Community Magazine September 2011

E stimated to be the largest gathering of in history of the New York and New Jersey, Syrian and Near-Eastern Jewish communities, some 3,000 men, women and children filled the Multi-Purpose Activity Center of Monmouth University on August 7 th , to read Tehillim, pray and demonstrate unity. Termed “CommUNITY,” this inspirational event – a first of its kind – brought together an unprecedented array of participants, irrespective of synagogue affiliation, ideology, or political persuasion. The evening began with a recitation of Tehillim (Psalms) led by Marc Tawil. Eight chapters were read, including the sections of Psalm 119 whose first letters spell the word the word ehad (one). Following the Tehillim recitation, attendants watched a video broadcast on overhead screens, featuring personal messages from revered Israeli rabbis applauding the community’s unity during a critical time of repentance and introspection. Afterwards, everyone prayed mincha and arbit , in what was probably the largest minyan in community history. The first speaker on the video was Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yona Metzger shelita , who explained the fundamental principles that illuminated the beauty of the event. He noted that the word ehad (one) has the same numerical value as the word ahava (love), as well as yedid (friend), and ko’ah (strength). Loving each other brings unity and friendship, which is what gives us strength as a nation, intensifying Gd’s presence among us. Israel’s Sephardic Chief Rabbi Hacham ShelomoAmar shelita, expressed his elation over the event by exclaiming as his opening remarks, “ Henei ma tov u’ma naim, shevet ahim gam yachad! – How good and pleasant it is for brothers to reside together in unity”. He urged everyone to maintain peace and unity – thereby ensuring Hashem’s ongoing presence among us and rendering us deserving of the Third Temple. Finally, the audience was treated to a special address by Gadol Hador Hacham Ovadia Yosef shelita , who extended his personal blessing to everyone in attendance, praising them for sanctifying Hashem’s name and creating a vehicle for His blessings, noting our Sages’ teaching that blessing can only be bestowed in peace. All of the rabbis emphasized how critical peaceful relations are to both individual self-improvement and our progress as a nation. The evening was an inspirational reminder that we’re all working towards a common purpose in this world – serving Hashem with love. United in Prayer PHOTOS BY: MORRIS ANTEBI STORY BY: KELLY JEMAL MASSRY 48 Community magazine