Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

In Parshat Chukat, we read about transition in leadership. Miriam passes away. Aaron dies and has his priestly role succeeded by his son, Eleazar. Moses is informed that he will depart from the scene before entering the promised land. Joshua will be mentored to succeed him.

In the past week, after a number of unresolved Israeli elections, a new coalition government has now begun to take form. As Zionist Diaspora Jews, our mandate is to support the democratically elected leadership in Israel regardless of party affiliations. 

In the prayer for the State of Israel, we recite before God, "Bless the State of Israel, the dawn of our redemption. . . . Send Your light and your truth to its leaders, officers, and advisors, and bless them with your good counsel." 

The Prayer for Israel transcends politics and parties. During my years in the rabbinate, I supported the Rabin government as well as the Netanyahu government. Once the citizenship of Israel decides its structure of leadership, we in the Diaspora must show our affirmation.

We thank the Netanyahu government for its many years of dedicated leadership. We now wish the Bennett-Lapid government success for the wellbeing of Israel and the world Jewish community.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison