Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

On this coming Sunday, we will celebrate Mother's Day. Over the years, my mother taught me that in Judaism, every day is a mother's and father's day. Nevertheless, she never turned back the gifts that I brought her on the second Sunday in May.

In ten days, we will celebrate the Festival of Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah. Many Jews think of the Ten Commandments as the symbol and outline of the entire Torah. In it, "Honor your father and your mother" is the fifth commandment. It is the one that unifies all the commandments together. It is found with the first five statements, which define our relationship with God. Who else but our parents are the ones to nourish us when we are young with the values of our faith and heritage? The same commandment links the remaining ones which enhance our relationship with society at large.

I wish all the mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers a healthy and happy  Mother's Day. May your families honour and appreciate all that you do for them.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison