I am dedicating this blog in loving memory of Ori Danino z”l, Carmel Gat z”l, Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, Alexander Lobanov z”l, Almog Sarusi z”l, and Eden Yerushalmi z”l, those six precious souls murdered this past weekend by Hamas, and all of the hostages and IDF soldiers who have died since October 7 protecting Israel and protecting us on multiple fronts. We may have little influence on global events, but in each of our families, and here in our Jewish communities and at Schechter Bergen, we can make a difference.

As we enter the month of Elul, we find ourselves in a time that is both challenging and deeply reflective. The month of Elul, traditionally a period for introspection, repentance, and preparation for the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays), takes on profound significance in the context of the current state of our world and the Jewish community. This is a time when we are called not only to examine our individual lives, but also to consider the collective soul of Am Yisrael, our people.

In recent months, our country has become increasingly divided along political lines, a division that has sadly permeated even our Jewish communities. At the same time, Jews around the world are grappling with the rise of anti-Semitism, the ongoing war in Gaza, and the heartbreaking news of the deaths of the six hostages. These events weigh heavily on our collective conscience, especially the brutal murder of these six beautiful souls. In such a climate, despair seems to linger at the edges of our thoughts, threatening to overshadow the hope that Elul traditionally brings.  

We must never forget that even now, in all of our pain and concern, that we must remain a people of hope. Our sages teach that Elul is an acronym for "Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li"—"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" (Song of Songs 6:3). This verse reminds us of the deep, unbreakable bond between the Jewish people and God. Even in our darkest moments, this relationship endures, offering us a wellspring of strength and resilience. Whether you have a deep relationship with God or not, this idea can serve as a source of strength.

The challenges we face today—both as a nation and as a Jewish people—demand that we come together in unity. We cannot let the divisions in our country and the hate that is coming at us daily, tear us apart. Our tradition emphasizes the power of communal solidarity, particularly in times of crisis. The Talmud teaches, "Kol Yisrael arevim zeh ba-zeh"—"All of Israel is responsible for one another" (Shevuot 39a). This principle calls us to stand together, to support one another, and to confront the forces of hate and division with a united front. 

However, unity does not mean uniformity. As Jews, we have a long tradition of debate and disagreement, but it is essential that these disagreements are conducted with respect and love. The concept of "Mahloket L’Shem Shamayim"—an argument for the sake of Heaven—is a cornerstone of Jewish thought. We are taught this through the debates between Hillel and Shammai; disagreements conducted with the right intentions can lead to deeper understanding and greater truth. Our sages note that although Hillel and Shammai often held opposing views, they maintained respect for each other and their disciples, even married each other’s children, showing that love and respect can coexist with passionate disagreement. This concept runs deeply in the Schechter Kehillah and is central in our Portrait of a Schechter Graduate: “We practice Mahloket L’Shem Shamayim - constructive, principled, civil discourse - with respect, empathy and kindness.  We distinguish between a person and their viewpoints and treat everyone as created B’tzelem Elokim - in the image of God.”

I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that our children are taught the values of unity and respectful disagreement. Our students must learn that it is not only acceptable to hold different opinions but that these differences can enrich our community when approached with a spirit of humility and a commitment to the collective good. We must teach them that the true enemy is not the person who holds a different view, but the forces of hatred and division that seek to tear us apart.

To do this, we must model these values ourselves. We adults must show our children that it is possible to engage in passionate debate without resorting to hostility or personal attacks. We must demonstrate that our love for one another transcends our differences and that our commitment to the Jewish people and to justice is unwavering, even when we disagree on the specifics.

In this month of Elul, let us recommit to these principles. Let us take this time to reflect on our own actions, to seek forgiveness where we have fallen short, and to strive for even greater unity in our community. Let us remember that in the face of adversity, our strength lies in our ability to come together as one people, bound by our shared history, values, and destiny.

As we prepare for the High Holy Days, may we be inspired by the spirit of Elul to rise above the divisions that threaten to tear us apart. Let us embrace the hope that this month offers, trusting that through our efforts, we can create a future of peace, justice, and unity for all. And let us teach our children, by word and deed, that true strength lies not in uniformity, but in our ability to disagree with respect, to stand together in the face of adversity, and to uphold the timeless values that have sustained our people through generations.

In loving memory of Ori Danino z”l, Carmel Gat z”l, Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, Alexander Lobanov z”l, Almog Sarusi z”l, Eden Yerushalmi z”l and all those who have perished for the sake of the Jewish people, the right for us to live on our land and to thrive as Jews around the world, we must ensure that our strength, our unity, and unwavering support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel will see us through these difficult times unified and determined. At Schechter Bergen and beyond these walls we must support each other even when we may disagree on how to get there. Remember God only knows, the rest of us hope.