Dear Editor,
I am writing to share several recent inspiring “Hoboken moments” and to thank the public servants and private citizens responsible for them.
Like Jews worldwide, the Jewish community of Hoboken is now observing an intense period of holy days and festivals. It began September 7, with Rosh Hashana, which marks the Jewish New Year, and continued with Yom Kippur, a day of fasting, on September 16. Saturday, September 21, is the beginning of an eight-day harvest holiday called Sukkot. The holidays culminate with Simchat Torah, on September 29, when we complete the annual reading of the Torah, the Five Books of Moses.
In different ways each holiday measures time B the celestial calendar, the agricultural calendar, or the annual cycle of Torah readings. Together they allow us to reflect on how we live the days of our lives and to seek renewal by restoring relationships between ourselves and other people and ourselves and God. It is an emotional time when members of the community draw strength from each other.
This year was especially emotional because of the anniversary of the loss that we all suffered on September 11. Our Star of Israel Synagogue was filled to capacity, except for one seat that we reserved with a flower, a prayer shawl, and a prayer book to commemorate all those lost in the September 11 attacks, and as a particular memorial to our member, Jeffrey Gardner, and the other 52 Hoboken residents who were lost in the World Trade Center.
The events of September 11, also heightened our concern for security. Mayor David Roberts, Chief Carmen La Bruno and a detail of officers led by Lt. Tim McCourt responded with genuine sensitivity to our concerns and implemented an effective plan of action that was an outstanding example of how “Hoboken’s Finest” protect and serve the community.
The police were deployed in front of the synagogue on Park Avenue and in the immediate vicinity, creating a significant and reassuring uniformed presence. The daily positive interaction between the officers and those of us attending synagogue services created an enduring bond.
That bond reflects our connection as neighbors and as human beings. A moving illustration of that connection happened on Rosh Hashana, a day when Hoboken=s Italian community was honoring the Madonna Dei Martiri. When the marchers turned from First Street onto Park Avenue, the musicians stopped playing and the procession moved silently for half a block before pausing in front of the synagogue where services for one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar were in session.
“Happy New Year,” they said to several of us standing nearby. We wished them well and they continued the precession silently until the end of the block when the music resumed. This show of respect between communities helped us glimpse the kind of world that we pray will come into being. It reflects the core strength of Hoboken, indeed of our country.
On behalf of all of us at United Synagogue of Hoboken, I want to express our gratitude to the City of Hoboken and, in the words of the season, extend to its leaders and citizens our warmest best wishes for a sweet and peaceful year.
Ron Rosenberg, President
United Synagogue of Hoboken