Today, June 23rd, marks 35 years since my father passed away. For many years following his death, I wore a silver locket around my neck, which held a small picture of him. Today I released a new music video, "Tu Portret", a song I composed while reflecting on that precious necklace.
Over the past three and a half decades, there have been so many words left unsaid and memories we never had the chance to share. Yet I have kept the locket to this day as a sacred part of my story.
While this song, composed using Ladino poetry by my dear mentor Matilda Koen-Sarano z"l, was inspired by my own experience, it is ultimately for anyone who has journeyed through grief and held close a cherished memento of someone they love.
May all who need it find comfort in our memories. I hope you'll take a few moments to watch and listen.
The full Ladino lyrics, translations and credits can be found on my YouTube channel.