Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

 The opening of Sefer Shmot, the book of Exodus, introduces us to the very first "Rabbi" in Jewish history. Our tradition bestows the title of Rabbi on to Moses - Moshe Rabeinu. He found a way to touch every Israelite during his tenure as leader, teacher, judge, and more. Ironically, his "rabbinate" began at age 80 and lasted for forty years.

The rabbi of my youth, from the time I was 10-18, was Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer. He truly touched young and old when he served the Young Israel of Brookline. He subsequently devoted his rabbinate to the Young Israel of West Hempstead, Long Island. Whereas Moses began his mission at age 80, Rabbi Kelemer has died at age 80.

Rabbi Kelemer was a strictly pious and traditional Orthodox Jew. Yet, he always exhibited a warmth and open mindedness to everyone around him. I was such an example. One day in the 1980's, when I was a student at JTS, I encountered him in the Seminary library. Why was he even there? He was doing research on the Ketuba and came to the most highly regarded Jewish library in the New York area. In our conversation, I asked him what he thought of me pursuing the rabbinate at JTS, the spiritual center of Conservative Judaism. He responded by quoting a rabbinic saying that one is obligated to go to that particular place of Torah which brings forth the best Torah from within that person. I was truly touched by his words.

Years later in the 1990's when I served a congregation in Wantagh, Long Island, Rabbi Kelemer was just a short drive from me, residing in West Hempstead. On more than one occasion, he would call to check in on me. Occasionally, he would call to verify some information or ask me about issues in the local community. He was always warm, compassionate, and respectful - the same way I knew him as a young boy and as a rabbinical student.

I had not known of his situation since I moved to Toronto over 20 years ago. I was shocked to hear of his passing today, Erev Shabbat/Parshat Shmot. He was truly a Tzadik in our time. May his Neshama have an Aliyah. May his soul be bound in the bond of eternal life, and may his memory be a blessing.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison