Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Today is Yom Ha'Zikaron. Today, we remember all those who have died for the sake of the State of Israel. We remember them all: old and young, born in Israel or in the Diaspora. We consider them all martyrs.

Over the years, I become more and more anxious when Jews who live outside of Israel feel carefree when they criticize the democratically elected government of Israel. Diaspora Jews should be more careful until they are willing to don the IDF uniform and be prepared to die for Israel.

We at Beth Emeth are proud that many of our children have served and continue to serve as lone soldiers in Israel. Some of our lone soldiers have decided to live permanently in Israel, while others have returned. Fortunately, they are all well.

Being the father of a former lone soldier, on Yom Ha'Zikaron, I remember among others young Michael Levin, of blessed memory. Born in Philadelphia, he served as a lone soldier from 2002-2006. He had shortened a vacation with his family to return to his unit during wartime. Tragically, he was killed in battle at the age of 22.

I was introduced to his story on a Beth Emeth trip to Israel. While visiting graves at the miltary cemetery on Mt. Hertzl, we came upon a grave surrounded by sports caps from the various Philadelphia teams. This was the grave of Michael Levin, of blessed memory. His death serves as a symbol for me on Yom Ha'Zikaron - the pride in seeing young people stand for Israel, and the immense pain when our young die for the preservation of Israel. Nowadays, there is a lone soldier centre named in his memory.

I encourage us all to find some time to properly reflect on this Yom Ha'Zikaron. May the memories of all our fallen be for a blessing.

Rabbi Howard Morrison