Rabbi Howard Morrison

A great marriage story is recounted in this week's Torah portion of Chayei Sarah. Soon after Sarah's passing, Abraham enlists his servant to find a bride for his son Isaac. By Isaac getting married, Jewish continuity will be ensured. The servant looks for a criterion of kindness in searching for an appropriate bride for Isaac. Ultimately, he discovers Rebecca via her acts of kindness. When Isaac brings Rebecca into the matrimonial home, the Midrash explains that the gifts of Shabbat lights, blessing in the Challah dough, and the presence of God's protective cloud are all restored. The Isaac-Rebecca story is the first Jewish marriage story in the Torah. Remember that Abraham and Sarah were already married when we were introduced to them.

A successful shul-clergy relationship is likened to a marriage. There is a special chemistry that takes place when a new clergy and his/her congregation come together. 

This Friday night, we at Beth Emeth will celebrate the welcoming of our new Cantor- Noah Rachels, his wife - Amy, and their daughter - Maya. Over last year, Beth Emeth employed a wonderful person who sought to find the right Cantorial fit for our synagogue. The search process was comparable to the search for Isaac, which ended up with Rebecca. While Beth Emeth did not find a Rebecca, we still did pretty well. We ended up with a Rachels (Rachel is the next beloved matriarch after Rebecca in the Torah). 

It is true - The relationship of clergy and shul is like the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison