An old friend offers words of comfort at Fr. Bussmann’s passing

Rabbi Joseph Fred Benson of Jefferson City first met the late Father Frank Bussmann 39 years ago.

“We were both young,” Rabbi Benson recalled. “Frank had been in private law practice for two years and I was the assistant law librarian in the St. Louis County Courthouse.”

Years later, in Jefferson City, Rabbi Benson heard a voice cry out, “Joe!”

He turned around and saw a man he recognized wearing clerical garb.

“Frank? I mean Fr. Frank?” he said with surprise.

“Joe, it’s still Frank,” the priest replied. “We go back nearly 30 years!”

Six months later, Rabbi Benson received ordination as a Jewish rabbi.

“Two lawyers who found a second vocation,” he stated.

Having renewed their acquaintance, they remained friends as Fr. Bussmann served at St. Peter parish in Jefferson City, then at the Montgomery City and Jonesburg parishes, and finally in Fulton and Mokane.

Fr. Bussmann died on Nov. 21.

Rabbi Benson offers the following ancient words of comfort to Fr. Bussmann’s family, parishioners and collaborators in ministry: “Ha’Makom yenachem et’chem b’toch sha’ar ava’lay Tzion vee Yerushalaim.”

In Hebrew, these words mean, “May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”

In Judaic tradition, the phrase is recited at the gravesite, with those in attendance standing as the family leaves.

It is also spoken by those making a visit to people at home during shiva — their time of mourning.

“Jewish law teaches that one making a shiva call upon the immediate family is prohibited from speaking — from engaging in frivolous speech,” Rabbi Benson noted. “One whispers this phrase to the mourners and then sits down and waits for a family member to engage in conversation. Respect for the family is paramount.”