Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Tuesday, April 21, coincided with the 27th of Nisan, the date of Yom Hashoa. By mid afternoon, I had already participated in and observed a number of Holocaust remembrance ceremonies and programs. Little did I know the day was not done.

In the middle of the afternoon, the funeral home called to inform me that Rabbi Peretz Weizman had passed away at the age of 99 and a half. Many of us remember him as the interim rabbi in 1999-2000 just before I came to Beth Emeth. Others will remember his visits over the years to visit family members living in the area.

A Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Weizman lost his whole family in the Shoah. Raised in Lodz, he sought to become a rabbi so that he could make a difference if he survived.

A career rabbi in Winnipeg, he touched the lives of Jews across Canada and beyond.

He leaves behind children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He has established a name and legacy for generations to come. In part, he moved to Toronto because the love of his life, Reva, was ill and resided at Baycrest until her passing several years ago.

Rabbi Weizman knew much of our sacred literature by heart. He had a contagious smile, a keen wit, and a sense of humor.

How sad and ironic that he passed away on Yom Hashoa, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Rabbi Weizman will truly be remembered on the most profound remembrance day on the Jewish calendar.

May his memory be a blessing.

Rabbi Howard Morrison