Rabbi Howard Morrison

Parshat Masei, the final Torah portion in the book of Bemidbar, recounts all of the stopping points made by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The Midrash likens the text to a loving parent recounting all of the significant experiences in the life of a child entering adulthood. So too, God has Moses review in love the highlights of the people of Israel during their experiences leading up to the Promised Land.

During my Summer vacation, I have had the privilege and pleasure of reliving childhood and adult memories from my life before entering the promised land of Toronto. I have stayed by the homes of siblings and other relatives. I have visited the graves of parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. I have spent time with members of my two former congregations as well as with friends from different chapters of my life. I have davened Shabbat services at the Yeshiva day school of my childhood. I have attended baseball games in Boston and New York, cities which occupied much of my life. I have driven by my childhood home, and more. Before Shabbat Hazon next week, I hope to be back in my home city of Toronto and with my congregational family of Beth Emeth.

It is often said that life is not a destination but a journey. No one knows how and where a final destination will take place. Our journey of life takes us from place to place, with each stop along the way potentially providing lessons of inspiration and growth.

I am forever grateful for the journey I am on and hope that everyone finds meaning and appreciation in their particular journeys.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison