Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

The outset of this week's double Parsha of Acharei Mot-Kedoshim is familiar. It is also read on Yom Kippur morning. In it, we read about the very first observance of Yom Kippur. In Biblical times, the Kohain Gadol, High Priest, had to achieve three forms of atonement - for himself, for his household, and for the entire household of Israel. The Jewish value of individual, familial, and communal responsibility goes back some 3500 years in our tradition.

Judaism has always emphasized responsibility to oneself and to others. In Pirkei Avot, The Wisdom of the Sages, which we study at this season of the year, we are taught: "If I am not for me, who is for me? If I am only for me, what am I?" Often, I hear how altruistic one is toward the wellbeing of others. However, if one neglects oneself, how altruistic can one be really be? How often have I seen a loving person caring for a dear one who is ill. Sadly in many instances, the loving person becomes more ill than the other because care for the other superseded care for the self. 

The sequence of  effecting atonement is no accident. The Kohain Kadol took care of his spiritual needs, followed by the spiritual needs of his household, followed by the needs of the entire community. 

During the pandemic we are facing, the lessons of the Parsha and of our tradition could not be more relevant. Yes - We must take care of ourselves. Yes - we must be responsible to those around us. Wearing the mask, maintaining physical distancing, and following the rules of society benefit ourselves and the relationships we share with those in our community.

May we always take heed and precaution for ourselves, our families, and  those around us.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison