Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

On Monday night and Tuesday, we will observe Yom Ha'Zikaron, Israel's remembrance day. On Tuesday night and Wednesday, we will celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel's independence day. Over the years, I have been impressed by the wisdom of our people in that we remember those who have fallen for Israel the day before we celebrate Israel.

The juxtaposition is akin to the Fast of Esther preceding Purim by a day, or the Fast of the firstborn preceding Pesach by a day. In all the scenarios, serious reflection and commemoration precede joy and festivity.

In my personal life, my introduction to Canada and Israel came together. My family's first ever trip to Israel was scheduled for my Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel in May of 1973. Back in those days, there was no direct flight from Boston to Israel. We either transfer in New York or Montreal. Our Delta flight took us to Montreal, where we connected to our El Al flight to Israel. We were scheduled to arrive in Israel for the grand celebration of Israel's twenty-fifth year of independence. However, a delay in Montreal meant that we actually arrived in Israel a day after the celebration.

My family celebrated two Shabbatot in Israel. The first was spent at a kibbutz where we met a synagogue group from Montreal. A few days later, that same group checked into the same hotel as us in Jerusalem. Subsequently, they all joined my family for the Shabbat Bar Mitzvah service at the Kotel.

Fast forward - In May of 1984, while studying in Israel for the year as part of my rabbinical school education, my classmates and I davened on the anniversary date of my Bar Mitzvah Parsha in the exact same spot where I had stood eleven years earlier.

Fast forward again - On May 1, 1998, the fifth of Iyar, my younger son Yonah was born on Yom Ha'Atzmaut. While not intended, the root of his name has a yud for Yom Ha'Atzmaut, a nun for the fiftieth year of Israel's statehood, and a hey, for the fifth of Iyar

Over the years, I have enjoyed visiting Israel many times for different purposes, among them being several memorable Beth Emeth trips to Israel.

I hope everyone will take some time this week to remember, reflect, and to celebrate the miracle of Israel in our lifetime.

Rabbi Howard Morrison