Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Each morning when we arise, we recite Birchot Ha'Shachar, the morning blessings. One of the blessings thanks God for literally unloosening those who are bound, "Matir Asurim." The blessing, based on a verse in Psalms, has been understood as praising God for releasing captives or, in modern terms, hostages.

From the onset of our Mitzvah based tradition, we are commanded to do all we can to free captives - "Pidyon Shvuyim." That which we ask God to do we must do as well.

On Shabbat Shira, a day for singing the miracles of our heritage, a particular congregation in Texas was traumatized as its rabbi and three others were held hostage from mid morning into the night. Finally, thanks to trained rescue workers and others, all four hostages were saved. A synagogue, Jews around the world, and moral citizens everywhere were able to breathe a sigh of relief and gratitude. In the spirit of Shabbat Shira, we could all sing a song of miraculous deliverance.

Of course, the larger issue remains, namely, how to combat terrorists who often target Jews first and foremost.

In any event, the daily blessing "Matir Asurim," who frees the hostages, which is also echoed in the daily Amidah, takes on new relevant meaning.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison