Rabbi Howard Morrison

During the early part of Summer, the Federal Canadian government announced it would recognize Palestinian statehood in September along with some other countries. Now, the last day of Summer, it has done so. While some conditions were supposed to be met, nothing has changed in two years. Hamas still rules in Gaza; forty-eight hostages still remain; there has been no consequence for the evil perpetrated on October 7, and more.

While the U.N., Canada and many others now may make it more difficult for Jews to feel safe, we Jews will remain strong.  Ein Berayra - There is no choice.

While the U.N., Canada, and many others may think they are putting pressure on Israel,  the only democracy in the Middle East, they are wrong. Israel will do what it needs to do to survive and thrive. Ein Berayra - There is no choice.

Many synagogues like Beth Emeth recite a prayer for Canada during services. What will we do beginning this Rosh Hashanah?

The tension for Jewish communities living among non-Jewish governments is an old one. Since the destruction of the first Temple in 586 BCE, the Jewish community has recognized how our fate is inextricably tied to the welfare of the governments in which we live and the quality of their governance. The prophet Jeremiah wrote from Babylon, "And seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you and pray to the Lord in its behalf; for in its prosperity you shall prosper (Jeremiah 29:7)."

In the Ethics of the Sages, Rabbi Chanina, who lived during Roman rule in Jerusalem, wrote: "Pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear it inspires,  every person would swallow his neighbor alive (Avot 3:2)."

Despite the decision made by the federal  Canadian government on Sunday, we at Beth Emeth will continue to recite a prayer for Canada when we usher in a new year this Tuesday.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Shana Tova U'Metukah!

Rabbi Howard Morrison