Rabbi Howard Morrison

This Wednesday is the 23rd of Sivan and the 23rd Yahrzeit of my father, Ruben Morrison, of blessed memory. Ironically, the date comes a few days after "Father's Day." Also ironically, my dad's Hebrew name, Reuven, appears at the outset of Parshat Shlach, this week's Torah portion.

My dad grew up in an impoverished foster home. Yet he was one of the most humble and remarkable people I ever knew. With a university degree, he also had a doctorate in street smarts.

As a teenager holding my first part time job, I would meet my dad after work. His office was nearby. Once I arrived early and waited in the lobby. I overheard two men screaming at my dad's receptionist. A few moments later, dad emerged and calmed them down in mere seconds. That was my father.

I will always remember the Yom Kippur war from the following story. At age 13, I accompanied my dad to shul on Yom Kippur. Dad was serving as the usher next to the sanctuary door when an unfamiliar Israeli entered and demanded from my dad that he see the rabbi right away. When the man explained the situation, my father immediately escorted him to the rabbi. Without asking how the man knew what was transpiring in Israel, the rabbi correctly paused the service and started leading the congregation in special prayers and psalms for Israel.

My dad created with my mom a loving family, dedicated to Judaism and the world at large. This year his 23rd Yahrzeit falls out on 23 Sivan. 

May his Neshama have an Aliyah  and his memory be a blessing.

Love,

His son - Howie