Went to a funeral with my wife today to pay final respects to a very nice lady who passed away from cancer. She was a beloved teacher at Yeshiva. She also sent her own children to Hillel as well. Her name was Mrs. Dalia Shimon OB"M. She was loved and respected by the community as she was a very upbeat, positive and caring individual always with a smile on her face. A great many from the community turned out to pay respects: Yeshiva, Shaare Torah, P Z, Hillel and many others as well.
I must comment on the women and men who participated in the funeral. I have never noticed the extreme differences between men and women as exemplified at this particular funeral. The men did most of the physical labor as required by Jewish Law and then stood quietly and attentively as the funeral progressed.
The women on the other hand all recited Tehillim during the service often breaking down and crying, though quietly and respectfully. They all held each other to offer comfort and solace.
I am not disparaging either sex on the way that they participated in the service but I must note that the women were much more emotional and compassionate to each other. The men on the other hand while in a group, each stood alone, stoically if you wish to call it that.
That is the way that I see it.
