J. is one of our close friends here in London. She helped us immensely when we were haphazardly organizing our move, even before she actually knew us. We've stayed friends since, though as often happens - never meet as much as we'd like. Celebrating Jewish holidays with their friends and family has become one of our family traditions.

On the 25th, at around 4pm, J.'s mother, Ruth, passed away, after battling cancer. I was always amazed by the spirit of hope Ruth inspired in her surroundings, throughout her battle with the illness. יהי זכרה ברוך (Ye'hee Zichra Baruch)