Montefiore Cemetery in Jenkintown, PA, takes its name from the Montefiore family, historic and well known Jewish diplomats and bankers originally from the Iberian Peninsula, who ultimately came to America to broaden their markets and wealth. Although a different family has owned/operated this eternal resting place since 1910, they chose the name well.
These were Sephardic Jews who spoke Ladino, a mix of Hebrew, old Spanish and North African dialects, and who maintained many of the ancient traditions while European Jewry suffered through the Dark Ages. The meaning of Montefiore in English is, "Flower Mountain."
Very appropriate for the gentle rolling fields where so many Philadelphians are laid to rest. Sadly, I was here for the second time, again to bear witness and offer prayerful remembrance to a dear friend. Gone too soon, her children, siblings and even her 90+ year old mother gathered at graveside to honor the end of life and the beginning of a new adventure beyond our mortal grasp.
I was asked to be a pallbearer. It was her last request of me, although I was unaware until approached at the funeral home by her husband. That, and reciting the Mourners' Kaddish at graveside, were the least I could do.
I noticed the wind gently swaying the budded branches as I bent down to pick up a handful of earth to drop on her plain pine casket. I knew it was my dearly departed old friend caressing my cheeks in gratitude for granting her last wish.
There was a tear mixed with that last bit of soil I rubbed in my hands as I walked slowly back to my car. read more