After the sudden and unexpected passing of my best friend, Tova Feldstein, a”h, I couldn’t function for days. I kept thinking to myself, “What can I do to help myself cope with this unspeakable tragedy?” I eventually came up with, #TovaTuesdays, where on my social media I would post a picture of Tova and me, and reflect on the memories that the picture brought up. It was just a little thing that I started for myself, but I never expected the reactions I’ve gotten.

Countless people from all over have come up to me and said how much they love #TovaTuesdays. These are people who didn’t even know her, but they say that they feel like they know her based on my posts. People have also commented about how special my bond must have been with Tova, and what a terrible loss it is for everyone.

My kids have even gotten in on the action and have asked, when their birthdays are coming up, if I can post a picture of them and Tova for that week’s #TovaTuesdays. Sometimes my daughter will even ask to choose the image for that week and she goes through my photo albums to find the “perfect picture.”

This has unexpectedly brought incredible comfort to me. Continually, people who have never met Tova come up to me and start talking about her. I have been connecting with old friends from elementary and high school based on the pictures that I post. It also gives me a set space every week to remember Tova and the incredible impact she had on my and my family’s life.

As her second yahrzeit approaches this week, I still feel like I am actively in the grieving process. However, each Tuesday after I post, the “likes” and comments are an incredible source of comfort. It is with this encouragement that I hope to continue #TovaTuesdays, and maybe others will start to make their own as well.