Before Mr. Reichman, known for his successful businesses and philanthropy, passed away, he drafted two wills. One will was intended, as he noted, to be read upon his passing, and the second will was to be read seven days later, at the conclusion of shiva.
When the family read through the contents of the first will, there were two important requests. The first asked that his children bury him in Jerusalem. The second request was that he be buried with his socks. In discovering this request and knowing that someone who passed away could not be buried with his socks, the family along with the Chevra Kadisha who oversaw the burial process discussed their next steps.
After a lengthy back-and-forth, it was concluded, as had been originally assumed, that Mr. Reichman would be buried without his socks. Despite his request, it did not align with Jewish law and tradition, and despite the import of carrying out the wishes of the one who passed, this request could not be due to its halachic implications.
Throughout the period of shiva, this matter become a source of quiet concern. Why, in fact, had Mr. Reichman made this request? He was certainly aware that it could not be carried out. Until the shiva had concluded and the family opened the second will.
The second will outlined how the various funds should be allocated amongst the family members. In addition, it noted that despite the confusing request asked of the family in the previous will, Mr. Reichman was certain that he would not be buried with socks, as per Jewish law. The reason he had requested, though, to be buried with his socks was in order to impress upon his children that even though they will be blessed with fabulous inherited wealth, there was a far more important lesson he wanted to convey: even our socks we cannot take to the grave. The money we are blessed with is a means to help and support others. It is not intended to stir us toward jealousy or live a lavish lifestyle. Increased kindness and support and learning of Torah are the goals.
It's a lesson for life. Even our socks don’t live on forever. We can’t take them with us. All that does remain is the goodness and kindness we accomplish in our lifetime.
Reprinted from the Parshat Pinchas 5783 edition of the Torahanytime.com Newsletter.
