Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Our tradition has always recognized that each Jewish individual has a rightful place, and each Jewish individual is part of a larger community.

In our Siddur, statutory prayers are recited in the plural, while many prologues and epilogues are composed in the singular. Our liturgy harmonizes the relationship between the individual and the community.

The tragic events of this past week have heightened the relationship of the individual Jew and his/her relationship with Israel. While all Jews are bound with each other, I suggest that especially now, all Jews see themselves as Israelis.

At last night's UJA-Federation rally in solidarity with Israel, three suggestions were made: 

1. Families on their own, due to Covid, should arrange to participate in the annual "Walk With Israel." Every family may help to fundraise for Israel. Participation may take place any time in May. Check the UJA-Federation website for details.

2. Visit the UJA-Federation website to contribute accordingly to help Israel.

3. Learn the facts. Visit the CIJA website. Then, contact Canadian political leaders to stand with Israel.

I should also add that we should read Honest Reporting Canada to distinguish between fact and fiction in local reporting as well as reporting from elsewhere.

We shall usher in Shavuot in a couple of days. We take note of the interpretation that every individual Jew of history stood together with the entire Israelite nation.

We are all Israel, and Israel is us.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison