Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Much of Judaism centers around light. Each morning, we thank God for the light of a new day. Each evening, we thank God for evening light.

We distinguish the beginning of Shabbat from weekdays by lighting at least two candles. We separate the end of Shabbat by lighting a Havdalah candle.

During Chanukah, we celebrate the miracles of the season by lighting an additional candle each night. We do so based on a teaching, "We ascend in holiness and do not descend."

When we mourn the loss of a loved one, we light a seven day Shiva candle. At the time of Yahrzeit and Yizkor, we light a twenty-four hour memorial candle. These practices are based on a verse, "The human soul is likened to a flame kindled unto God."

Over the past few decades, The Federation of Jewish Men's clubs has initiated the idea of lighting a yellow candle to memorialize the Holocaust, known as the Yom Hashoah candle.

At Beth Emeth, we have traditionally distributed these candles in the Spring to commemorate Yom Hashoah. In the past few years, we have publically gathered at the shul on the night of Yom Hashoah. Sadly, because of the pandemic, we are unable to physically gather. However, we are able to gather virtually, as we did last year.

Wit the notion that light dispels darkness, we are making available the Yom Hashoah candle outside the synagogue entrance today and tomorrow between 9-5pm. The candle should be lit tomorrow night, Wednesday April 7. You may choose to do so during our on line remembrance ceremony, which begins at 8pm.

May we observe the many rituals involving light, which help us to celebrate, to remember, and to grieve.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison