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Rabbi Howard Morrison

07/08/2024 12:55:41 PM

Aug7

Ki Tavo - When you enter the land

23/09/2024 09:31:21 AM

Sep23

Soon before my last year of rabbinical school, the seminary administrators took two baskets. In one, they placed the names of the upcoming seniors. In the other, they placed the names of the weekly Torah portions which would be read during the academic year. The Fall semester would begin with today's Parsha of Ki Tavo. Wouldn't you know it, the name of the student plucked from the corresponding basket for the first Shabbat of the school year was "Howard Morrison." Thus, Ki Tavo is very dear to me. It was my senior sermon Shabbat on which I delivered a sermon in front of faculty, classmates, family, and friends.

The portion is about "entering." Back in the Fall of 1986, for me, this Torah lesson was preparing me to enter the rabbinate and to begin a lifelong career, now, thirty-seven years in the congregational rabbinate, with twenty four of those years right here at Beth Emeth.

The Pshat, or plain meaning of the opening section, envisions the imminent time when the Children of Israel would enter the land of Israel and experience their first harvest. At Shavuot time, the Israelites would take baskets of first fruits and present them to the Kohen in the Tabernacle as a gift of gratitude for their lives, their history, and for the privilege of being in the promised land. Upon bringing the first fruits, our ancestors would recount their history, harkening back to the travails of Abraham and Jacob; enduring oppression in Egypt, and ultimately being liberated to the point of entering a land flowing with milk and honey, providing for the vulnerable of society, and rejoicing before God with what they had.

How relevant our Parsha is right now. Many of us are angry, sad, and grief stricken over the past year, and rightly so. However, we also need even more so to be grateful for our personal wellbeing, our families, and our community. We need to rejoice in our beautiful and historic synagogue. We have to celebrate that we have a State and Land of Israel over which to be concerned. While travel to Israel has been and continues to be challenging over this past year, anyone I have spoken to who has been to Israel has been only grateful and celebratory for the time they had, whether it was to visit family, volunteer, go on a solidarity mission, or just to be there.

Our tradition commands us not to rejoice at the downfall of our enemy. When we celebrate Pesach, we do not rejoice at the downfall of our foes, but we do celebrate our internal victory. While Israel has never wanted to be at war, we Jews around the world have a right to celebrate modestly what Israel accomplished this past week against Hezbolah in Lebanon. While over a hundred thousand Jews have been displaced from their homes in the North; while thousands of missiles have been hurled at Israel indiscriminately; while 12 Druze children were murdered indiscriminately while playing soccer a couple of months ago; while six Israelis were shot in the backs of their heads after surviving ten months in underground tunnels;  while the horrors perpetrated against our people on October 7th were performed indiscriminately - - - - - Israel was precise and targeted this past week, using the latest in modern technology to explode pagers and walkie-talkies handled by Hezbolah terrorists. We do have reason to celebrate even briefly while confronting the worst year in Jewish history since the Shoah.

From the moment that our ancestors entered the land, they were honest about the challenges of their history. They recited their ups and downs out loud, even as they rejoiced with pride about their covenant with God and their place in the world as Israel. At Pesach time, we sit down and recite exactly what our agricultural ancestors recited when they first entered the land almost four thousand years ago. The Haggadah, based on the opening of today's Parsha, is framed by the Sages as "Matchil B'Gnut U'Mesayem B'Shevach - We begin with degradation but we end with praise." Our Jewish way has always had us be honest, open, and transparent, but to also always be positive, hopeful and affirming.

Now, we need that lesson more than ever. With the HHD approaching in under two weeks and challenges abounding in Israel and wherever Jews live, let us be honest, open, and transparent about our situation, but also to be positive, hopeful, and affirming.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Parshat Ki Tavo - "Blessed are you in your coming, and blessed are you in your going"

19/09/2024 08:53:54 AM

Sep19

In this week's Parsha, we read a number of blessings. One I find particularly meaningful is the verse, "Baruch Atah B'Voeacha U'Varuch Atah B'Tzaitecha - Blessed are you in your coming, and blessed are you in your going."

On one level, we understand these words as applying to birth and death - when we come into the world, and when we go forth from the world. Our lives are a blessing.

On another level, we understand these words as applying to the everyday comings and goings, which may be recited about loved ones and friends.

I have seen this verse actually posted on entrances of synagogues. Blessed are those who enter and exit the halls of our synagogues.

Soon, we will exit the year of 5784 and enter the year of 5785. Blessed are we as we close out one year and renew ourselves in a new year.

As we transition our calendar in under three weeks, may we undergo the exercise of self assessment and awareness so that we may truly be a blessing to God, to ourselves, and to those around us.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Ki Tetze - When you go out to war

16/09/2024 09:54:56 AM

Sep16

"When you go out to war against your enemies," our Parsha begins. Most years, I prefer the homiletical interpretation of the enemy being within yourself. Now, three weeks before the onset of the High Holy Days, the enemy is us. We need to conquer those base animalistic drives within ourselves which motivate us to make bad decisions, and which hurt ourselves and those around us. The season of Teshuva, repentance, calls on us to take seriously the model of wherever possible to RECOGNIZE the wrong we have done, to express REMORSE, to RECITE our error, to make RESTITUTION by fixing the wrongdoing, and effecting ultimate RECONCILIATION with those whom we have wronged -The five R's of repentance.  Most years, this would be my message on Shabbat Ki Tetze, three weeks prior to Rosh Hashanah. It is still a message for this year with a significant "HOWEVER."

One cannot gloss over the plain reading of the Biblical words, "When you go out to war against your enemies." We are at war! We have enemies.  Israel is at war with Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and others. The global Jewish community is waging a war against anti-Semitism. How much of today's civilized world remembers the war thrust upon the U.S. 23 years ago on September 11th? We Jews know only too well that last October 7th was comparable to many 9/11's in a single day.

Parshat Ki Tetze contains more Mitzvot than any single Parsha in the entire Torah. Depending on the source, either 72 or 74 of the 613 Mitzvot are found in this parsha. They cover everything including war, an extension of last week's parsha which contained a digest of Jewish war ethics (see my sermon from last week on our website). Interestingly, today's parsha reiterates a Mitzvah which originated last week. Today's text reads as follows: "When a man has taken a bride, he shall not go out with the army or be assigned to it for any purpose; he shall be exempt one year for the sake of his household, to give happiness to the woman he has married (Deut. 24:5)."

In Jewish law, the full year exemption for a newly married man applied only to a voluntary war, which is inapplicable these days.

In today's IDF, Jewish law would characterize Israel being in an obligatory war, defensive in nature, which does not exempt Israeli newly marrieds from service. However, in the past year, what I find inspirational are the many stories of weddings which have taken place during war time. Young Israeli men and women have learned how to celebrate their love in the midst of war. Stories abound about the creativity in providing a wedding dress, a Huppa, and the like.

Our tradition teaches us that once a wedding is scheduled, it goes on, even in a year of bereavement. The Talmud instructs that if a funeral and a wedding procession are coming your way at the same time, join the wedding procession. With out disrespect to the sadness, the first priority is to love and to celebrate the union of a wedding couple. This ideology is understood to this very day.

As the opening of the Parsha confronts war time situations, so does the end of the parsha, which is known to us because it is read on the Shabbat prior to Purim: 

"Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey, after you left Egypt . . . Do not forget." While the Mitzvah here is to remember specifically the war against Amalek, which descended to Haman, an Amalekite himself, we Jews are prone to remember war. The Haggadah has us focus on our confrontation with Pharaoh. The Haggadah also includes references to other persecutions in antiquity, such as with the Roman empire. The Kinnot, dirges recited on Tisha B'Av, contain references to all kinds of persecutions throughout Jewish history. On Yom Ha'Atzmaut, we remember the War of Independence. On Yom Yerushalayim, we remember the Six Day War. Who does not recollect the 1973 Yom Kippur war every year on our holiest day? I am certain that when the dust clears, and we have some historical perspective, the October 7th war, being waged right now, will also find its place in the annals of Jewish remembrance.

Yes, each of us needs to fight the internal war against our personal demons. I wish that were my only message this year on this Shabbat. As important if not more so, each of us needs to unite and join together in the fight which threatens the very fabric of our homeland and our heritage wherever Jews dwell on this earth.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Ki Tetze - A week of remembering

12/09/2024 09:02:30 AM

Sep12

In this week's Parsha, the importance of remembering appears a few times:

We are commanded to remember the Exodus from Egypt - noone should be enslaved. 

Moses is commanded to remember that Miriam slandered him - noone should gossip about another.

We are commanded to remember Amalek - Pure evil must be remembered and eradicated.

These lessons are noteworthy for us. On Wednesday, we remembered the evil that took place on 9/11 twenty-three years ago. That same kind of evil still exists today and especially since last October 7 when Israel experienced multiple 9/11's in one day, when comparing Israel to the U.S. on a percentage population basis.

Now, three weeks prior to the High Holy Days, we are meant to internalize the lessons of this week's Parsha in our own lives. 

For me personally, this is a week of remembrance. My mother, Helen Morrison, died on September 11, 1999, which coincided with Rosh Hashanah. On a happier note, my son, Elie, was born on September 12, 1994 and turns 30 this week.

I wish us all Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Parshat Shoftim - Sept. 7, 2024

11/09/2024 11:44:44 AM

Sep11

"War and Peace" - The ethics of the IDF

The origin of Jewish warfare ethics stems from today's portion of Shoftim. The Torah clearly states that when the Israelites were to approach a city to wage battle, it first had to do everything possible to achieve peace and avoid war. When the Torah requires the sparing of fruit bearing trees, this Mitzvah includes sparing civilians and allowing an open path for them to escape.

Subsequent Jewish law is succinctly explained by Maimonides and others. Jewish law distinguishes between optional war, which is unfunctional today. It required monarchy and expansion of borders. Rather, what is functional today is called obligatory war, which is defensive in nature.

The same Torah law we read about this morning is preserved throughout history to this very day. Aspirations for genuine peace and the safety of civilians are paramount.

I firmly believe that the IDF has always adhered to such Torah values. Peace has always been first and foremost. When peace has been unavoidable, Israel has enabled safe passages for civilians and issued warnings of eventual conflict thru leaflets and social media. What other nation gives such warning in advance?

Israel, like no other, tries to avoid civilian loss at all costs. Contrast Israel's ethics to its beastly enemies:

It is just tragic and inexplicable that evil Hamas brutally murdered Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alex Lobanov, and Ori Danino - when they were miraculously still alive two days before being brutally slain.

It is just tragic and inexplicable that murder and hostage taking took place at all on October 7th.

It is just tragic and inexplicable that evil Hamas and Hezbollah conceal terrorists and weaponry amongst civilians and underneath alleged hospitals, schools, and mosques. 

It is just tragic and inexplicable that evil terrorists block passage from harm to safety among its member population.

With the beginning of Elul, and the HHD under a month away, we continue to strive for peace, the release of our remaining hostages, and a cessation of war.

Let us be proud of the IDF, most of whom are young people serving on the front lines North and South.

Let us mourn the hundreds of IDF personnel lost in the past eleven months.

Let us mourn the six precious souls whose lives were taken last week, and the many other hostage souls whose lives have been taken over the past eleven months. 

Let us mourn all the precious innocent lives which have been taken on October 7th and beyond by acts of terror and evil.

A week ago while in the U.S., I, a retiree of the U.S. Air Force chaplaincy, was invited to meet with a group of American military retirees. Many took great risk in World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. Many lost comrades in arms. The ones I met are truly heroes.

So too, our IDF personnel, past and present, are heroes. We support them with pride and cherish the memories of their comrades in arms.

Nobody wants war. Our Torah and tradition are realistic about the extreme conequences of  free choice. Israel's situation now with Hamas, Hezbolah, Lebanon, and Iran has left no alternative.

Unlike the evil and terror perpetrated by others, ours is an ethical approach, defensive and thus obligatory in nature, in which Israel tries to protect innocent civilians in situations where the enemy does not protect its own. 

May the conclusion of 5784 bring about a culmination of the last eleven months. 

May the rest of our hostages come back home and hopefully alive.

May the efforts, prayers  and sounds for genuine peace be at last heard and fulfilled.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Shabbat Shalom 

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Parshat Shoftim - Isaiah versus Jeremiah

05/09/2024 09:12:20 AM

Sep5

I am so torn approaching this Shabbat after the heinous murders of six young Israelis this past week. 

On the Jewish calendar, this is the fourth Shabbat in a series of seven weeks of comfort, following Tisha B'Av. On all seven Shabbatot, we read from the prophet Isaiah, who offers words of comfort following the destruction of ancient Jerusalem during the first Temple period.

In today's Haftarah, Isaiah's message begins with the words "Anochi Anochi Menachemchem - I am He (God) who comforts you."

However, I for one am not able to be comforted right now. I am not sitting in the aftermath of destruction. I am existing in the moment of destruction. Rather, the words uttered by Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations speak to me right now: "Over these things I weep. My eyes run with water because a comforter to revive my spirit is far from me (Lamentations 1:16 - recited on Tisha B'Av)."

On this day, we are in the midst of a Churban, a destruction, with six more precious lives lost.

On this day, we are still mourning as on Tisha B'Av, not ready to be comforted.

On this day, the sad words of Jeremiah win out over the comforting words of Isaiah.

I pray, however, that the comfort we so desperately need will come sooner than later.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

A week of grief

04/09/2024 09:00:25 AM

Sep4

When 21 of us visited Israel this past May on a solidarity mission, one of the most moving experiences was hearing Rachel Goldberg-Polin. She addressed our group and some others at the Ramah Israel Institute, which had organized our mission. At that time, Rachel, a mother concerned about the plight of her son Hersh, was inspiring us with her hope, faith, and optimism.

Now, less than a week ago, she, her family, and the Jewish people had her positive ideals transformed into grief, pain, and sadness, as Hersh and five others (names posted in yesterday's blog) were brutally slain by pure evil after hopes had been high for their return just a couple of days prior to their deaths.

In her amazing eulogetic tribute about her son, Rachel was thankful for the privilege of being Hersh's mom. She exclaimed that he was the perfect son for her. She prayed that her son's soul needs to help herself, her family, and the Jewish people to be strong and to survive.

Rachel's ability to speak with raw emotion, combined with authentic passion and words of inspiration, will be something I will always remember. Over the past eleven months, she and her son, now of blessed memory, stood as symbols of the entire hostage community and the will of the Jewish people. 

As six families mourn the loss of loved ones, they are joined by the entire people of Israel. We pray that the deaths and the grief will not have been in vain. We continue to pray and aspire for the day when the now 101 hostages are returned home, and the evil of Hamas will be eradicated.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Rabbinical Assembly: Statement On The Murder Of Israeli Hostages

03/09/2024 09:31:37 AM

Sep3

We mourn the tragic loss and brutal murders of Israeli hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alex Lobanov, and Ori Danino.

Hersh and his family have deep, multi-generational ties to the Conservative/Masorti Movement. We offer our prayers, comfort, and strength to Rachel, Jon, their family, and to the families of all those whose lives were taken and those still being held hostage by Hamas.

We stand together as one people, Am Yisrael, as we mourn together with these families, for "The Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps" (Psalms 121:4).

May these six souls’ memories be a blessing, and may our leaders work quickly to free all the other hostages and end this war.  

Jacob Blumenthal, Chief Executive Officer

Jay Kornsgold, President

Rabbinical Assembly

Honoring the IDF

29/08/2024 09:13:06 AM

Aug29

This week while in the U.S., I attended a meeting of American retired military personnel. Being among the youngest, I met wonderful men, some of whom served in World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. These men represented army, air force, navy, marines, and the coast guard. Many shared their stories of bravery in which they survived but in which colleagues of theirs paid the ultimate price.

The meeting made me think of the IDF, not only of the last eleven months but going back to Israel's earliest days.We have amazing heroes who stood side by side with colleagues who paid the ultimate price 

Now, thinking of the past year, I can imagine the stories which will be told years from now of great heroes who lost colleagues paying the ultimate price.

As Israel confronts enemies on all sides, may we always support with pride the members of the IDF and cherish the memories of the IDF's fallen.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Shabbat Nachamu

19/08/2024 09:09:29 AM

Aug19

Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of comfort, is one of a handful of Sabbaths with a special designation. Usually the title emanates from the haftarah or when we read a maftir from a second Torah scroll. Consider  the names of Shabbat Shuva, Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, Ha'Chodesh, Ha'Gadol, and Chazon last week.

Now consider the challenge and opportunity found in today's theme of comfort.

From Isaiah chapter forty, imagine if you had experienced the period surrounding and including the destruction of the First Temple of Jerusalem in 586BCE. All was lost. The Babylonians had conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the holy Temple. Much of Jewry had been exiled to Babylonia. How would you have responded to Isaiah's call to God, "Nachamu Nachamu Ami - Comfort, comfort my people?"

Would you have taken these words seriously? Or would you have been in despair? Sarcastic at the very least? For those who believed, some fifty years after the Exile, Jews returned to Israel and began to pave the way toward a Second Temple period.

Fast forward several hundred years later. Imagine if you had experienced the period surrounding and including the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in 70CE. All was lost. The Romans had conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the holy Temple. Much of Jewry had been exiled to Babylonia and beyond. How would you have responded to the Prophetic words, "Nachamu Nachamu Ami - Comfort, comfort My people?"

Would you have taken these words seriously? Or would you have been in despair? Sarcastic at the very least? For those who believed, just decades later, Sages living in Yavneh began to sow the seeds of the Mishna and Talmud. Judaism was reimagined and reinvigorated. Judaism could and would endure without a holy Temple and anywhere in the world.

Fast forward to the Spring of 1945. Eastern European Jewry had been slaughtered in under a decade. Six million Jewish lives had been lost. How would you have responded to the Prophetic words, "Nachamu Nachamu Ami - Comfort, comfort my people? 

Would you have taken these words seriously? Or would you have been in despair? Sarcastic at the very least? For those who believed, the State of Israel was born three years later. Soon, Jewish life thrived in Israel, North America and other parts of the globe.

Fast forward to October 7, 2023, Simchat Torah in Israel, One of the happiest days on the Jewish calendar. The unthinkable happened - 1200 lives lost on a single day, babies burned in ovens, women raped and murdered, safe houses turned into places of horror and brutality, hundreds taken hostage. 

In ten and a half months since, Israeli lives are lost and displaced in Southern and Northern Israel, the lives of Jews and non-Jews. Twelve Druze children were murdered on a single day playing on a soccer field. Young Israelis, Jews and non-Jews, serving in the IDF, who have made the ultimate sacrifice; Jews around the world who have suffered from unprecedented surges in acts of anti-Semitism with little or no support from local government, our growing concerns regarding Iran, Hezbollah, and the list goes on.

How would you respond to today's Prophetic words, "Nachamu Nachamu Ami - Comfort, comfort My people?"

Would you take these words seriously? Or would you be in despair? Sarcastic at the very least?

History has taught us to believe in these words, time and time again. It is challenging to believe that a season of comfort and renewal will come when we are in the midst of a perilous time.  But believe and work toward that belief are vital.

Nachamu Nachamu Ami - Comfort, comfort My people!

Amen!

Rabbi Howard Morrison

A need for comfort

15/08/2024 08:55:02 AM

Aug15

The last ten months have been overwhelming, to say the least. On the Jewish calendar, we have just completed observing Tisha B'Av, the saddest day of the Jewish year.

The Shabbat which follows is called Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of comfort. It begins a series of seven weeks of comfort. On this coming Shabbat Nachamu, we will celebrate an Aufruf and a Bat Mitzvah. It should also be noted that this Friday marks the yahrzeit for Chazzan Louis Danto, zichrono l'veracha.

May the coming days and weeks of comfort include peace for Israel and the world Jewish community. May we celebrate Semachot, joyous occasions, and remember loved ones proudly.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Correspondence from the Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Toronto

08/08/2024 10:00:26 AM

Aug8

The Christian-Jewish Dialogue group is a project of the Toronto Board of Rabbis which has met over many decades. Its work is especially important nowadays since the events of October 7th and its aftermath.

Their letter of support to the Jewish community against the acts of vandalism perpetrated on Jewish institutions is below. 

Rabbi Howard Morrison

08/08/2024 09:01:08 AM

Aug8

Next Monday night and Tuesday are the Fast Day of Tisha B'Av.

Classically, this saddest date on the Jewish calendar commemorates the destruction of both, the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem.

The Mishna enumerates five calamities which befell our people on Tisha B'Av, including the divine edict that the generation which experienced the Exodus from Egypt would not enter the Promised Land after the episode of the spies.

It is noteworthy to consider that other calamities occurred on the date of Tisha B'Av including the expulsion of the Jews from England in 1290 and the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.

Tisha B'Av has become a sad day to recall all Jewish historical suffering. The Kinot, elegies, which have been composed over the centuries, cover many eras of persecution. Kinot were even composed after the Shoah. We will recite one of them on Tisha B'Av morning.

This year, we and many other synagogues will add dirges for October 7 and its aftermath.

The name of the book of Lamentations is Eicha, literally, "How!?", to which there is no adequate response. Knowing this, our Sages revocalized EICHA into the word AYE'KA, which means "where are you?" The origin of "where are you?" appears after Adam and Eve eat of the forbidden fruit.

We may not be able to answer the "How" of our history of tragedy. We can answer " Where are you?" during times of peril. Where are we now? - what are we doing to support Israel and help stem the tide of anti-Semitism?

Where will you be Monday night and Tuesday? I invite you to join us at Beth Emeth.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

300 Days

01/08/2024 09:26:22 AM

Aug1

Thursday August 1 marks 300 days of horror since October 7.

 In Hebrew, the letter shin corresponds to the number 300. The most famous "shin" word comes to mind on this day - SHALOM.

Shalom - Where is the peace for some 120 captives wherever they are? Dead? Alive?

 Where is the peace for Israelis in every sector of Israel?

Where is the peace for Jews in Canada and around the world who are facing unprecedented surges in acts of anti-Semitism?

 One of the many surnames for God is "Shalom."

Is not the Author of peace wounded with how the people of Israel have been abused over the last 300 days?

 It is the word Shalom which sets all of our prayers in motion: The last word of the Priestly blessing, the last word of the Amidah, and the last stanza of the Kaddish are all centered on the word Shalom.

 "May the One who established Shalom in the uppermost parts establish Shalom for us and for all Israel, Amen."

 Rabbi Howard Morrison

 

The intensity of the Three Weeks

29/07/2024 08:51:37 AM

Jul29

There are two forms of bereavement in Judaism, personal and national.

When confronting personal loss, our tradition progresses from the severity of restrictions toward a gradual return to the normalcy of daily life, thus the progression from funeral to shiva, shloshim and the year.

Currently, the Jewish calendar has us undergoing three weeks of national bereavement from the 17th of Tammuz, last Tuesday, through Tisha B'Av. The restrictions are the opposite or mirror image of those from personal bereavement. After a minor Fast, restrictions progress gradually until the last nine days and the major Fast of Tisha B'Av itself.

Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed American leaders. In the audience, he had invited Israelis representing different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Israel is certainly a multi- ethnic and cultural democratic country.

Tragically, this past weekend, twelve Israeli Druze CHILDREN lost their lives while playing on a soccer field in Northern Israel, from a Hezbollah launched missile.

Our national bereavement this year is for all of Israel, Jews and non-Jews who have made the ultimate sacrifice over the last ten months specifically and throughout our history more generally.

This year, the national grief of Summer does not seem to progress from minor to major notwithstanding the evolution of ritual practices during these three weeks. Our grief, anger, and loss are overwhelming.

We extend condolences to all who have suffered horrific devastation.

Yhi Zichram Baruch - May the memories of the fallen be a blessing.

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Guest Blog - Ranford Jackson

24/07/2024 09:16:31 AM

Jul24

MY REFLECTIONS AS A CONVERT

There's a quote from Gandhi which says, "Learn as if you were to live forever.” If there's a civilization that lives up to this saying, it's definitely Judaism. In my continuous journey what I've come to notice is that the more I think I know something is the more I realize that I know nothing about it at all. There's an ETERNALITY to Judaism which is definitely marked by a plethora of opinions and points of view and questions where laws and practices and customs are concerned, which keeps me actively in pursuit of LEARNING and KNOWING. It just never ends. And this is where Judaism feeds me intellectually. There's never a dull moment - there's always something to learn, whether it is from the different perspectives of Torah commentators or the different sects that make up Judaism - if a Jew DESIRES to learn, s/he will definitely learn, indeed! You can be an ignoramus in Judaism ONLY if you CHOOSE to be! And so for a person who's never satisfied with what he THINKS he already knows, Judaism is the perfect fit, for me!

Secondly, there's an aspect of Judaism which keeps me active, spiritually. In T'hillim 16:8 David says, "I have placed HaShem before me constantly;. . ." and in T'hillim 73:28, Asaph says, "But as for me - G-d's nearness is my good;. . ." Judaism encompasses both of these verses, heavily, and as such, has truly kept me on point, spiritually. There's a saying that while the calendar of non-Jews goes by days, the calendar of the Jewish people go by hours. And it's true. One of the practices that I've learned to continually adapt to is to being constantly in line, spiritually. The earliest time for donning tallit and t'phillin, the latest time to say "Sh'ma", the latest time to say the Morning Prayers, et cetera - all matters of spirituality or "closeness to G-d" is ordered in such a manner, daily, almost by an hourly basis, that a Jew can stray from spirituality ONLY if s/he WANTS TO. For some, this may come off as being very burdensome but for me, personally speaking, it is an exercise that keeps me straight, spiritually. This continuous sense of order, throughout each day, brings about spiritual discipline the likes of which I never had when I was a part of another religion wherein there was no spiritual order by which each day was lived, and so everyone usually did "what was right in his [own] eyes" (Shof'tim 17:6; 21:25). Judaism feeds the desires of one who truly desires closeness to G-d, consistently.

Finally, through my journey towards Judaism as well as my continuing journey within Judaism as a Ger, one of the things I've found truly intriguing is what I call "Jewish Hospitality," especially here at Beth Emeth. In D'varim 10:19, there is a mitzvah stating, "You shall love the stranger. . ." or some say "CONVERT", ". . .for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." During my talk with the Beth Din, during my conversion process, one of the questions I was asked was whether or not I've received any form of support within the community that I have become a part of, especially as one in the process of conversion.

I remember my first Shabbat walking into Beth Emeth, not only was I given warm greetings but I was even asked to stay around for Kiddush after Service; and after being absent for one Shabbat while I was still a visitor here, I was greeted, the following week with, "Where were you last week? We missed you." That's what you call loving a stranger! As a non-Jew I received invitations to Pesach Seders, Rosh HaShanah dinners, and even became a member of the "Kiddush Club!" If there was absolutely nothing about Judaism that I found worth converting for, the hospitality that I had been shown here, at Beth Emeth, would be enough for me to want to convert! I was never approached or spoken down to as a non-Jew (as some have sadly reported in other communities) but treated as though I was already a part of the Tribe! And when it became public, during Shavuot of 2023, that I had started the conversion process, not only was I greeted with well-wishes on my conversion process, but I was encouraged with the particular and heartwarming statement, "you're already one of us!" It's support like this that truly elevates and encourages the soul of a Ger who's the only Jew in his biological family, like myself. Beth Emeth, through the virtue of Judaism truly embraces the concept of what it means to be a part of an "extended family unit!"

Such hospitality does not end with Beth Emeth. On June 9, during the UJA's 55th annual "WALK WITH ISRAEL" I was treated like a star by everyone and anyone whom I told I was a Ger, when asked what moved me to walk in support of Israel! Everything from hugs, to fist bumps, to hand shakes, to selfies were exchanged with people who were complete strangers to me, but nonetheless immediately embraced me as a part of the family! This makes me proud to be a part of a people who not only embraces strangers but who equally and swiftly embraces the Convert as their own!

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Ranford Jackson

Statement On Attempted Assassination Of Former President Donald Trump

15/07/2024 09:04:06 AM

Jul15

ur Rabbinical Assembly expresses our relief that former President Trump was not seriously injured in the shooting at his rally and our deep grief at the death of one of the attendees. As we unequivocally condemn the attack, we pray for a refuah shlemah (a complete recovery) for all who were hurt.

Political disagreements can only be resolved at the ballot box and through civil discourse, and, as rabbis, we have a moral duty to stand up against all violence directed at elected officials. Even in moments of profound disagreement, we urge our communities and the nation to heed the Talmudic exhortation, “Ohev shalom v’rodeif shalom – Love peace and pursue it.”

Parshat Chukkat - Remembering the merit of loved ones

11/07/2024 08:55:18 AM

Jul11

Chukkat is the last portion with Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. In the Parsha, we read the deaths of Aaron and Miriam. We also learn that Moses will not be permitted to enter the promised land, and that his passing is forthcoming. These three siblings led our people from the bondage of Egypt through the Exodus, to the giving of the Torah, and to the threshold of the Promised Land. In a succinct manner, Moses embodied Torah; Aaron embodied Avodah (the Temple service); Miriam embodied acts of lovingkindness. Their merits form the three pillars on which the world is established. The Haftarah for Parshat Balak, which is read with Chukkat in a non-leap year, also mentions these three siblings to correspond to their being mentioned together in Chukkat for the last time.

As we consider the memories of these three great Biblical leaders, we also remember those among our people who have given their lives since October 7th to today, be they Israeli civilians, IDF soldiers, security personnel, Jews around the world who succumbed to acts of anti-Semitism, and more. We mourn over their deaths as well as grieving over the meritorious contributions they were making for the betterment of Israel and the Jewish world.

In less than two weeks, we will usher in the three weeks of sadness on the Jewish calendar, starting with the seventeenth of Tammuz and culminating with the ninth of Av. May we use this season of the year to lament over the last nine months and to strengthen our resolve to be proud and dedicated members of the Jewish people.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Korach - Legitimate dissent?

08/07/2024 09:11:25 AM

Jul8

Most of us believe in the value of dissent and disagreement. As human beings, no single person possesses the entirety of truth. So, we listen to each other, learn from each other, agree to disagree with each other, and even be open to modifying our pre-conceived notions when involved in persuasive argument and debate. Our Sages call this "Machloket L'Shem Shamayim - Dispute for the sake of heaven," meaning that we disagree meritoriously when the purpose is to understand a deeper truth. The Sages, Hillel and Shammai, are considered exemplars of legitimate dispute.

Our Parsha today, however, contains a different kind of dissent, one which is not valued in our tradition. The portion begins with the words, "Vayikach Korach - Korach took." But what did he take? The English translation found in the Etz Hayim Chumash suggests that Korah took himself. Korach cared about himself only. He was not interested in legitimate debate when he and his followers challenged Moses and Aaron. Korach was interested only in self-aggrandizement. When Moses was willing to be pro-active and take the first step to meet with Korach's cohorts, they were not interested in any kind of dialogue. In rabbinic tradition, Korach and his cohorts are considered the exemplars of "Machloket Lo L'Shem Shamayim - Dispute which is not for the sake of heaven." 

I ask you to consider your own debates with family, friends, and other associates. In your mind, were you willing to be convinced by the other? Was the other willing to be convinced by you? Or were you or them really not interested in hearing a different perspective? Were you or they guilty of the expression, "Do not confuse me with the facts; my mind is already made up?"

Legitimate debate is very difficult. It is not easy to truly listen with mind, heart, and soul to a position which differs from your own. It is easy to go through the motions of thinking you are really listening to the other, when really, you have shut yourself down. Often in my office, I try to help parties in conflict by helping them with listening skills. In a difference of opinion, I ask one to share his/her view. The other must listen and restate what he/she heard before responding. Then, the two parties to switch roles. In many instances, one has a difficult time really hearing the other - Thus, the conflict in the relationship.

In all the shuls I have served, I have witnessed legitimate debate and illegitimate debate in formal committee-like settings and in casual conversations. I have witnessed the same phenomenon among family and friends.

Our rabbis suggest that the portion of Korach is applicable at any time of the Jewish year precisely because the Jewish people often get embroiled in Korach-like debate. Take for example the tremendous rift at this time a year ago in Israel over proposed judicial reform, the controversy between who has the upper hand - the Knesset or the Supreme Court. The sharp division occurred not only in Israel but even in the Diaspora where sharp divisions within our people took place over political and philosophical lines.

Now, almost exactly nine months since October 7th, there is more unity within our people because much of the world stands against us. However, we know that internal debate within Israel and within the Jewish world are still sharp in terms of hostages, eradicating Hamas, what to do with Hezbollah, and so many other earth-shattering concerns. Are our internal debates legitimate like Hillel and Shammai, with the ability to really listen and even be willing to change our minds? Or, are our internal debates illegitimate like Korach and his cohorts, who are unable to truly listen, learn, and be willing to modify their views?

A week and a half ago, I was truly pleased when our shul hosted myself, Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, and Rabbi Tina Grimberg on the subject of "Angst in the Jewish community post October 7th." While there really was no sharp debate between us, we truly listened to each other, respected each other, and cared about each other. 

There was a time until recently when clergy and representatives of different religious traditions could also sit down and truly share constructive dialogue. This seems to have come to a screeching halt after October 7. I strive and hope for the day when multi-faith conversation can legitimately take place.

In the U.S. right now, and at some point in Canada, there will be debates between political parties. Will those striving for office care about the people they are charged to serve? Or, will they be like Korach, caring only about themselves and their positions of power?

Indeed, Parshat Korach is truly a relevant Parsha for the ages, with lessons to be learned in all kinds of situations.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Rosh Chodesh Tammuz and Summer

04/07/2024 08:59:42 AM

Jul4

This coming Shabbat and Sunday are Rosh Chodesh Tammuz. While Summer officially began in the end of June, I tend to think of the months of Tammuz and Av as being Summer for me. The previous month of Sivan included Shavuot, part of Spring. The following month of Elul will coincide with the beginning of Fall and introduce the High Holy Day season.

Tammuz and Av are certainly not the happiest months on the Jewish calendar. The seventeenth of Tammuz is a minor Fast, sunrise to sundown, reminding us of the Babylonians breaching the walls of Jerusalem before destroying the holy Temple three weeks later. Tisha B'Av is a major Fast, nighfall to nightfall, reminding us of the date on which the first and second holy Temples were destroyed. 

Many rabbis take much of their annual vacation during the Summer when the pace is a little slower than the rest of the year. Mine will be no exception. I will be away July 12-August 11 for starters. However, with minor exception over the years, I prefer to observe the Fast and other rituals surrounding Tisha B'Av with you, my congregational family, and not in a different community. I find it comforting to observe the saddest day of the year with my spiritual community. When I sit on the floor or on a low chair with you at night for the book of Lamentations; when I refrain from wearing Tallit and Tefillin in the morning; when I recite Kinnot, sad dirges, in the morning - somehow the despair of the day is lessened when I share those experiences with you.

 This year at Beth Emeth,  the sadness of Tisha B'Av will be preceded and followed by the joy of Aufrufs. We yearn for the day when the vision of the Prophets will come true, when FASTS will be transformed to FEASTS permanently for all time.

In the meantime, for those who are embarking on Summer travels or who have left for Summer camp, I wish you safe travels. I wish us all a healthy and meaningful Summer.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Parshat Shlach: Narratives or Truth - A commentary on the recent APR decision

02/07/2024 09:16:24 AM

Jul2

The plan was simple. God had already promised the Land of Israel to the Children of Israel. As a formality, Moses designated a representative from each tribe to investigate the land and report back. Then, the entire nation would enter. Within a couple of years, the Exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the people in its God-given land would be complete. However, ten of the chieftains came back, not with facts, not with a positive assurance which had already been promised, but a contrived editorial opinion which scared the rest of the people. "Efes - Zero" - No chance of success. We are grasshoppers in their sight. The truth was lost in the sight of what we might call today competing narratives. At the end of the day, only Joshua and Caleb affirmed God's given truth. Some 40 years later, only they would enter the promised land from the generation that came out of Egypt.

My friends - Truth vs falsehood is almost lost. Good vs evil is almost lost. Everybody has their "narrative," their "truth." Over the last eight months, Jews in Israel, Canada, and all over the world have tried and must continue to try to speak about right vs wrong, light vs darkness, even when much of society has lost its way.

The latest example took place just over a week ago when the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) accepted a committee resolution by a vote of 15-7 to introduce a new form of protection for its students called APR - Anti Palestinian Racism. Why the need? On the books we already have legislation against Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and other forms of protection from prejudice and bigotry. 

To its credit, the entire Jewish community came and rallied together but did not succeed. The APR policy was ratified without a clear definition of what it even means. In addition, on the school board level, there was no mention or discussion of anti-Semitism, which is on the rise much more than anything else. What started on the local school board level can extend into government and other areas of society. Will Zionism, the belief that Jews have the right to be sovereign in our promised land, become an example of anti-Palestinian racism? Will the IHRA, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism become an example of anti-Palestinian racism? Part of that definition includes:

"Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion. . . . Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews. . . . Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavor. etc."

 Will the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism be ignored, negated, and buried?

Will the fundamental truth that the Jewish people are indigenous to the land of Israel become a form of anti-Palestinian racism?

 Will our 3000 plus years of Jewish history in the land of Israel become a form of anti-Palestinian racism?

 Will our use of Hebrew become a form of anti-Palestinian racism?

 Will our facing Jerusalem in prayer become a form of anti-Palestinian racism? 

Will our plea at the end of Yom Kippur and the Pesach seder, "Next year in Jerusalem" become a form of anti-Palestinian racism?

Will any truth about Jews and our relationship with Israel pre-1948 become a form of anti-Palestinian racism? 

Will failing to recognize the term Palestinian or a Palestinian people become a form of anti-Palestinian racism?

Will the only way of understanding "From the river to the sea," as meaning the elimination of the State of Israel, become a form of anti-Palestinian racism?

Will the truthful statement that in 3500 years there was never a sovereign territory called Palestine become a form of anti-Palestinian racism?

 Will fighting anti-Semitism be interpreted as a form of anti-Palestinian Racism?

Will a false narrative which calls for the annihilation of the State of Israel be called freedom of expression, but the truth about the Jewish State of Israel be called a violation of law and policy?

Where is the call for school policies directed against anti-Semitism?

Where is the call against renaming the map of Israel as Palestine as being a form of anti-Semitism?

Where is the protection of Jewish students in the public schools to feel free and safe? To wear a Kippa, Tzizit, a Star of David, a Chai, a stand with Israel bracelet, a dog tag with a plea for rescuing hostages now, etc.?

In today's Parsha, we do have hope and optimism - the courage and bravery exemplified by Joshua and Caleb. They held their ground. They knew there was no such thing as competing narratives when it comes to the Jewish right to be sovereign in Israel. They maintained the faith and promise given by God. It is their determination that enabled our ancestors to reside in Israel during their lifetimes. So, may we be modern Joshuas and Calebs, keeping the faith and promise, and assuring the right for Jews everywhere to express their beliefs, based on a definitive solid historical truth.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

The Angst of the Jewish community post October 7

28/06/2024 09:17:46 AM

Jun28

I am a spoiled person raised outside of Boston, Mass. On my street were mostly Jews and Asians. I attended Yeshiva day school followed by Boston University before attending rabbinical school. I had many non-Jewish friends from part time jobs and the neighborhood. I do not remember any overt forms of prejudice in my formative years. What I do remember is the following incident:

As a rabbinical student, I also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a chaplain. In Chaplain school, Summer of 1984, a faculty member, A Catholic chaplain asked me to remove my Kippa because it was not an official part of my uniform. At the time, the issue of Kippa in uniform was being debated in the Supreme Court. Only after my incident, the Court ruled that "Unobtrusive headgear" was permissible. Thus, I would wear a black or dark blue kippa with my blue uniform.

I will never forget that it was among multi-faith clergy that I felt attacked for my faith and heritage. I learned never to take anything for granted; that prejudice, bigotry, whatever word you choose, can happen anywhere.

Fast forward, I came to Toronto in the Summer of 2000. Called a multi-cultural society, I did not feel it that greatly. For example, attempts at clergy dialogue in this riding have been attempted with partial success at best. In the aftermath of October 7th, the little interaction I had with Christian and Muslim clergy has dropped completely. Even before any military response from Israel; in the days following October 7th, I received not a single call of comfort or sympathy for me or the Jewish community from any of my non-Jewish colleagues. I am not alone in this regard. Many rabbis and members of my community have received little or no support. I would call that "Angst #1."

I am reminded of the Passover Haggadah, "In every generation there are those who rise against us." We Jews know that anti-Semitism, the hatred for Jews being Jews, is nothing new. We Jews know that anti-Zionism is another term for anti-Semitism. Judaism is linked with the right of Jews to live in our historic ancestral homeland called Israel. 

I am reminded of the Prophet Bilam's words, "Behold there is a people that dwells apart, not recognized by the nations."

What I do know is that the majority of Jews in Israel, Canada, and around the world have become more united after October 7. The political divide in Israel over judicial reform has paused. If Sinat Chinam, baseless hatred among Jews, led to the destruction of the Second Temple, I believe that Sinat Chinam was eroding our people before October 7th. 

Since that time, I am in pain, I cry, I pray - For those who were brutally slain on October 7th, for their families, for the hostages - the ones rescued, the ones in captivity, and for their families. I pray for the wellbeing of IDF, police, and security heroes. I mourn for those who have lost their lives in acts of kiddush hashem, martyrdom. I cry and pray for our fellow Jews around the world who have suffered at the hands of Jew-hatred. I believe that evil against Jews has always been present, but the reactions of the world since October 7th have made it easier to get away with harassing Jews, young and old, on the streets, in schools, on campuses, at work, and even in governments.

I am thankful for the bold and clear voice of some non-Jews who understand that we are not dealing with competing narratives but with moral clarity of right vs wrong, good vs evil, light vs dark. They include but are not limited to Douglas Murray, Natasha Hausdorff, Dr. Phil, and Bill Maher.

I am in angst that when Israel suffered the equivalent of many 9/11's on one day, Israel is not accorded the same right to defend itself by going after the perpetrators. And while I lament for anyone who has died in the last eight months, I blame Hamas and its supporters for it all.

I had the chance to go on 3–4-day solidarity missions to Israel in the early months. I chose not to do so because I wanted to go with my synagogue family. In mid-May, 21 of us went for nine days with three objectives in mind.

1. To help out -  by working in fields, preparing food, and even tying tzizit knots.

2. To bear witness and visit impacted sites - the Nova Festival grounds, the site of burned out and destroyed automobiles, homes and neighborhoods where innocent people lost their lives in safe houses and other places.

3. To hear from people who were directly touched, such as Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh is still a hostage; By the Vital's, huband and wife, whose daughter was murdered on a Kibbutz.

Last - I urge us to be careful, but not afraid. while I believe in covering my head everywhere, I cannot believe that in parts of Toronto and Vaughan, I choose to wear a cap over my Kippa, because of safety and security concerns.

I urge us to be pro-active and not give up or be passive. I commend 50,000 of us who walked with Israel. I commend those who have fought against the APR policy in the Toronto District School Board I commend those who stand with Israel every Sunday at Sheppard and Bathurst. I commend those who are working in business, university, government, and more to speak truth against falsehood.

Am Yisrael Chai!
Rabbi Howard Morrison

My Father's Yahrzeit

28/06/2024 09:03:26 AM

Jun28

This Shabbat, Friday night and Saturday, marks my father's 25th Yahrzeit, the 23rd of Sivan. When I started at Beth Emeth in the Summer of 2000, I had just completed reciting Kaddish for my father, and I was still reciting Kaddish for my mother who had passed away three months after my dad.

My father's Hebrew name was Reuven ben Moshe. It is striking that at the outset of today's Parsha, Moshe (Moses) assigns delegates for each tribe, starting with the tribe of Reuven. 

My father was one of six brothers. Five of them were raised in two foster homes, with my dad and two younger brothers being raised by an Orthodox family in the Bronx. While my father received a very basic form of Jewish education, he grew up in an Orthodox observant foster family.

Fast forward, my father met my mother while attending university in Boston. Together, they raised me and my three siblings. My parents were early members of the Young Israel of Brookline. There, my dad was a virtual one-man house committee and was completely devoted to the synagogue. Some of you know the story that on one particular Shabbat, as the Ark was opened, one of the Torah scrolls almost fell out of its slot. During the week, my dad and I went to the shul alone at night, and my father fastened golden link chains across both levels of the Ark. On the following Shabbat, when the Ark was opened during services, the glow of the new chains illuminated the entire sanctuary. Only then did the members understand what my father had done during the preceding days.

My father insisted that his children attend Jewish day school all the way through high school. He was proud of my decision to enter the rabbinate and visited me at my previous two shuls. He had remarked to me at one time that he envisioned me becoming a rabbi in one more shul during my career. How did he know about Beth Emeth before I did? While he never got to see me here, I feel his and my mother's presence every day.

May the Neshama of Avi Mori, my father and teacher, be bound in the bond of life eternal.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison
Avraham Tzvi ben Reuven (proud son of Ruben Morrison, z"l)

Being educated on contemporary concerns:

27/06/2024 09:19:42 AM

Jun27

Two important topics are coming right now to our shul.

Tonight I will join Rabbi Tina Grimberg of Darchei Noam and Rabbi Daniel Korobkin of the BAYT on the theme  - The angst of the Jewish community post October 7. You will hear from us, and we will hear from you.

Many of you know that last week, the trustees of the Toronto District School Board passed an anti-Palestinian Racism (APR) policy. While the Jewish community fought valiantly against it, we now have to confront the next stages. Certainly, the APR policy will be challenging for us. 

This Shabbat, I will share my reflection on this topic, which is entitled, "Narratives or Truth." I invite you to hear and learn this coming Shabbat.

I wish everyone a healthy and peaceful Summer.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Bhaalotecha - God, Please heal her, please!

24/06/2024 09:18:49 AM

Jun24

If you followed our Parsha today, there is a lot of grumbling and division among the people of Israel. One can understand a hungry, thirsty, and tired people losing the focus of their purpose and destiny.

What is striking, however, is the tension and division within the family of leadership. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam form a triad, a three-legged stool of leadership. Moses - the ambassador of Torah; Aaron - the officiant of the Temple ritual; Miriam - the exemplar of Chesed, kindness. Yet, the sibling model of leadership appears to break down. Miriam gossips to Aaron about Moses. In years past, I have focused on the nature of the gossip. Commentaries abound.

This year, however, I want to focus on the target of the gossip - Moses. In the midst of the sibling conflict, we learn that Moses was the most humble person on the face of the earth. The Torah then proves its own thesis by explaining Moses' response after his sister gossiped about him to their brother. After Miriam is punished by God with a skin disease and is banished from the camp of Israel, Moses responds quickly, clearly, and succinctly - a five-word prayer:
"El Na Refa Na La - God, please heal her please." This is the shortest prayer in Jewish history, and one that is immediately accepted by God. The most humble man on the face of the earth not only ensures the wellbeing of his sister, he unifies the triad of leadership, and in so doing, he unifies the people of Israel. Miriam is reintegrated into the peoplehood of Israel, and the nation continues to journey forward.

While the end of the Parsha focuses on three individual siblings, I respond to it in a collective way this year in the wake of October 7. Our brothers and sisters were divided on significant political and ideological matters. While the tragedy of October 7 is just so horrific and difficult to digest, our people turned to its humble side and sought unity and not division. Like Moses' prayer for Miriam, we have prayed and continue to pray for our people - for the families who lost lives, for the hostages, for the rescued hostages, for the IDF and security forces, for the memories of those who lost their lives, for the victims of anti-Semitism around the world in the last several months, and especially more recently. 

When humility and prayer for one another become our away, then we are able to move forward.

The pain of our people continues to be severe. Join me in praying the five word prayer that Moses uttered for his sister Miriam.

"El Na Refa Na La - God, please heal her (the body and soul of all Israel), please."

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Maccabees in Summer

20/06/2024 09:03:59 AM

Jun20

The same Haftarah we read on Shabbat Chanukah is also read this Shabbat for Parshat Bhaalotecha. The Prophet Zechariah famously says, " Not by power nor by might, but by my spirit says the Lord of hosts."

The Jewish way is predicated on spirituality, history, and truth - not by terrorism, violence, and false propaganda.  Over 2000 years ago, the small band of Maccabees fought and defeated the threats of Hellenism.

Today, every Jew must become a modern day Maccabee and fight the threats of contemporary Hellenism, which come from pro Hamas/anti-Jewish evil. The challenges facing Jewish freedoms are prevalent everywhere - on the streets, on campuses, in government, in schools, and more.

It is appropriate that the "Chanukah Haftarah" is being read this coming Shabbat to remind us of our roles and obligations as modern day Maccabees.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Naso - Unity then and now

17/06/2024 09:11:04 AM

Jun17

Parshat Naso is the longest Parsha in the entire Torah. Yet the final chapter, the longest ever, is fairly easy for a Torah reader. Twelve paragraphs are completely repetitive, except for the name of the chieftain and his tribe. We read about the gifts that were presented at the dedication of the Tabernacle by the chieftains of the twelve tribes of Israel. They brought exactly the same gift, each, one day after the other. 

The medieval commentator Abarbanel says that the chieftains had all agreed in advance to bring identical offerings. Knowing how often sibling rivalry between brothers causes pride or jealousy to interfere with sibling relationships, they were being extra cautious to prevent that from occurring here. If that is true, then surely that showed they had learned a lesson from the experience of their ancient Joseph and his brothers, for whom the tribes are named. 

But why read the same identical list twelve times over? Why couldn't the Torah just give the list of the names of the chieftains and tell us that they all gave the same gifts, and list the content of the gifts one time only?

Now come some classical commentators: The Bchor Shor says that it was so that each chieftain and tribe would have his day in the sun. Ramban says that the Holy One wished to provide equal honor to all of them. While each tribe brought exactly the same things in the same amount, each had its own independent reason for doing so.

The Baal Ha'Turim, known for commenting on numbers, mentions that each chieftain's name is recorded twice, thus 24 times in total. The 24 names allude to 24 hours. Each chieftain was given his own 24-hour time period when his tribe's gifts were celebrated. In addition, each chieftain's name is recorded at the beginning and end of a 6-verse allotment. The 6 verses allotted to each chieftain are an allusion to the 6 workdays of the week.

With all of these commentaries in mind, we see an unmatched unity among the leaders and the tribes of Israel, while maintaining each one's personal intent and commitment.

Last weekend reminded me of this chapter of Torah in a couple of ways. During last Shabbat, we learned of the heroic rescue of four hostages: Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrei Kozlov,  and Shlomi Ziv. The unity and euphoria were felt in Israel and all over the Jewish world. A beachfront in Tel Aviv erupted when the announcement was made. In our own shul last Shabbat, there was not a dry eye. With this unmatched unity of spirit, there were also tears for the remaining hostages and their families. There were tears that Almog's father had passed away days prior to his son's liberation due in part to overwhelming grief. There were tears that chief inspector Arnon Zmora of the police forces died of wounds suffered in the rescue effort.

Then, last Sunday, as expected, neither rain nor anti-Israel protests kept some fifty thousand Jews from walking for and with Israel. I took some time to stand at the intersection of Bathurst and Sheppard to witness many of our own Beth Emeth members as well as the diverse segments of the entire Jewish community coming together. For 36 consecutive weeks, the Jewish community has stood as one with prayer and reflection at that intersection. With each individual expressing his/her commitment in a personal way, collectively, the many thousands stood and walked as one cohesive community.

While the last chapter in Parshat Naso could have been made shorter, its full repetition of the 12 days worth of gifts presented by the 12 tribes of Israel serves as a role model and paradigm for the kind of people we can be at the most important of times.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Shavuot sermon - From a day of Torah to a day of Torah

14/06/2024 02:20:30 PM

Jun14

There are many Jews who confuse the meanings of Simchat Torah and Shavuot. There are those who think that Simchat Torah is the date on which God revealed the Torah. As we know, it is on this date of Shavuot that God revealed the Torah at Sinai to our people. Simchat Torah actually has no mention or status in scripture. Its significance developed in Talmudic times when the annual cycle of reading the Torah began and ended on Simchat Torah. Because its status is less than Biblical, Simchat Torah became a looser yom tov in terms of joy, celebration, and even a level of frivolity. Conversely, Shavuot is the second of the Torah's three pilgrimage Festivals - Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, physical freedom, spiritual purpose, and endurance in the wilderness.

Nevertheless, Simchat Torah and Shavuot are both the definitive holidays on the calendar which speak to the experience of Torah directly. The other holidays have all kinds of symbolic objects and ritual practices. If Simchat Torah celebrates the cycle of READING the Torah, Shavuot celebrates the importance of STUDYING the Torah. Thus, many people observe a late medieval mystical practice of staying up the first night of Shavuot and studying selections of the written and oral Torah.

This year, sadly of course, there is a different kind of relationship between Simchat Torah and Shavuot. In Israel, October 7 coincided with Simchat Torah (Shemini Atzeret in the Diaspora). The celebration of reading, singing, and dancing with the Torah was marred by 1200 tragic deaths and the taking of hundreds of hostages. While secular leaning Israelis were singing and dancing at the Nova music festival, they were celebrating in their own way the ideals of peace and unity, cherished Torah values.

When twenty-one of us were in Israel in mid-May, our tour guide, Moshe Gold, spoke of counting the days of darkness toward the anticipated day of light. I could not help but notice that for the forty-nine days of Omer counting between Pesach and Shavuot, the two hundred and X days paralleled the X days of the Omer. Thus, when we concluded the Omer counting on Monday night, Tuesday, the 49th day of the Omer, mirrored the 249th day since the horrors of October 7. How so many of us yearned for the war to end with the return of all the hostages by the end of the Omer period, which was not to be.

 

Now, the Festival of Shavuot comes with our having endured over eight months of hardship and oppression, felt not only in Israel but all over the Jewish world. For many of us, it is our commitment to Torah which is providing us with an anchor, stability, and support, to cope and persevere.

For some, it is the study of the weekly Parsha which is keeping us strong.

For some, it is the daily recitation of Psalms which is keeping us strong.

For some, it is the Torah's call to perform acts of Tikun Olam and social action which is keeping us strong.

For some, it is the anticipation of baby namings, Bnai Mitzvah, and weddings which is keeping us strong.

For some, it is the Torah's call to stand in peaceful protest which is keeping us strong.

"Etz Hayim Hee - The Torah is a tree of life to those who grasp it, and all who uphold it are blessed. Its ways are pleasant, and all its paths are peace."

In whatever ways we incorporate Torah in our lives, may its paths lead our people in Israel and around the world to a true peace speedily.

Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Yizkor - Aner Elyakim Shapira z"l

14/06/2024 09:16:46 AM

Jun14

It is difficult to focus on the life and death of a person by sharing numbers only. Numbers are just too vast, be it six million Jews who were slaughtered during the Shoah or the thousands of Jews who have perished for being Jewish between October 7th and now.

In the spirit of all whom we recall today, I wish to focus on the remembrance of one particular soul whose name came up many times on the shul's recent Israel solidarity mission. He represents the courage, bravery, and pride of every Jew whom we recall today. His name is Aner Elyakim Shapira. We encountered his name at least three times over nine days in Israel.

First, we heard direct testimony from Rachel Goldberg-Polin. Over the years, she has worked at the Ramah Israel Institute as a guidance counselor. She has had to take time off nowadays. Ramah brought her in to speak to our group and other Ramah groups. She has been prolific and outspoken regarding the hostages, as her son Hersh is among those taken captive. Assuming Hersh is still alive, his survival is due to Aner Shapira. On fleeing from the shooting and violence at the Nova music festival, a large number of Israelis crammed into a local safe house. There, the Hamas terrorists were hurling grenades into the crowded area. With military background, it was Aner who stood by the front catching and throwing back seven grenades, saving the lives of others, though he was subsequently murdered. One of the lives he saved was Hersh's, who lost his arm while being taken hostage.

Second, a few days after hearing from Rachel, our Beth Emeth group actually entered the safe house, which is now famous. We witnessed and took photos of the outside and inside of the safe house. We saw the dried blood and the bullet holes. But we also saw, seven months after the terror, Azkarot - beautiful tributes and poems inscribed on the walls inside the safe house, mentioning Aner and the others.

 

Third, on our last day we visited Mt. Hertzl cemetery. On Yom Ha'Zikaron, Israelis visit the military cemeteries on the day which commemorates all the fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Most of our group was actually traveling that day to Israel. Our mission began the following day on Yom Ha'Atzmaut. So, we made our last day a sort of BEBY Yom Ha'Zikaron. At the Mt. Hertzl cemetery, as many of you know, the stone monuments on the graves are configured liked a bed with a pillow at the top. When we came to Aner's grave, the monument had not yet been established. His was a fresh grave, laid out beautifully with branches, plants, and shrubbery, along with tributes and testimonials.

One story of remembrance to represent all the stories of remembrance on this day. We will remember the fallen as they were in their lives, what they managed to accomplish, their ambitions, and the dreams left unfulfilled. We will remember the last minutes of their heroism. The Israelis who were murdered since October 7th leave behind orphans, widows, widowers, siblings, and bereaved parents. We know that 116 hostages still remain. Are they dead? alive? in what physical condition? We need them all back. 

On Shavuot, we eat dairy. The Torah and the land of Israel are described as flowing with milk and honey. 

On Shavuot, we remember this day as Yom Ha'Bikurim, the Festival of the first fruits, when the ancient Israelite farmer dedicated his first fruits to God and to our heritage. On this day, he recited a litany of history beginning with the words, "Arami Oved Avi - An Aramean sought to destroy my father," but he concluded his words with "God brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

Some 3600 years later, the proverbial Aramean continues to seek to destroy us, and yet we continue to thrive in a land and with a heritage flowing with milk and honey.

Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

 

Parshat B'Midbar - Raising our flag of Jewish identity

10/06/2024 09:09:48 AM

Jun10

Today, we begin reading the fourth book of the Torah, B'Midbar-Numbers. Our ancestors begin to trek through the wilderness for thirty-eight years. The twelve tribes of Israel are arranged in a particular sequence, each displaying its unique flag, with the portable Tabernacle situated in the center among the tribes. 

No longer a rag tag bunch of slaves, the Israelites are a prepared army ready for potential conflict. Another reading suggests that the distinctiveness of each tribe with its own flag and banner is a paradigm for each of us to find our own particular flag of Judaism, a distinctive way which will help each of us frame the importance of Judaism in our lives.

For some of us, that distinctive flag will be ritual observance. 

For some of us, that distinctive flag will be daily prayer.

For some of us, that distinctive flag will be Tikun Olam, social justice.

For some of us, that distinctive flag will be ongoing education.

For some of us, that distinctive flag will be our love and support of Israel

For some of us, that distinctive flag will be Holocaust awareness and the lessons learned from Millenia of anti-Semitism.

For some of us, that distinctive flag will be a combination of some or all of the above.

And the list goes on. . . .

With the coming of Shavuot, four days from now, we all know that Torah, like the Ark of the Covenant in the ancient Tabernacle, stands as our center piece. While Torah represents a holistic approach to Judaism, our tradition has never been binary in that you are either "this" or "that", either "observant" or "not." As taught in the story of Jacob's ladder, Judaism is step by step, not all or nothing. Every bit counts. For my older son, Judaism begins with the observance of Mitzvot from which everything else ensues. For my younger son, Judaism begins with a secure Israel from which everything else ensues.

In rabbinical school, I studied the theologies of two great modern theologians, Rabbis Abraham Joshua Heschel and Mordecai Kaplan. When it came to the Ten Commandments, for Heschel, the first commandment, the oneness of God, led the way to the remaining nine. For Kaplan, the tenth commandment, "thou shalt not covet" led the way to the remaining nine. Each was right in his own distinctive way.

The fact that our history began with twelve distinctive tribes with its own symbols and expressions underlies contemporary Jewish pluralism. There is more than one authentic way to express one's Jewish identity.

Tomorrow will be a modern re-creation of the alignment of the ancient tribes of Israel. Given the last eight months, I expect more Jews than usual to attend the annual Walk with Israel. While we can assume protesters will abound, that will not deter us. 

Tomorrow will be a microcosm of the diversity found within our Jewish community: Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Traditional, Orthodox, secular, religious, Israeli, Ashkenazi, Sefardi, and more. Every Jew will be united by a strong Jewish identity centered around a love and commitment for the people, land, culture, and state of Israel. 

Now is a time to remember that internal divisions and strife, called Sinat Chinam, must be replaced by baseless love for each and every Jew, called Ahavat Chinam.

This past year, our Diaspora love for Israel has been reinforced by our two shinshinim, Omri and Sharon. While they have their own young evolving ideologies about Judaism, together, they showed us the best of Israel and a new generation of leadership. We wish you both good health, safety, and success in your upcoming military careers in the IDF, followed by your advanced education, and professional careers. We cannot thank you enough for all the vitality you have brought to us, especially in a year that has had to be so challenging for you on many levels.

Our BEBY community fell in love with you both instantly. I know that we will continue to stay in touch in the months and years to come.

With tomorrow's march with Israel, Shavuot, and our Shinshinim in mind - what comes to mind for me is the famous Talmudic statement, "Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh La'Zeh - All of Israel is bound to and responsible for one another."

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Mon, 16 December 2024 15 Kislev 5785