A Time for Healing
Dear Congregational Family,
This week, new health and safety measures have gone into effect in Toronto and elsewhere. For many of us, the new reality will remind us of the measures taken during the first few months of the pandemic. Sadly, over the course of the Corona Virus, some of us have lost dear ones directly or indirectly from this disease. Many of us are legitimately concerned about our own health and the health of family and friends. Given limited mobility outside our homes, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness may set in.
In Judaism, health concerns center around body and soul - the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions of our lives. Each day, we recite prayers regarding the physicality of our bodies, the daily renewal of our souls, a petition for the healing of ourselves and loved ones, and more.
It is no accident that the shortest prayer in the Bible, one which is easily memorized, is the prayer Moses offers when his sister Miriam takes ill: "El na rfah na lah - God, please heal her please."
On Torah reading days, we at Beth Emeth recite a Mi Sheberach healing prayer. Many names of men and women are publically listed at the request of the names mentioned or from family and friends. The circumstances which define one's personal situation are very broad, incorporating body, mind, and soul. In that prayer, we utter the words, "Refuat Ha'Nefesh U'Refuat Ha'Guf - Healing of the soul and healing of the body."
On Monday evening November 30 at 6:30pm (following Maariv at 6pm), I invite you to join me and Rabbi David Grundland on Zoom for a Beth Emeth Healing Service. This half hour together will include prayer, meditation, and song. All are invited for any reason.
The last several months have been challenging on many levels, and our concerns continue to exist. I strongly encourage everyone to abide by the new guidelines. We at Beth Emeth are here to support you in any way we can. Do not hesitate to call upon us.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison
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