Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, Community Chaplain
Lazar the Dog
Dogs are special. When they are put to sleep, they too deserve a eulogy. Lazar was a most comforting dog housed here at Fleischman several years back. He was tame, sweet, and always welcoming.
One Monday morning as I made my way into my office at Fleischman, I was greeted by a group of residents lamenting his loss. They were sharing fond stories and memories of Lazar.
"Rabbi, might you have words of comfort and courage to share?"
"Yes", I replied.
"From where do we get the name Lazar?" I asked. "It is short for the Hebrew name Eliezer. Eliezer was the name of one of the two children of Moses.
He was named so to celebrate G-d's kindness in saving Moses from the hands of Pharaoh." "Eli" means my G-d. "Ezer" means helped or saved.
Now, I reassured the residents that we too will be helped from above. Lazar, the short version of Eliezer will soon be replaced by another kindhearted dog.
Kelev in Hebrew means dog. It makes the two words "kulo lev" meaning all heart and emotions.
To remember this comfort that the name Lazar imparts, Lazar has a stone just outside the front door of Fleischman Residence. In life, we cherish everything that comes our way. Each gift in its proper time is worthy of either celebrating or grieving.
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Rabbi Dovid S. Polter Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program Jewish Senior Life
248-592-5039 • dpolter@jslmi.org
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