This week we had to say our goodbyes to a dear friend you’ve heard me mention quite often.
Rivka Shechman was one of the Holocaust survivors we had the privilege of working with in the past few years. On June 25 we took her to a restaurant, to celebrate her 88th birthday. The following morning, on the very date of her birthday, she went out for some errands.
Apparently (we don’t have all the details), she was hit by a passing car. Shop owners, who saw that, told she seemed to be ok at the beginning, but they still called an ambulance. Her condition deteriorated quickly, and the following night she passed away.
As customary in Judaism, her funeral was held the following day. It was a beautiful tribute to the woman she was and the lives she touched.
Years ago she asked her social worker to read one of her poems titled “A Woman’s Prayer” at her gravesite, and so she did. After the grave was covered with sand, the young woman pulled out of her bag a copy of the book of poems and artwork we published for Rivka just a few short months ago. What a blessing it was for me – to know we were able to make her heart rejoice and be used to fulfill one of her wishes.
A WOMAN’S PRAYER by Rivka
She says:
“Thank you, God, thank you for giving me long life.
Indeed, life has been rough, living constantly on the edge.
No left, no right, only moving straight ahead.
But I kept moving on.
Left with no childhood, in the dark, with fear, in the cold and loneliness.
Always moving straight ahead, for there was no left and no right.
I experienced wars, wandered in foreign lands,
fought against wolves, who were hungry, just like me.
And against people, who were far worse than the wolves.
With snakes of all kinds.
And actually, God, snakes can show mercy.
I am still living on the edge, and I thank you, God,
for helping me raise a family, children, grandchildren.
For touching happiness though always left lonely.
I had no shoulder to cry on, no one to stand by my side.
When the soul hurts, you can’t see it.
The heart bleeds, the eyes so sad and downcast.
But people want happiness and joy.
So yes, God, I was not born to be happy myself,
I was born to bring joy to others, that they may be happy,
and with them I too will be.
God, you, who are so much greater than all of us,
please protect the children, the grandchildren, my relatives,
neighbors and friends.
Please forget not the woman, that is still living on the edge,
always with you, always Yours”.
Amen. Amen
Rivka’s sons at her burial
Some of you have sown from your time, came to Israel to paint her home, and donated into the Holocaust Fund I started a few years ago. This has enabled us to make Rivka’s heart rejoice. We fixed some stuff in her home, took her out, listened to her stories, and slowly slowly she came out of a depressive cloud that was over her. Thank you for co-partnering with us in this pure and undefiled act of worship (James 1:27).
Please join us in prayer for her family and loved ones. Her sons are overwhelmed with the care God lavished on their mom through people who didn’t even know her, who are not even Jewish. This might be one more way He wants to reveal His Face to this family.
Orna Grinman | Ot OoMofet Ministries | A Sign and Example 
___123___A Sad Goodbye – Orna Grinman | Ot OoMofet Ministries | A Sign and Example___123___
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I like it when folks get together and share views. Great blog, stick with it!
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Shabbath Shalom Orna.I hope .pray you a blessed.peacefull Shabbath.I read about Rivka Shecman.is her book a poem book or… could it be possible to get it…Liisa7.7.2017 13.08 Orna Grinman | Ot OoMofet Ministries | A Sign and Example <comment-reply@wordpress.com> kirjoitti:
otoomofet posted: "This week we had to say our goodbyes to a dear friend youâve heard me mention quite often.
Rivka Shechman was one of the Holocaust survivors we had the privilege of working with in the past few years. On June 25 we took her to a restaurant, to celebrate "
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Hi Liisa,
The book is a book of poems written by Rivka accompanied by her art work. I will ask Orna to bring some copies with her when she comes to Finland this month.
Shabbat shalom,
Adi
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Dear Orna, we thank God that He brought love and compassion into Rivka’s life through you and the wonderful ministry He’s given you. We are sad for you and her family, but may more love come forth now even in her death. With love, arni and yonit
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Hi Orna, I am so very sorry and sad to read this tragic news. What a terrible, horrible, thing to have happened. I thank God for each of you who loved her and helped her.
I have enrolled in an interactive online Bible study called: online.BeholdyourGod.org . . I just sat down to work on my lesson, but I had to take time out to reply to your message and to pray for each of you.
God bless you, Adrienne >
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Shalom! We thank Adonai for the privilege of sharing the amazing life of Rivka Shechman with you, her family and Ot OoMofet family!
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That is very sad, Orna. You and the people you recruted to bless Rivka, have been such a comfort to her. Its a mystery how the Lord’s love heals, when we are available for Him.
Brecht
Verzonden vanaf Samsung-tablet.
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You made a difference in Rivkas life. ABBA sees and will remember those who came to help her,really it was unto HIM. Blessings to you,continue on and stay strong in HIM.
Ann
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Dear Orna, I am saddened to hear of Rivkas passing. She has left a legacy of pressing close to God and continuing on, even in unimaginable circumstances. I am praying for you and her family. Is her book of poems available for sale in English ? I would like to get some . Blessings with love to you Orna.
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Yes, Kathie, it is available in English. We will email you the information.
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Hi Kathie,
Thank you for showing interest in Rivka’s book. We would love to send you a copy. The price is $15 plus $2.75 S&H in the US.
If you would send me your mailing address, we will go ahead and mail you a copy.
Payment can be made by check and sent to the following address:
Ot Oo’Mofet
C/O Baxter
310 W. Indiana st
Lafayette, GA. 30728
Please note on the memo line that it is for Rivka Sheman’s book.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Have a blessed week.
Adi G. Baxter
Ot Oo’Mofet, administration
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Thank you Orna for sharing this and for the work you do on all of our behalf. God continue to bless your ministry.
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Orna,I’m so sorry to hear you lost a dear friend.I pray the Lord’s comfort for you and her family now.Praying blessings over Israel.Debb Knorr
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Orna this is precious. Very good. Love❤️
Kirby DeLozier Pray for the peace of Jerusalem Ps. 122:6
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