Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

This week, we read Parshat Bhar. This was my Bar Mitzvah portion, which I read at the Western Wall in 1973. I kiddingly refer to it as my "Bhar Mitzvah" Parsha. Much of the content deals with observances that are contingent on the land of Israel. The very beginning and end serve as bookends. The opening verses speak of a Shabbat for the land itself, called Shemita, the origin of the word "Sabbatical." Every seventh year, the land of Israel rests. Since re-entry into Israel after 1948, different rabbinic  interpretations suggest that the land should once again rest in one of a variety of ways. 

The very end of the Parsha reaffirms personal observance of Shabbat, "You shall safeguard my Sabbaths." Back in 1973, I had the privilege of keeping two Sabbaths with my family in Israel, and I celebrated my Bar Mitzvah on the second Shabbat while in Jerusalem.

This year, more than ever, we need Parshat Bhar and its directives for the land and the people to have Shabbat. We continue to mourn the loss of life, and we grieve over the many injuries, all of which occurred during Lag Ba'Omer. Both, a  people and its land, would benefit from the peace, serenity, and tranquility that Shabbat provides.

How appropriate that Parshat Bhar comes at a time when its lessons are so relevant.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison