remember this someone I never met.

It must have taken special strength for Karen and Robert to pull through the weekend - let's hope and pray it brings them and the rest of their family strength for the year to come.

Thank you Jeremiah for your description of today's affair. Your insights are right on the mark, for nothing in my life is simple anymore, everything is multi-layered with what a friend of mine calls "shadow grief." Even the good times. I appreciate your kind words and your obvious connection to Ariel's soul.

eman:

Bad news. The shul taped the lecture. But I was informed afterwards, that something went wrong and, alas, well, my next blog: Jews and Tape Recorders: The Eternal Struggle.

Mordechai, Albert, Ari:

Thanks so much for your kind thoughts.