Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

There are two Biblical scenes which come to mind as we prepare to celebrate Pesach. In the prelude to the tenth plague, the Israelites are commanded to stay in their homes and to stay safe while the tenth plague takes effect. While remaining in their homes, the commandment pertaining to Matzah unfolds.

In an earlier Biblical narrative, Lot welcomes two angelic strangers into his home and has them stay the night as guests. He serves them Matzah among other foods. The rest of society had become inhospitable and corrupt.

In both stories, the institution of the home is central to one's physical and spiritual wellbeing. Interestingly both tales include Matzah.

In our challenging world today, it is the home which provides us with safety and wellbeing. Tonight, we will stay home with those who physically live in the same place. We will celebrate our own good health and Passover with Matzah on the table, the food which when split in half commemorates brokenness and liberation.

I pray that we be faithful to health regulations and stay bonded to our homes. May the Matzah we eat this year teach us to be careful during these broken times and also inspire us with renewed faith to the coming of a more perfect future.

I wish us all a Zisen Pesach - Chag Kasher V'Sameach.

Rabbi Howard Morrison