Rabbi Howard Morrison

Being grateful for food and our local kosher establishments

Dear Congregational Family,

The weekly portion of Ekev contains the basis for Birkat Ha'Mazon, reciting blessings after meals. The Torah states, "You shall eat, be satisfied, and praise God for the good land which He has given you."

From this verse, three Toraitic blessings were formulated followed subsequently by a fourth rabbinic blessing:

1. Praising God for sustaining all.

2. Praising God for the land of Israel.

3. Praising God for the establishment of Jerusalem.

4. Praising God who is good and beneficent.

It is noteworthy that blessings surrounding food appear in this week's parsha. A few weeks ago, some local kosher restaurants began offering outdoor patio seating. This past week, some local kosher restaurants began offering indoor seating with safe social distancing practices. I know. I have enjoyed indoor and outdoor dining recently.

In addition, throughout the pandemic and at all times, we should be grateful for the depth and quantity of finding all kinds of kosher facilities in the GTA. I encourage us all to support our kosher establishments.

I have recently read sad news where some kosher places in the U.S. have had to close down during the pandemic. In at least one community, it was the only exclusive kosher site serving an entire Jewish area.

Let us be proactive in being grateful, observing, and supporting kashrut always.

Rabbi Howard Morrison