Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

This coming Sunday, the seventeenth of Tamuz, begins a sad period on the Jewish calendar called, The Three Weeks. This period begins with a sunrise-sundown Fast on Sunday and concludes three weeks later on Tisha B'Av with a sunset-sundown Fast. Classically, our Sages referred to the three weeks as "Bain Ha'Metzarim - amidst narrow straits." The Talmud enumerates five specific calamities which befell our people on the seventeenth of Tamuz and on Tisha B'Av. During the First Temple period, the Babylonians breached the walls surrounding the Holy Temple on the seventeenth of Tamuz. Both, the First and Second Holy Temples, were destroyed on Tisha B'Av. In recollection of many historical tragedies which occurred at this season of the year, weddings and other festivities are not permitted.

In the recent past, we know too well of having to persevere in narrow straits. While we are optimistic that Covid is beginning to fade, we have had to cope with the effects of Covid on many levels. Even with vaccinations, physical distancing and wearing a mask continue to be imperative.

Jews in Canada and around the world continue to hear falsehoods about Israel in the wake of the war which was started by Hamas. We also continue to hear about acts of Anti-Semitism locally and elsewhere. Right here in Canada, the hatred has become so bad that a governmental coalition to address Anti-Semitism has recently been put together, led by the well known Irwin Cotler.

I encourage all of us to be reflective in meaningful ways over the next three weeks beginning this Sunday. Hopefully one day soon, our Fasts will be transformed into Feasts. May we know only of good health, happiness, and peace for the Jewish people and the world at large.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison