Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp is a family friend and Rabbi (emeritus) of the progressive Jewish community of The Hague

“HaMakom jenachem” translates to “May the Almighty comfort you.”

These words are my tentative reflection on what touched and continues to touch my heart in tender connection with you and the enduring love memory of Rebecca. Soshanna ben hachochiem, the lily, the rose among thorns, may she continue to bestow beauty and courageous wisdom from eternity. Amen.

In memory of Rivka,

My God, my God,		’Éli, ’Éli,		אֵלִי, אֵלִי
May these never end,		Shè-lo yigamér le-‘olam,		שֶׁלֹּא יִגָּמֵר לְעוֹלָם
The sand and the sea,		Ha-hol ve-ha-yam,		הַחוֹל וְהַיָּם,
The rustle of the water,		Rishrush shèl ha-mayim,		רִשְׁרוּשׁ שֶׁל הַמַּיִם,
The lightning of the heavens,		Beraq ha-shamayim,		בְּרַק הַשָּׁמַיִם,
the prayer of Man.		Tefillat ha-adam.		תְּפִלַּת הָאָדָם

How aptly this song of Channa Senesz resonates with the deepest emotions of the soul, the forever inspiring heroine, composed at the same young age on the coast of Caesarea, just before her death in service to her people. In our farewell to Shabbat Shira, Miriam’s song, the song of the parted sea of freedom, is connected with the life song of our beloved Rebecca.

With such heartrending beauty, you, Robbert, carried it from the tender, oh so powerful unity that you and Sasha, Margalith, Asher formed and continue to form on Har Herzl, with the words of the Haftarah of Isaiah that Rebecca recited in this Mikdash meat, this small sanctuary: “And I heard the voice of God calling, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ And I answered, ‘Here I am, send me.'”

And so began your enduring mission, your unique and heroic journey.

Rabbi Tarphon teaches us, “The day is short, the work is plentiful, the workers are lazy, and the Master of the House urges.” (Pirke Avot 2:20) Note well, God urges but does not force. He has granted humans free will as collaborators in His creation, as stated in the Talmud Brachot 33B: “Everything is in the hands of God except for the fear of God.” God waits, as it were, for the readiness of humanity.

It is this fear of God that early on gripped Rebecca and enabled her to follow the Kavannah, the inner direction, in her utmost mission, with the awareness of her duty. After the brilliant completion of her studies, she hurried to Israel and joined without hesitation in the service of her people. And she did all this with patient haste, taking the time to inspire young people to leadership as an exemplary madricha of Habonim, the builders, and a caring commander of her soldiers.

And she always sought connection, klal Yisrael, the entire community of Israel. Look at these days; this synagogue of the Liberal Jewish Community is filled to the last seat. The night before, the synagogue of the Orthodox Jewish Community was packed. The two houses have become one house in memory of Rebecca, an unprecedented unity of men and women, young and old, united in love for Rebecca.

Yes, she was boundless. She was heart and soul connected to the nation of Israel and fought with the same unquenchable zeal for tikkun olam, for undivided human dignity. A true tzadika in the footsteps of the righteous. And I feel that her eternal soul continues its mission before the Throne of God’s glory as our Shlichat tsibbur, interpreter of our broken prayers.

May all the captives now return to their homes immediately, and may the secure peace, the shalom, the wholeness be realized. Please, God, may the tender yet strong soul of Rivka bat Gidon veBracha be bound in the eternal circle of the righteous forever.

May this rose among thorns, this shoshana ben hachochiem, forever shine, inspiring your beloved family, whom we all embrace.

Amen.