Rabbi Howard Morrison

Yesterday was a remarkable day at Beth Emeth. With the vision of Candace Vogel, our executive director, our volunteer leadership and professional staff planned and executed a wonderful open house. The weather participated perfectly. Outside and inside the shul, Jews of all ages came together for a great time to welcome each other after two long years of isolation for many of us. Singles, couples, young families, lots of children, teens, and young professionals all came together for food, fellowship, and fun. I had the pleasure of simply walking around the parking lot and the inside of the shul greeting many people, some of whom were new to me and others whom I had not seen since before the pandemic. 

Inside the Fischtein Hall, Cantor Yakov Zingboim and I called a Jewish Bingo game. Jewish thematic concepts replaced the familiar "B-I-N-G-O." In an informal way, I had lots of fun sharing some deeper meanings of the concepts we used in the game.

Steve Werger, the president of our shul, was at his best as in years past working the hot dog and hamburger grills. There are so many people to thank, including our custodial team and many volunteers.

I hope and pray that the enthusiasm generated at the open house will spill over into the new year and well beyond.

What a wonderful way to introduce the coming of a new year, which I hope will be filled with good health, peace, and prosperity for all.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison