Here, for what it's worth these days, is a poem I wrote when Ilan Ramon's shuttle exploded. It was hard not to go back to our sources, right? Then as now.
I am smiling at your incredible storytelling gift, thank you. As this story reminded me of my younger brother and his book knowledge and love of all things scientific 😊 🙏 💓.
Breathtaking.
Indeed
You're a great storyteller.
Thank you Laura.
Here, for what it's worth these days, is a poem I wrote when Ilan Ramon's shuttle exploded. It was hard not to go back to our sources, right? Then as now.
Ilan Ramon: In Memoriam
Pillar of cloud by day, pillar of fire by night,
that’s how He led them to the promised land,
but not Ilan Ramon, for whom the pillar of cloud
joined with the pillar of fire to eat him alive.
When Ilan Ramon soared into space
aboard the shuttle Columbia, he said
if not a mezuzah, then the shema,
if not the shema, then some kosher chicken,
if not that, God and the Jewish people,
and the radio message he sent back
as the sun rose and set over Israel
was like the Passover prayer of thanks:
had You only taken us from Egypt,
only given us Sinai, only fed us manna,
had You but hallowed us with the Sabbath
it would have been enough,
but You brought us to the chosen land
and built us the chosen temple
and enjoined us to behave
according to the chosen word:
let Me not on your account
hear the cry of the afflicted,
but work to make life better.
And so every year we say
we are the Exodus, we are at Sinai,
we are going home and we shall be faithful.
Ilan Ramon left the earth,
Ilan Ramon did not come home,
but Ilan Ramon was faithful
and now he too has become
like the pillar of cloud by day
and the pillar of fire by night
that shall not depart from before his people.
I am smiling at your incredible storytelling gift, thank you. As this story reminded me of my younger brother and his book knowledge and love of all things scientific 😊 🙏 💓.
What an amazing account, Ehud. Thank you. Just prompted me to post my own, so thanks for the nudge.
Thanks Dave.
Did I ever share with you my Columbia STS 101 story?
No, but looking forward to it!