Rabbi Howard Morrison

In Judaism, we safeguard the particularism which defines us as Jews, as well as the universal, which defines us as part of a world community. Our rituals, beliefs, and customs uniquely shape our Jewish way of life. Such expressions as Tikun Olam (repair the world) and Ohr La'Goyim (a light unto the nations) shape our commitment to the larger world around us.

This week, we take note of two tragic anniversary dates. Earlier this week on Monday-Tuesday, September 5-6, we commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the brutal slaughter of Israeli athletes which took place during the Munich Olympics. I still remember vividly being a twelve year old grade seven student when the principal of my Jewish day school called the school community together for a memorial vigil and explained to us the horrors which had taken place.

This coming Sunday, September eleventh, we will commemorate the twenty-first anniversary of what is now called 9/11. We recall the horrors which took place in New York, in Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon.  We take note that this evil could have taken place anywhere.

The Munich massacre has a distinctive Jewish/Israeli tone to it. The evil of 9/11 has a universal tone to it. Each should be remembered appropriately in contemporary Jewish life.

Years after both tragedies, may the memories of those lost be for a blessing, and may the families of the victims be comforted in the remembrance of their loved ones.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison