Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Over the next several days, the members of our shul office will take a well deserved rest. As a result, this will be my last blog for 2020.

This year will culminate with the end of the Jacob-Joseph saga. The book of Bereishit will draw to a close the day after New Year's.

It has been a challenging year for all of us, given the drastic changes in our lives caused by Covid-19. At this time a year ago, no one could have envisioned how 2020 would turn out.

In our Torah readings, we have studied the unraveling of a family. A father thought his son was dead. Brothers had sold off a sibling to slavery and lied to their father. The forgotten brother, Joseph, rises to power and could have exacted revenge against his family.

However, instead, the brothers repent. Joseph forgives. Jacob is reunited with Joseph and his family. Jacob blesses his children and grandchildren. The ultimate curtain call to Bereishit serves as a model for fixing broken relationships and restoring wholeness to our lives. What a meaningful way to end 2020 on a note of hope, faith, and optimism.

The postscript recited on ending a book of Torah is the addition of the words, "Chazak Chazak V'Nitchazek - Be of strength, Be of strength, and let us be strengthened." This is my prayer for us as we transition from one year to the next and from one book of Torah to the next.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison