Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

This past Shabbat, the double portion of Acharei Mot-Kedoshim was read. These two portions occupy the center of the entire Torah and are part of a section known as the holiness code. Given the Covid  centered world in which we currently live, one particular verse stands out in my mind for everyone and which is particularly relevant for our Beth Emeth community this week.

In Leviticus 18:15, we read, "You shall keep My rules and My laws, by the pursuit of which one shall live by them (Va'chai Ba'hem). . . "

From this single verse, our tradition teaches us that all commandments, excluding murder, incest, and idolatry, are set aside for "Pikuach Nefesh - saving a human life." One is specifically commanded to violate the Torah to save one's life in order to live by the Torah afterward. The words "Va'Chai Ba'hem - And live by them" are meant to teach us that we shall not die by our observance of Judaism.

As you know, for the first time since livestream equipment was installed last Summer, we did not offer a Shabbat morning service this past weekend. Due to a potential Covid exposure which might have taken effect on the previous Shabbat, the entire clergy team was mandated by governmental health protocols to stay away from shul and observe a fourteen day quarantine. Speaking for myself, I took a Covid test Friday afternoon and found out after Shabbat that I tested negative. Of course, our on line services and programs will continue. Given that the quarantine will end on this coming Friday, we fully intend to provide a Shabbat morning service next Shabbat.

In our personal and collective lives, we all understand that safeguarding life comes before all else. The words of this past Shabbat's Torah lesson makes our understanding of life first very clear. Especially during this past year of Covid related concerns, let us remember to do our utmost best in safeguarding our lives even as we do our utmost best to safeguard Jewish practice.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison