Yesterday, I made my pre High Holy Day visit to Montefiore Cemetery in Philadelphia to visit my brother, Eyal, of blessed memory, who passed away nine years ago on the day after Rosh Hashanah.

Over this last decade, our family created a tradition to bring stones from around the world to place on his gravestone. 

The collection continues to grow from our extended family’s travels. You can find stones from Israel, Ojai, Lake Tahoe, Italy, and Los Angeles, just to name a few. 

During this sacred moment, I also have time to express to my brother the joys and sorrows of the past year. 

Standing in the hot sun, we recited the Mourner’s Kaddish. As we were about to get into the car, my son stopped, and said quietly, “Uncle Eyal, you’re invited to my Bar Mitzvah.” I looked at him with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face, and responded, “Eyal will be there.” This month of Elul permits us to do just that: Invite ourselves into relationship with our loved ones in the deepest ways possible. As we prepare for the upcoming High Holy Days, may we feel the unbreakable bonds of love, from those near and far, from those physically with us, and those whose spiritual presence will always be a part of our journeys. Be sure to invite them all.