Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

On Wednesday and Thursday, we usher in the new month of Cheshvan. We traditionally call it "Mar Cheshvan," literally, "the bitter Cheshvan." We are familiar with the word "Mar," which forms the word Maror, the bitter herbs consumed at Pesach.

Why is Cheshvan bitter? It is the only month which has no special holidays or particular observances. This is especially noticeable in that Cheshvan immediately follows Tishrei, which was filled with a month of holy days.

So what can we do this new month? Perhaps the next thirty days give us a chance to reflect on the lessons we have learned during the High Holy days and the Festivals. How can we now truly make the new year meaningful and enriching? Now is the opportunity to put into practice the ideals we celebrated last month.

Chodesh Tov,

Rabbi Howard Morrison