Sometimes it feels like we Jewish Rochesterians have enacted a biblical verse from the week's Torah portion.
Actually, it feels like we knocked this one out not the park!
It was a remarkable week for Jews in Rochester and I feel fortunate to have experienced it personally.
The week kicked off with 1000 people coming together for JFest 5785. Rabbi Mochkin,myself and other Chabad volunteers merited to take part with the shofar factory , mezuzah and tefilin booth engaging hundreds of festival goers.
Rishi saw special attendance at her Tanya class and Torah and Tea with more Jewish women coming together to learn and connect with each other .
Wednesday night was our new men's group 'Torah & Whiskey' and I was floored when 15 guys showed up!
On Thursday huge crowds showed up at the Jewish Federation's Comedy Event to support their work and laugh with comedian Elon Gold.
In this week’s parsha, we read: “You stand upright this day, all of you, before the L‑rd your G‑d…from the heads of your tribes to the hewers of your wood and the drawers of your water” (Deuteronomy 29:9–10).
In short all Jews have to stand together. All of us.
Every member of the community, regardless of role, is essential.
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi taught that we are like the organs of a body; each one depends on the other, from the “head” to the “foot,” all coming together to make a single entity.
This sense of unity is especially profound during the High Holidays when we all stand as one before G‑d. As we reflect on the trials facing our brothers and sisters in Israel—the victims, the hostages, and the citizens enduring war on two fronts—we are reminded that our strength comes from being there for each other. Whether through prayer, support, or solidarity, even from afar, we are united, holding one another up.
Each one of us plays a vital role in creating the beautiful moments that define our community. Whether through leadership, acts of kindness, or your generous support, you contribute something that no one else can.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that we each have a strength, ability, or talent in which we excel over others. In some cases, you are a “head,” in others, a “foot,” but in all instances, we come together as one.
Your contributions—spiritual, emotional, and material—create the foundation upon which this community thrives. As we enter the new year, let us continue to support each other, creating more beautiful moments together.
So it's 2 steps:
1) We have to make efforts to stand ,laugh,cry ,just be together.
2) We need to know we each other. Every Jew is vital and unique to the community.
Whether you lead from the front or support behind the scenes, your impact is felt, your presence matters, and together, we create something greater than ourselves.
Thank you for being a part of every beautiful moment we share. May we all be blessed with a year filled with peace, unity, and joy. Together, may we continue to share and create beautiful moments.
Shana Tova U’Metuka—Wishing you a sweet and fulfilling new year,
Rabbi Yitzi and Rishi Hein