Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

The beginnings of institutional hatred, Anti-Semitism, and genocide perpetrated against the Jewish people originate in this week's Torah portion of Shmot. The text states, "A new Pharaoh arose over Egypt who did not know of Joseph." The commentator Rashi quotes a debate between Rav and Shmuel, found in the Talmud. One says that this was truly a new king. The other says that this was a pre-existing king who issued new edicts. Rashi then continues that the "new" Pharaoh made it as if he had never heard of Joseph before. 

All too often in our history, when the Jewish people lived under the sovereignty of another nation, times became difficult when either a new foreign leader arose, or an existing foreign leader changed his views, attitudes, and legislations in regard to the people of Israel. How often has a new foreign leader chosen to ignore the kindnesses and contributions made by the local existing Jewish community.

While Chanukah, Purim, and Pesach are all joyous Festivals, they originate with the dictates of an evil tyrant whether it be Antiochus, Haman, or Pharaoh. In contemporary Jewish life, there is only sadness and pain on Yom Hashoah, when we remember the evil perpetrated just over eighty years ago. On the Fast of Tisha B'Av, we recall all kinds of historical acts of hatred and genocide against our people and pray for the day when Fasts of sadness will be turned into Feasts of joy.

Nowadays, the world Jewish community must be vigilant and be on guard against Anti-Semitic terror and evil in all its forms. We must learn from the past and act in the present so that the future of our history will be filled with peace and fulfillment.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison