Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Over the past two years, many of us have felt that we have been enduring plagues which have been inflicted on humanity. While the Biblical plagues of the current Torah portions were delivered by God to a wicked Pharaoh, the contemporary plague of Covid-19 and its variants has been delivered unwittingly by humanity on humanity. Nevertheless, many of us know people who have been afflicted; some of us have been afflicted ourselves, and a few of us even know someone who has died from Covid related complications.

A month ago, we were sadly introduced to a variant called Omicron. Last night and today, we have been sadly introduced to the newest variant called, IHU, discovered in France. We are just beginning to learn how this latest variant works.

Once again, in Ontario, we find ourselves under a partial lockdown, which began yesterday and which will last for at least three weeks. Many of us are frankly fatigued and exhausted by the proverbial "two steps forward and one step back." It is hard to believe that just over one month ago, I safely and confidently visited my older son in Denver, Colorado before anyone knew the term, Omicron.

In this week's Torah portion of Bo, we read an end to the Biblical ten plagues. We read of the origins to Passover, our holiday of liberation, and we will read the story of the Exodus in just over one week. Our inspirational passages remind and teach us that while we must continue to be careful and judicious, better days are coming. The promises of liberation and freedom await us as did the promises made to our ancestors in days of old.

The clergy, staff, and volunteer leadership of Beth Emeth are here to assist anyone during these challenging times. Do not hesitate to call on us to support you in a time of need.

I wish everyone good health and perseverance. 

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison