Rabbi Howard Morrison

At the outset of this week's Torah portion of B'ha'alotecha, we read about the kindling of the Menorah. Aharon is commanded to kindle the lights of the Menorah so that they become self sustaining. The seven lights of the Menorah remind us of the seven days of creation, the seven immediate relatives in one's family, and the perpetual presence of God in our lives.

In the contemporary synagogue, the Ner Tamid, everlasting light, is reminiscent of the seven branched Menorah from ancient times. With the waning of Covid's effects, we have been grateful to once again conduct daily, Shabbat, and Festival services in our synagogue over the last number of months. For the continued reasons of physical distancing and people's comfort, all of our services until now have taken place in our sanctuary with livestream available for those who wish to participate from home or elsewhere.

Beginning this coming Sunday night, we will experience the eternal light once again in our Lerman chapel. With the ninety seats in the chapel, there will be plenty of space to be physically and spiritually safe there. Moving forward, Shabbat services (Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday night) will take place in the sanctuary. Daily evening and morning services (from Sunday morning through Friday morning) will take place in the Lerman chapel. Livestream is accessible in both rooms of prayer.

I am thankful to professionals and volunteers who are making it possible for us to be illuminated by both eternal lights in our synagogue. I look forward to seeing more of us in shul in the weeks and months ahead.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison