Adrienne's life, in so many ways, offered and must continue to offer a model for our commitment to Yiddishkeit and to Jewish life generally. She studied, seized and embraced her heritage, then shared it with family and stranger, in indistinguishable measure. Her work across generations, connecting our parents and grandparents to our children, in ways that informed and bonded, through common understanding and cause, can be felt constantly. For us, as a community, and for me, as parent of Daniel and Aaron, this now seems natural.
Yet, if it ever was a natural part of family and communal life to share in these ways, it is no longer. The greater world seems ever more insular and self-centered, living in a present unconnected to history, community, even our greater families.
We who have created and work to sustain programs such as KlezKanada can take pride that we have created a tiny hothouse committed to the programs central to Adrienne's work. Our generations connected, and, especially, our new generation engaged and committed, give life to Adrienne's vision.
Though we remain in shock at the loss of Adrienne, and will come together in the coming days in grief, let us find the renewed strength so that our work will be an essential part of keeping Adrienne's soul present among us.
Adrienne's life, in so many ways, offered and must continue to offer a model for our commitment to Yiddishkeit and to Jewish life generally. She studied, seized and embraced her heritage, then shared it with family and stranger, in indistinguishable measure. Her work across generations, connecting our parents and grandparents to our children, in ways that informed and bonded, through common understanding and cause, can be felt constantly. For us, as a community, and for me, as parent of Daniel and Aaron, this now seems natural.
Yet, if it ever was a natural part of family and communal life to share in these ways, it is no longer. The greater world seems ever more insular and self-centered, living in a present unconnected to history, community, even our greater families.
We who have created and work to sustain programs such as KlezKanada can take pride that we have created a tiny hothouse committed to the programs central to Adrienne's work. Our generations connected, and, especially, our new generation engaged and committed, give life to Adrienne's vision.
Though we remain in shock at the loss of Adrienne, and will come together in the coming days in grief, let us find the renewed strength so that our work will be an essential part of keeping Adrienne's soul present among us.