On September 11, I attended the Yeshiva University 9/11 memorial ceremony. This memorial was unique in a number of ways. In accordance with the Jewish laws of mourning, no live instrumental music was played; instead, the crowd recited Psalms on behalf of the deceased, and stood as the Prayer for the Welfare of the United States was read. In many ways, this sums up the theme of the event; honoring the dead, while simultaneously respecting the living.

One of the speakers, Mrs. Anat Barber, was nineteen years old on 9/11. She described her experiences watching over the deceased at Ground Zero. Jewish tradition requires that shomer, or a protector, stay constantly at the side of the deceased and to recite Psalms, as an act of honor to the dead. Anat spoke of the surprising connections she made with people from every walk of life as they waited for the remains of the victims to be identified.

Rabbi Willig, Assistant Head of the American Court of Jewish Law, on the other hand, spoke of the important commitment we have to the living. He was involved in investigating missing people on behalf of their family members. Rabbi Willig described, case-by-case, the different evidence that was considered, from Metro card records to floor plans, witnesses, and DNA tests. No detail was ignored in the search to determine the status of lost husbands, ultimately allowing many wives to rebuild their lives after the tragedy, and to remarry, should they so desire.

Today marks the tragic day on the Jewish calendar, the 22 of Elul. Let us remember the loss, but live for what remains.