Rabbi Howard Morrison

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