Rabbi Howard Morrison

From the River to the Sea:

It split once for Moses and once for Joshua.

The water ran away from them

Like the fox in my backyard who

Runs away from my dog.

The fear is different.

But the result is the same. One runs and hides,

And the other crosses without worry.

I listen to the chants

for the water to split again

And then drown the people

Who purify water and cure illnesses.

The ones who yell are like the fox

Who thinks he is winning by killing my chickens,

Tearing up my garden and

Multiplying faster than I can see.

It seems they have all taken a toxic bath

Of hate and do not realize

That the waters are not going to split again,

And my dog, who loves, life, will soon end the hatred.

"Hayav Adam Lirot et Atzmo K'Ilu Hoo Yatza Mi'Mitzrayim - One must see oneself as one who came out of Egypt:"

One must see oneself as one who came out of Be'eri. Out of Kfar Aza. Out of Sderot. Out of Ofakim. Remember and do not forget until the final day. Not to seed more fear, but to ready our hope. Elderly will again sit on the lawns of Be'eri. The streets of Sderot will be filled with children playing. Torched houses will be painted over. Plowed fields will be furrowed, and tomatoes will be picked. The existential threat will be removed. This is not a prophecy of consolation. This is our next agenda.

Speak Out:

First, they came for the Zionists, and I did not speak out - because being anti-Zionist is not anti-Semitic.

Then they killed civilians and took hostages, and I did not speak out - because Israelis are colonialists.

Then they raped Jewish women, and I did not speak out because I did not believe the victims or the bodycams.

Then they came for the Jews in traditional attire, and I did not speak out - because they chose to set themselves apart.

Then they came for the Jews who dress like me, and I did not speak out - because they are white and are excluded from our DEI policy.

Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me.

The West is next.

AND . . . 

We prayed for peace and the fulfillment of dreams. And we awoke to a nightmare. A nightmare so unreal that we didn't believe it and still can't comprehend the truth. It happened! The unimaginable. . . . 

Now we are left with the aftermath. . . And shock, And questions, And responsibilities, And burdens, And fears, And disbeliefs, And, And, And. . .. . 

Please God, as we enter this season of liberation and renewal, we ask that you watch over us and our Israeli brothers and sisters . . .

That you bring the hostages safely home from the narrow spaces

That you help heal the wounded.

That you offer comfort to the bereaved.

That you offer healing to shattered souls.

That all innocents are protected.

That there are changes in hearts and minds. 

That there be love . . . 

That there be peace . . . 

That there be goodness in all of its iterations . . . 

And, And, And . . . 

Amen!

Chag Kasher V'Sameach
Rabbi Howard Morrison