Yacov Fruchter reflects on Adam’s first encounter with darkness, drawing lessons about feeling emotions deeply, taking responsibility, and finding resilience through connection. Just as Adam and Eve endured the night together until the sun rose, and as Omer Shemtov found healing through a first embrace after captivity, we too must support one another in times of fear and uncertainty. He urged the community not to let fear dictate life, but instead to witness each other’s pain, embrace courage, and be “narrow bridges” of strength and love until the light returns. Excerpt from Rosh Hashanah Short and Sweet service · September 23, 2025 · Beth Tzedec Congregation · Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin calls for a long-overdue apology to Canadian Jews. While past governments have issued apologies for harms done to other communities, Jewish Canadians have yet to receive a full reckoning. Drawing on Maimonides’ four steps of teshuvah, Rabbi Fryer Bodzin emphasized that words alone are insufficient, a true apology must be accompanied by policy, enforcement, and protection. Despite rising anti-Semitism today, she affirmed Jewish resilience, rooted in God, Torah, and communal strength, and urged unity until real change and accountability are achieved. September 23, 2025 · Beth Tzedec Congregation · Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick addresses the challenges of balancing sanctuary with security in today’s world, particularly during the High Holy Days. He acknowledges the fear many people carry—fear for personal safety, the survival of Israel, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the fear of divisiveness within communities and families. He emphasizes that fear, if acknowledged and channeled, can lead to action through repentance, prayer, and justice. Rabbi Wernick urges the community to be vigilant, empathize with others and to turn fear into purpose by taking concrete actions that affirm life and commitment to Jewish values. Excerpt from Rosh Hashanah service · September 23, 2025 · Beth Tzedec Congregation · Toronto, Canada.