Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Do you remember where you were when you heard about the tragedy of the space shuttle Columbia and the fate of its seven passengers, which included Ilan Ramon?

The date was February 1, 2003 on Shabbat. I was in the midst of celebrating a Shabbat weekend reunion with a Chavurah group from my previous synagogue. We were spending that time at a kosher hotel in the Catskills when news and tears spread quickly.

How ironic that the timing of Ilan Ramon's passing occurs around the season of Tu Bishvat. As we recently celebrated Rosh Hashanah La'ILANot ( the new year of trees), we pay homage to an Ilan, whose life was literally cut too short.

I will always remember Ilan displaying to the world from the heavenly abode a small replica of a Torah scroll and some other Judaic symbols. 

This week's Torah portion of Yitro details God's revelation of Torah at Mount Sinai amidst the sounds of thunder and lightning. Now, eighteen years after Ilan Ramon's death, I continue to metaphorically see his tiny Sefer Torah when I gaze into the heavens.

For many years now, a street is named in his honor and memory in the heart of the Richmond Hill Jewish community.

May we take some time today on the English anniversary of his passing to remember Ilan Ramon. May his memory be a blessing.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison