Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

This coming Shabbat, we will conclude the fourth book of the Torah, Bmidbar. Its concluding Parsha, Masei, begins with a review of all the stopping points made by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.

This Summer is a time to contemplate two historic journeys and stopping points in the life of Beth Emeth. Both, Rabbi Joseph Kelman and Chazan Louis Danto, passed away during the Summer months, the former eleven years ago and the latter ten years ago.

Rabbi Kelman was already Rabbi Emeritus when I arrived twenty years ago in the Summer of 2000. He served as our shul's Senior Rabbi for forty years before his retirement. I had the privilege of working with him informally until he passed away.

Chazan Louis Danto served our shul for thirty-two years before retiring and becoming Cantor Emeritus. On a number of occasions, I had the privilege of sharing the Bima with him for services and lifecycle events.

As we close a book of Torah this Shabbat, it is worthwhile to recall two legendary religious figures, who served our shul and the entire Jewish people with dedication and commitment. Many of us are blessed to have been inspired by them for many years. I am personally fortunate to have learned from them both for the first half of my years serving Beth Emeth.

As we conclude the book of Bmidbar this week, we will recite the words, "Chazak Chazak V'Nitchazek - Be of strength, be of strength, and let us be together strengthened."

As individuals and as a community, we were and are strengthened by the lives and memories of Rabbi Joseph Kelman and Chazan Louis Danto. May their memories be for a blessing.

Rabbi Howard Morrison