The day of a person’s memorial or funeral is believed to be a sacred day in many cultures, faith, or religious traditions. This blessed day for Jordan was December 16, 2017. It was a time of honoring, remembering, reflecting, story-telling, and mourning with friends and family. I was privileged to have been invited to offer an Opening Prayer at the Honoring of Jordan’s Journey. I chose a meaningful Jewish prayer that focuses on remembering with solemn petitions of where, how, and when to remember Jordan. It leaves the petitioner with a promise that as long as each of us live, then of course Jordan also lives when we remember him. This promise has the potential for healing!
MEMORIAL PRAYER entitled REMEMBER
(Adapted for Jordan Bell)
In the rising sun and its going down,
we will remember Jordan.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
we will remember Jordan.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we will remember Jordan.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
we will remember Jordan.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we will remember Jordan.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
we will remember Jordan
When we are lost and sick at heart,
we will remember Jordan.
When we have joys we wish to share,
we will remember Jordan.
So as long as we live, Jordan too shall live,
For he is now a part of us,
as we remember him.
Memorial Prayers, Rabbi’s Manual
Lovingly submitted by Lorraine M. Wright