A group of 7 members of the Jerusalem Harp Circle began studying harp therapy in early 2004. Leah, one of the most motivated harp therapy students learned that a close friend was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer. She made frequent visits to the hospital with her harp, only to find that her friend, Rachel, wanted to speak rather than listen to the harp. After a few short months, Rachel was no longer able to eat and her  four young children and husband were called to the hospital. Leah brought her harp to the bedside, but decided to play in the hallway because there was too much commotion in the room.

David, Rachel’s 10-year-old son had been stroking his mother’s hand and was drawn to the music in the hallway. He wanted to try to play the harp! With Leah’s assistance, David played for over an hour in the hallway. Then, he told Leah that he wanted to play for his mother. So, Leah showed David how to play very gently, as if he was stroking his mother’s hand, her face and her neshama (soul).

David strummed the harp at the bedside for what must have been an eternity for an active 10-year-old. He found a way to say good-bye whereas before, he didn’t know what to do or what to say. The energy in the room changed from utter chaos to calm. After not speaking for 12 hours, Rachel was able to gather the strength to say “music.” This was her last word.

I told the story of Rachel’s transition to a small audience in Los Angeles. A woman approached me after the concert and offered to donate a harp to a hospital in Jerusalem. Because Leah was willing to let David play for his mother, we not only had a beautiful story but a harp to be used for the internships!  So many powerful moments have become possible since the donation of the harp in Sha’are Tzedek Hospital.

The following year David decided that he wanted too learn to play the harp. He is now my student and is beginning to find his own voice. This past January was the second anniversary of Rachel’s death. Last year, David didn’t have anything to contribute to the memorial service. This year, he wrote and performed a song on the harp in honor of his mother. Being open to “what is willing to meet me?” and the continued presence of Rachel’s spirit has opened so many doors. We feel blessed and know that our work has only just begun.

with love,