Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, this past Monday was to have been a day of full celebration. The liberation of the old city, the redemption of the Kotel, and the victory of our small nation over invading armies, are all reasons for a full celebration. At Beth Emeth, we correctly omitted Tachanun and included a full Hallel, Ha'Tikvah, and the sounding of the Shofar.

While our praise and celebration were full in terms of liturgy, the joy of the day, however, was diminished. Sadly once again, terrorist attacks from Southern Israel have befallen our people. The world stands silent. Malicious false propaganda goes unchecked. The Jewish people feel alone.

All too often, we have to confront evil which is forced upon us.

While there is no acceptable explanation or justification for terror and evil, we Jews have had to learn over four thousand years how to praise and celebrate our Jewishness in full even when the joy has been tragically diminished.

Pray for the "Shlemut," the wholeness and peace of Jerusalem and Israel.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison