Rabbi Howard Morrison

This Shabbat, we will complete reading the Book of Shmot - Exodus. A commentary found in the Etz Hayim Chumash succinctly summarizes the whole book in a few lines:

"The book of Exodus, which opened with a narrative of misery and oppression, closes on a note of confidence and hope. Israel is assured that, day and night, the divine spirit hovers over it, guiding and controlling its destiny."

Immediately after finishing the text, we add three postscript words, "Chazak Chazak V'Nitchazek - Be of strength, be of strength, and let us be strengthened together."

During these challenging times, which face Israel and Jews everywhere, we need to be assured that we are in the right, and we are. The words which conclude the second Book of the Torah come at a very appropriate time.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison