By Leslie Feldman
Over the last 10 months, the rabbis and wives at Lubavitch of Bucks County have heard from many congregants about the world they are living in after Oct. 7. Many have spoken about the loss of family and friends, expressed their views on hatred and how they feel powerless and helpless.
“The strength of the Jewish people is in our unity,” said Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein. “The Midrash tells us that when the Jewish people stand together as a community, we can accomplish more than Moshe himself. The events last year have triggered a significant awakening within our Jewish community, highlighting an urgent need for solidarity and mutual support. The recent surge in antisemitism and the apparent erosion of moral clarity both globally and nationally have left many Jews feeling unsettled and vulnerable.”
In response to these challenges, Lubavitch of Bucks County has made it a priority to invite all members of the Jewish community to come together for Rosh Hashanah, with an aim to offer a supportive environment where individuals can connect with one another, share experiences and find comfort in collective resilience.
“By providing these opportunities, we hope to strengthen our communal bonds and offer a sanctuary where Jewish values and support are at the forefront,” added Weinstein. “This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the needs of our community in these trying times, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment among our members.”
For the first time, the synagogue is collecting personal prayers to hold close on the bimah during the sounding of the shofar. Prayers for academic success, financial success, health, long life and loved ones will be printed and placed in a folder on the bimah. All individual prayers of the community will be in one space for one moment, praying for each other individually and collectively.
“This initiative is inspired by the tradition of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the revered Jewish leader known for emphasizing the power of collective prayer and unity,” explained Weinstein. “It will create a shared space for our community’s hopes and aspirations.”
By doing this, Lubavitch of Bucks County hopes to unify the individual prayers, symbolizing a collective voice before God. Weinstein believes that the act of coming together in this way is not only a powerful expression of communal solidarity but an invocation of divine compassion.
“We believe that such unity has the potential to bring about meaningful blessings and salvation for both personal and communal requests,” he said. “This collective moment of prayer is designed to enhance our sense of togetherness and to amplify our collective hopes and needs as a community.”
Weinstein emphasized that not only for the new year, but year round, Lubavitch of Bucks County’s doors are open because every Jew is a part of its community — never just a guest.
“We have participating members and supporting members; everyone’s a member,” he added. “Our guiding principle is to welcome all, reflecting our deep commitment to inclusivity and support. In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to create opportunities for the entire Jewish community to come together. By opening up to all, we hope to foster unity and provide a space where everyone can find comfort and strength.”
“We want this service to be an opportunity for spiritual growth and personal reflection,” continued Weinstein. “With everyone’s help, this year will be extraordinary and will amplify our collective strength, giving us a strong start to a new year.”
For Rosh Hashanah, the main service starts at 10:30 a.m. and features the Torah reading, an inspirational sermon and the pivotal shofar blowing. On Yom Kippur, the main service begins at 11 a.m. and includes the Torah reading, an inspirational sermon and the yizkor service.
For more information, visit lubavitchbucks.org.
Leslie Feldman is a freelance writer.