The Fifth Night of Chanuka, 21 Years Later

On the fifth night of Chanuka 21 years ago, Avi came into this world on a Saturday night. This past Shabbat morning, I continued my tradition of taking over the chanting of Avi's bar mitzvah sedra eight years ago, Mikketz, the story of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

I couldn't help but keep back tears when I reached the verse containing the words, כִּי-אָחִיו מֵת--"because his brother is dead." (Gen 42:38) Jacob gets his son back. I don't get mine.

Avi would have been 21 today, December 15.

Avi's last birthday party, December 15, 2005.