Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Today and tomorrow, we celebrate Rosh Chodesh Iyar. A time of transition, we witness the gradual rebirth of the moon. For the first half of the month, we observe the moon expand. In the second half of the month, we observe the moon contract.

During this challenging pandemic season, we have observed so much of society contract - the closing of businesses, schools, houses of worship, and more. We are witnessing a contraction of our economy. Hopefully, all of these trends and new realities will change soon.

At the same time, we have observed the expansion of other things - People's kindness, generosity, goodness, care, compassion, empathy, and more. I pray that these traits and attributes continue to expand even when life hopefully goes back to normal soon.

Next Tuesday and Wednesday, we will commemorate Yom Ha'Zikaron, Israel's Rememrance Day, and Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day. Some of us will remember the events leading up to Statehood seventy-two years ago. Many of us will remember some or all of the wars and battles to maintain Israel's independence up to this very day.

It is no accident that the sadness of Yom Hazikaron precedes the joy of Yom Ha'Atzmaut. So too, may this pandemic end soon and transition into a new era of health, happiness, and celebration.

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov,

Rabbi Howard Morrison