(Courtesy of Bet Yosef) One of the main themes of the High Holidays is achdut. It starts with the month of Elul where Jews unite for the Selichot, continues on with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, where all pray for unity, and reaches its pinnacle on Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

Cong. Bet Yosef of Fort Lee took the idea of unity to the next level by organizing a community wide Selichot event.

The event that was spearheaded by Rabbi Ilan Acoca, the rabbi of the congregation, has grown through the years. This year, many rows of chairs were added and it was standing room only.

In his opening remarks, Rabbi Acoca spoke about the importance of unity and how this year, more than any other year, all Jews have to put their differences aside and unite for the sake of the soldiers and the safe return of the captives.

Participants had a chance to listen to Havdalah and enjoy a melave malka before the Selichot started.

For more information about Bet Yosef, visit www.sephardicfortlee.org or call Rackel at (201) 543-9459.