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For a few minutes there was nothing to hear.

Then Meltzer's voice, quiet, calm, strong, started the Kaddish, the prayer for the dead.

I could hear Alfred's voice a few words behind Meltzer's like a counterpoint, punctuated by sobs of sorrow and resignation.

There was a finality in the rhythm of the prayer -- it was the end of a life, the end of hope, and the wondering if there would ever be another beginning.