Rabbi Howard Morrison

On this past November 4, many of us recalled that tragic date when Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated by a fellow Jew at a peace rally on Saturday night, November 4, 1995. We saw the worst division of our people in that a Jewish leader of state was murdered by one of our own, the first time since the murder of Gedaliah in Biblical times. What have we learned since then? Can unity repair and replace division and strife?

On this Weekend of November 9-10, we will remember the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass in 1938. For many, this was the official beginning of the horrors that would unfold in the Shoah. Now, eighty-six years later, do we remember? Are we passing on the history and lessons to our children and grandchildren? How will we teach the Shoah to Jews and non-Jews in generations to come?

On this Monday, November 11, we will truly remember on Remembrance Day. All Canadians will reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live with freedom and dignity. At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we will pause to reflect and remember.

I wish us all purpose, meaning, and fulfillment during these November occasions of remembrance.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison