Rabbi Howard Morrison

One of my favorite verses in the entire Torah is Moses exclaiming to Pharaoh that we will go forth only when we have our young and our old together. Thousands of years ago, Moses knew that a vibrant community needs the energy of the young and the wisdom of the old.

During these High Holy Days, we have seen several hundred in shul over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as hundreds joining on livestream. Our sanctuary, alternative service, and young families service were all very well attended. Young and old were served well over the High Holy Days. At the end of Neilah, individuals, couples, and families ascended the Bimah and observed a private moment in front of the Ark, an opportune way to conclude the High Holy Days.

This coming Monday and Tuesday, we will conclude the Fall holy day season with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. There is lots to choose from to culminate the Festivals. In particular, on Simchat Torah eve, we have a special program for young children in which I will be walking through the book of Bereishit/Genesis, showing all the narratives through the medium of an open Torah scroll. Later that evening, we have Hakafot, Torah circuits and dancing, the way it was done for years prior to the pandemic.

This year, we are already witnessing the vitality of young and old back in shul. I look forward to greeting you in person (and via livestream) for the close of the holy day season.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Howard Morrison