Shortly after midnight, he was called to the home of a young woman whose husband had just died.

As he offered support and assisted the distraught wife with funeral arrangements, the couple’s two children, ages three and six, awoke and came downstairs. Sidney introduced himself to them, but they were distracted by the sight of the Christmas gifts under the glistening tree. Santa had obviously come to town.

Sidney sat with the children and told them in language they could understand about their father’s death. Tears were shed and hugs were shared in an effort to help ease their pain.

Sidney noticed that the children continued to glance away from him to look at the presents left by Santa under the tree. So he asked if they would like to open their gifts. Grins mixed with tears as they nodded their heads in anticipation. Sidney and their mother helped the children open their presents. In the midst of a very painful situation, the family and the chaplain had a meaningful Christmas experience - the first for the Rabbi.