Shabbat Across America was celebrated across the United States with the purpose of uniting Jews
New York – Rashad Alkhader – Homeland Nows
in their communities, through the observance of Shabbat traditions. Also on Staten Island, Congregation Toras Emes participated, gathering a packed crowd of its members and guests to join in the praying, singing and sharing of the Shabbat Kiddush and the very elaborate and delicious meal.
Led by Rabbi Yochanan Ivry and Rebbetzin Sterna Chava Ivry, Congregation Toras Emes was founded over fifty years ago by Holocaust survivors stemming from different parts of Eastern Europe. For the past twenty five years, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Ivry have been at the helm of the Kehillah in the Oakwood Heights neighborhood of Staten Island. People jumped at the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat in unity, and for this Shabbat Across America, Toras Emes counted on a distinguished guest, the scholar in residence, Rabbi Yakov David Cohen.
Founder of the Institute of The Noahide Code with non governmental status at The United Nations, for the last 18 years, Rabbi Cohen has been teaching members of the international community at the UN, about the laws of Noah, and their relevance in today’s world. Rabbi Cohen employs his time at that organization, also helping men put on Tefillin, distributing Kosher l’Pessach food to Jews who work at the UN and related agencies, as well as participating each year, in the annual commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Rabbi Cohen’s outreach extends to a myriad of Jewish communities around the world, who would indeed benefit from an event such as Shabbat Across America. Chanukah festivities, Purim Megillah readings, and Sukkot’s lulav shaking are also Jewish holidays which are commemorated by both Jewish and non Jewish employees of the United Nations, as presented by this Rabbi. To critics of those who may not see the merit of sharing ethical and moral values with others, Rabbi Cohen remembers that our duty is to fight evil but not as a constant, rather to be a light where it needs to be shown.
During his presentation for Shabbat Across America, Rabbi Cohen also spoke about the two important days of Creation, and the differing opinions of when this took place. Rabbi Eliezer stated that Creation took place on the 25th of Elul, and Rabbi Joshua said it took place on the 25th of Adar. Shabbat Across America 2026 coincidentally was held on the 25th of Adar. To enhance the importance of the day, Rabbi Cohen spoke at length about the 25th of Adar not being so recognized in most Jewish texts, but that its interpretation suggested both renewal and new beginnings, a day which commemorates the Creation of the Jewish nation. This, according to Rabbi Joshua. The coincidence of a day of unity as Shabbat Across America establishes, falling on a day of renewal and the Creation of the Jewish nation, underlined the importance of sitting together to share with and strengthen one another, as a People to be a light onto the nations.
During the dinner, and between the L’Chaims, Rabbi Ivry mentioned a young lady by the name of Rachel Bat Helen, who while currently serving Israel in the IDF, her Parents and Brother requested all there to pray for her safety and that of her unit, and all serving Israel at present. Special prayers were also said for American soldiers abroad. This Shabbat Across America had distinctive details for each community that commemorated the event. Present also at the Toras Emes event during the Shabbat dinner, were Noahides from Europe, who had never attended a Shabbat dinner, as well as converts from Cuba, and China, who were thoroughly enjoying the experience of Shabbat unity.
Shabbat Across America extended itself to the morning services when two Torahs were taken out to have two Parshiot read. By finishing the Book of Exodus on Shabbat Across America, Rabbi Ivry proclaimed, Chazak!, Strength!, to all while Rabbii Cohen blessed the new month of Nissan, awaiting the Bracha precisely of renewal, Redemption and Moschiach now. It was a Shabbat laden with symbolism, joy, and unity. Those young and old of Congregation Toras Emes on Staten Island, were reinvigorated and strengthened by the inspirational words of Rabbi Cohen, and the unwavering dedication to acts of chesed shown throughout the years by the pillars of Torah of our growing Jewish community, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Ivry.
