Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

A brief three word expression says so much. "Kol hatchalot kashot - All beginnings are difficult."

Imagine the beginning of Jewish history, when God commanded Abraham to go forth and begin 4000 years of the Jewish historical experience. All beginnings are difficult.

Imagine the aftermath following the destruction of the Second Temple and Jerusalem. How did Judaism survive and grow? Amazing visionaries reimagined Judaism while drawing on the past. If one cannot bring sacrifices daily, then offer formal verbal prayer daily. If the ritual of the altar can no longer grant atonement, then acts of kindness will grant atonement. All beginnings are difficult.

Five months ago, synagogues went on lockdown because of the pandemic. How would organized Jewish life go on? Contemporary visionaries adapted modern technology and created virtual congregations. Ongoing prayer, study, socializing, and connecting with others took on a new shape and form. All beginnings are difficult.

This week, we at Beth Emeth slowly began to have weeknight services emanate from our synagogue. Wonderful volunteers spent countless hours assuring that all protocols are followed. We are now encouraging men and women to pre-register and bring services in our sanctuary back to life, while we continue to broadcast electronically to private homes. We gradually plan to expand into morning, Shabbat, and Holy Day services. All beginnings are difficult.

There will be many more phases of new beginnings. From our nation's inception 4000 years ago to today, we continue to be a resilient Jewish peoplehood.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison