Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

In Parshat Balak, we read the origin of the well known statement, "Ma Tovu Oholecha Yaakov Mishkenotecha Yisrael - How goodly are your tents Jacob, your dwelling places Israel."

These words were first recited by the heathen Prophet, Bilam. Sent by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Israelites, Bilam ultimately blessed our people with these classic words.

Over time, the words of Ma Tovu became the opening statement upon entering the synagogue. In the Biblical setting, the words referred to the privacy and modesty of the Jewish home. In Rabbinical literature, the words referred to synagogues and houses of study.

Over the past year, our homes have become our synagogues due to Covid restrictions. With Zoom and Livestream, our homes have been our shuls. Now, slowly but surely, our synagogues are opening up again. I presume that over the next while, we will see a hybrid of shul and home working hand in hand.

As we progress, may the Torah's words of Ma Tovu be a blessing upon our homes and our synagogues.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison