In a recent conversation, a school leader remarked, “We often claim to be united, yet our actions and beliefs suggest otherwise.” This was surprising to hear from a community leader, but it got me thinking: What does it really mean to be united as a community? Are we aligned in our ideas, actions and beliefs, or are we merely acknowledging togetherness on a superficial level?

As Tisha B’Av approaches, a profound opportunity for unity and communal reflection arises in Bergen County. This year, Teaneck Together is hosting a special Bergen County Unity Kumzitz on Tuesday, August 13, featuring singers from the BaRock Orchestra. This event promises to be a significant gathering, uniting 16 shuls from across the county, each representing diverse areas and religious backgrounds. Participating shuls include Ahavat Achim, Arzei Darom, Bais Menachem, Beth Sholom, Beth Tefillah, Darchei Noam, Jewish Center of Teaneck, Kehilat Kesher, Lev Le’Daas, Netivot Shalom, Ohr Saadya, Sephardic Center of Paramus, Shaare Tefillah, Temple Emeth, Young Israel of Fair Lawn and Young Israel of Fort Lee.

Unity is not just about standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel and worldwide. It is about being present with one another, sharing common experiences, and elevating ourselves collectively to something higher. This shared experience of togetherness is what we aim to achieve with the Bergen County Tisha B’Av Unity Kumzitz.

Throughout my life, I have come to realize that true unity involves not just ideas but standing together with others in their presence and being part of a common experience at the same point in time. It is about elevating our world to something greater than ourselves. This elevated state of togetherness transcends individual differences and brings us closer to our essence. It is not about any one person, but about all of us collectively. This essence of unity is what we hope to bring out during the Unity Kumzitz.

This event, the first in its kind, aims to foster a sense of genuine connection where we are all truly in this together. When we elevate our world around us and bring it back to God, we become truly united. This unity allows us to share in a place of godliness, continuously filling and uplifting us despite our individual and collective challenges.

Tisha B’Av is a day that often feels disjointed and disconnected, filled with questions, doubts and concerns. However, it is also a day of profound potential for reconnection and unity. On this day, more than any other, we have the opportunity to make a commitment to do something that brings us closer to God and to one another.

This commitment does not need to be grand or complex. Even small acts of kindness and reflection can significantly impact. By coming together at the Bergen County Unity Kumzitz, we can collectively reconnect to the Source, bringing our doubts and concerns back to Hashem and asking for His guidance to keep us truly united.

In the presence of our friends and community members we will have the chance to recognize our shared similarities and values. This gathering is an opportunity to see firsthand how much more similar we are than we might think. It is a chance to reflect on our shared goals and aspirations, fostering a deeper sense of unity and togetherness.

I invite you all to join us on Tuesday, August 13, for this special Unity Kumzitz. Let us come together in song, reflection, and prayer, strengthening our bonds and elevating our collective spirit. For free registration, please visit www.TeaneckTogether.com.

The Tisha B’Av Unity Kumzitz is more than just an event, it is a powerful statement of our commitment to unity and togetherness. It is an opportunity to stand together, elevate our community, and bring ourselves closer to God. Let us embrace this chance to reflect on our shared values and experiences, fostering a deeper sense of unity that transcends individual differences.

A special thank you to the participating shuls for recognizing the importance of unity in our community. Your commitment to this event is a testament to the strength and resilience of our collective spirit. Together, we can create a more unified and compassionate community, standing together in the presence of God and one another.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Bergen County Tisha B’Av Unity Kumzitz.

Dr. Josh Schwarzbaum is a physician, speaker, coach and author. He is triple board-certified in emergency medicine, addiction medicine and emergency medical services. He works with individuals and corporations helping people discover their inner peace and well-being, improve their relationships, and make better decisions every single day. You can learn more about him at www.healthyinside.net.