Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Years ago, two grown children whose father had passed away a couple of years earlier came to shul for morning services. I presumed incorrectly that they came to commemorate their father's Yahrzeit. I was wrong. They informed me that the day would have been their father's birthday. They came to shul, not to recite Kaddish, but to celebrate his life. On that occasion, I became a humble student.

At funerals, yahrzeits and yizkor, we may talk about celebrating a loved one's life. However all too often, those times become associated with one's passing. The idea of celebrating a loved one's life on the birthday struck a chord with me.

Today on the secular calendar is July 15. My dad, Ruben Morrison, of blessed memory, was born on this date in 1927. Today, I celebrate his life, which took him from a foster family upbringing in New York to rearing my family in the Boston area. Dad lived a fulfilling life before his death in 1999. He loved his wife, children, occupation, hobbies, and heritage. 

On this day, I do not grieve your loss but rather celebrate your life. Yom Huledet Sameach - Happy Birthday.

Love,

Your son, Howie