The death of a graduate of the Frisch school looms large. Other than the six periods I taught today, as Director of Torah Guidance there were a lot of questions coming to my office. Can a brother say kaddish for a year if he wants to? When can the brother's senior classmates expect him to return to normal? How could such a thing happen? How could G-d let it happen?

I spent quite a while listening, and some time talking. Effective teaching , pastoring, counselling involve more listening than talking - generally. I think that when it comes to theology (particularly what some dub theodicy) one has to say some response. I don't have the strength/desire to present such ideas here, but in organic, face to face conversations, my listening and also responding seemed to be helpful. G-d, I hope so.

Our principal was clearly pained as he addressed the school after minyan. There's a lot of community pain. No-one can imagine the family's pain.

The school will be there for the family as best that it can. Brother Aryeh will no doubt get a lot of support from his friends in his own twelfth grade and from every level of the school. Our hearts are broken over the Strobel family's loss of their beloved son Asher.

I often debate what to write here. I often hold back on names. I hope that the recent posts have been appropriate and perhaps meaningful to anyone affected by this loss. Feel free to contact me (nfleischmann1@gmail.com).