Diverse Jewish synagogues mark 9/11

To commemorate Sept. 11, Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Emeth in Hewlett along with the Orthodox synagogues of, Young Israel of North Woodmere and Young Israel of Hewlett will be coming together to celebrate life and remember those who perished.

Rabbi Elliott Skiddell of Congregation Beth Emeth said Rabbi Heshy Blumstein of Young Israel of Hewlett approached him with the idea for a joint service. “It’s an incredible way for our community to come together to mark this very sad occasion,” he said.

The service is open to the public and would include personal reflections, music, memorial prayers, poems and reflective reading by a member of each congregation, Skiddell said. “We will stop and think about our lives, how we can make them better and make our community better,” he said.

There are theological, ideological and liturgical differences between the various sects of Judaism, according to Skiddell, however, Sept. 11 is not a day to talk about differences. “This is a day we put our differences aside,” he said. “It’s a day to come together.”

Blumstein said he saw the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11 as an opportunity to bring together those who wouldn’t normally be. “I thought we would be able to attract different people and bring them together in a room to share their feelings,” he said. “This is something people have a passion for.”

Rabbi Yehuda Septimus of Young Israel of North Woodmere said he wanted to be apart of the joint service. “I like the idea that a large group of communal organizations will be coming together to commemorate the day,” he said. “That says something about our community.”

Septimus added that he is looking forward to the chance to pay his respects. “It’s an opportunity to pay respect to those who perished but also to show our support to all of the relatives and friends of those who perished,” he said. “Coming together as entire community has an important effect that serves a purpose.”

Skiddell thinks the joint service will be special to all those who attend. “It’s an opportunity for us to come together, to share our continued grief,” he said. “Even though it’s been ten years, it’s very much still a fresh wound in all of our hearts.”

The Sept. 11 service will take place Sunday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Young Israel of Hewlett located at 1 Piermont Avenue in Hewlett.