Rabbi Howard Morrison

Shemini Atzeret is one of four occasions on which Yizkor is recited during services. The tradition evolved that we hold formal remembrance services at the end of seasonal times. Thus, Yizkor is recited on Yom Kippur, which concludes the Ten Days of Repentance. Yizkor is recited on Shemini Atzeret which concludes the Fall Festival season. Yizkor is recited on the last day of Passover, and Yizkor is recited on the second day of Shavuot in the Diaspora.

At Beth Emeth during every Yizkor service, we pause to remember deceased loved ones in our families and in our congregation. We also pause to remember those who perished in the Shoah, from acts of terror, in Israel, and for Canadians who died fighting for our freedoms. In recent years, we also dedicate the newest plaques which have been affixed to our memorial boards in the past year.

This year, there will be an additional aspect of our collective remembrance. In the late Summer, we registered to participate in a program called "The Simchat Torah Project." Beth Emeth is one of 1600 synagogues around the world to receive a special Torah mantle in memory of all those who fell on October 7, 2023 and its aftermath. Each mantle is unique in that it bears the name of a particular fallen Israeli as well as containing a reference to all the fallen. The mantle we recently received bears the name of a particular IDF staff sergeant who was killed in battle on October 31, 2023. We will dedicate this special Torah cover during Yizkor on Shemini Atzeret.

I invite you all to join us this coming Thursday morning for Yom-Tov services in general and a special Yizkor ceremony. 

I wish us all a continued Chag Sameach and fond memories of all who are dear to us.

Rabbi Howard Morrison