Rabbi Howard Morrison

Not a joke - last night, I had the pleasure of participating on a multi-faith panel with Imam Imran Ally and Pastor Judith James in a program hosted at Adath Israel by Rabbi Adam Cutler and York Centre M.P. Ya'arah Saks. Entitled "From hurt to hope through healing," each faith representative spoke for a few minutes and then responded to questions. The panel discussion took place as the celebrations of Ramadan, Easter, and Passover are taking place this month. 

In my short presentation, I shared some of the universal messages of Pesach, such as transitioning from the bitter to the sweet in our lives, symbolized by Maror and Charoset. I spoke how the Matzah at first is a bread of affliction but later is a bread of freedom. I discussed how the Hebrew word for Egypt, "Mitzrayim," means distress. What is each of us doing to try to become free from the distresses in our personal lives?

I am grateful for the open mindedness of my colleagues who participated last night. The full program is available on the Adath Israel website. I look forward to future opportunities for different faith adherents to come together and celebrate the diversity of our respective traditions in a spirit of empathy and mutual respect.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison