Rabbi Howard Morrison

Getting back on track:

It is a pleasure to say a few words at the AGM meeting this morning.

First and foremost is the Mitzvah of Hakarot Ha'Tov, acknowledging the good and giving thanks:

I wish to thank you - our entire congregational family -  for your continued support and involvement in our shul: From chesed knitters, to our Sunday Alef-Bet Chadash School, to attending adult classes and lectures, to attending daily Minyan or Shabbat services, to participating in person or on livestream, and much more - Thanks to you -  our entire community - for your continued support of Beth Emeth.

I wish to thank our professional team - Candace - her office staff, Maxim - his custodial team, Avivit ( our young families program and Hebrew school director), our Shinshinim - Omer and Sharon, Shlomo (our Torah reader), Ron (our director of spiritual engagement) - -  You have all made positive impacts on the present and future of our shul.

I wish to thank our outgoing president Steve Werger, his executive, board of directors, our advisory/ritual committee, and all the other committees - You all came into voluntary office as we were still coming out of Covid. You have all worked seamlessly and harmoniously to get our shul back on track.

 I wish to thank our incoming president Miriam Ziegler Goldberg, her incoming executive, board of directors, and new committees who will lead us into the next chapter of our shul's legacy.

This past HHD, for the first time since pre-pandemic, we had more people in shul and less people on livestream. Whereas livestream will continue to be available for those in any kind of need, having more people in shul was a great sign of where we are and the direction we are heading.

While the horrors of October 7 and beyond continue to haunt us, we did have over 20 people on board to tour Israel. This would have been our first synagogue tour since pre-pandemic when we visited Spain, Gibraltar, and Portugal. I pray that we will be able reschedule our tour to Israel sooner than later. The fact that we had a group ready to go before the trip had to be postponed is also evidence of getting our shul back on track.

I am grateful to the security personnel and police personnel who make sure that we are safe and comfortable anytime we choose to enter our precious Beth Emeth. I hope that we make a point to thanking them for protecting us.

While I hope I have not erred by omitting anyone - I and all of us should observe the Mitzvah of Hakarat Ha'Tov, of thanking and acknowledging the good from all who make our shul the best it can be, from staff to volunteer.

Shavua Tov (a good new week)

Chazak Ve'Ematz (be strong and have courage)

Yachad Ne'Natzeach (together we will be victorious)

Am Yisrael Chai (The people of Israel lives)
Rabbi Howard Morrison