Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

To remember is a Mitzvah in Jewish tradition. For example, to remember Shabbat is a Mitzvah; to remember Amalek is a Mitzvah. Some observe a practice of reciting six ancient remembrances as part of daily prayer.

There are those who suggest that remembering the Shoah is a modern day Mitzvah in a contemporary sense. This week, we have remembered the 82nd anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Today, November 11, we join all Canadians in commemorating Remembrance Day. We recall all Canadians who have given their lives in various forms of battle so that we may cherish and appreciate the freedoms by which we live.

While I am now a dual citizen, I came to Canada over twenty years ago as an American citizen and a Reserve chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. In the U.S., I often served as a chaplain to the local chapter of the Jewish War Veterans and participated in ceremonies for Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Soon after moving to Toronto, I was asked to serve as a chaplain to the local Jewish War Veterans (JWV), who now meet a the Lipa Green building. When I explained that my service in the military was in America, the JWV leadership still gladly accepted my role as an ally and friend. For many years, I have participated in their annual Remembrance Day service. Sadly, because of Covid, there will be no communal service today.

Last Shabbat, in front of twenty five people in shul and many others on livestream, I donned my U.S. military uniform and wore it in shul. During services, we recited a prayer for Canada, a prayer for Remembrance Day, and sang O Canada.

I encourage us all to pause at 11AM today and to reflect on the sacrifices made by those men and women in the past for our freedoms today. May all those whom we remember today be remembered as a blessing by us, their families, friends, and by this great country of Canada.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison