Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

At this time of year, we are witnessing cycles and transitions. As Summer wanes, a new school year will begin for many, and returning to work from vacation will resume for many.

In our weekly Torah reading cycle, we are nearing the end of the Five Books of the Torah. In this week's portion of Nitzavim, Moses has the entire people stand together as one during his final exhortation to them. In a number days, whether in person or via livestream, we the Jewish people will all stand as one to welcome the High Holy Days.

While Rosh Hashanah commemorates the beginning of the world and humanity, it is noteworthy that the traditional Torah reading for Rosh Hashanah does not emanate from the opening chapters of Genesis, but rather the saga of the first Jewish family, that of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac. In one particular commentary, it is taught that how we treat the individual and how we raise a child are manifestations of how we interact with the world around us. By focusing on family and people around us, we relate in a practical way to the idea that God has created every person, male and female, in the Divine image.

As a reminder, copies of the Birnbaum Machzor are available for the taking outside the parking lot entrance of the shul during office hours. Also, please check the High Holy Day section of the website for all kinds of information, including, various sites for outdoor Shofar sounding and the page numbers of central prayers found in the High Holy Day Prayer books that we use at Beth Emeth.

I wish everyone Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova U'Metuka.

Rabbi Howard Morrison