Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

On Thursday, the Canadian Jewish News announced it was immediately closing its doors. I and many of us are deeply saddened. The CJN has been an essential voice in bringing unity to the diversity of our Canadian Jewish community. Over the past few years, I have been privileged to write a monthly Dvar Torah. I had recently submitted my next entry for the April16th issue during the final days of Pesach. Sadly, my message will not appear in the CJN but only on our Beth Emeth website and Facebook page:

"We have arrived at the last days of Pesach. When we recited Ma Nishtana this year, we truly meant it. For many of us, Pesach has been uniquely different. Many of us celebrated our Seder nights with fewer people around the table because of physical distancing during the pandemic. For some, relatives from across the border could not attend had they so desired.

Nevertheless, Pesach teaches lessons about handling tough transitions with realism, hope, optimism, and faith. I am reminded of the Midrash describing the scene as the Egyptians were pursuing our ancestors from behind, and a raging sea stood in front. Should we be taken back as captives? Should we fight in vain? Should we complain? Pray? As the bickering went on, a virtual noone named Nachshon ben Aminadav jumped into the sea. When the waters got up to his nose, the waters split, and the rest is history.

Pesach teaches us to exhibit courage and bravery during challenging times. Nachshon inspired a nation to follow. In this difficult season while confronting covid-19, we too are being tested on how best to interact while feeling attacked from all sides. I pray that the legendary story of Nachson will inspire us.

Two generations ago, knowing what their fate would be, Jews fought back from inside the Warsaw ghetto during Pesach. They fought the enemy physically and valiantly. They also fought back by preserving their faith and heritage by making a Pesach Seder, which has been retold like the Haggadah itself during these last two generations.

Pesach concludes this week. As we look back at Seder night, the Mishna describes the sequence of events in a few words: we begin with the story of degradation, and we finish with songs of praise.

Better days are coming.

"Our songs of praise will continue from generation to generation."

Rabbi Howard Morrison