אהבת חנם was on the menu last Wednesday, when the men of Hillside came together for a special unity barbecue celebrating the conclusion of the somber three-week commemoration of the capture and destruction of Yerushalayim and the second Beit Hamikdash.
Organizer Dovi Ettinger, a member of Adath Israel (AI), who hosted the event in his backyard, was elated at the chance to bring people together.
“Baruch Hashem we have shuls that cater to all nusachim,” he said. “But if we’re truly to fulfill the mitzvah of ואהבת לרעך כמוך, we need to organize more events like this, where we can connect and get to know one another as neighbors.”
Hillside has been experiencing considerable growth in recent years, with local minyanim available to the community doubling and, last year, seeing the election of their newest frum Councilmember, Dovid Feuerstein.
Feuerstein touts the quiet suburban quality of Hillside as one of the main attractions. “On warm Shabbos afternoons, Hillside can feel like a bungalow colony,” he said. “Everyone is out and about stopping at multiple houses for a schmooze or outdoor shul programming like AI’s ‘Perek on the Lawn’ series. Events like this have established Hillside as a great destination for young Jewish families to call home.”
“One great thing about Hillside is the open-door policy of our shuls,” said Avi Katz, president of Kehilas Sheves Achim, a Nusach Ari minyan started during COVID. “I might find myself at two or three minyanim over the course of a Shabbos, and at all of them I am greeted with smiles and warmth.”
Truly coming together, sponsors chipped in and pooled resources, covering the cost of food, lending their grills to the cause, and volunteering to oversee the cook.
Levi Kumer, one of the organizers and a member of Bris Avrohom Center, was touched by the outpouring of support for the event. “This demonstration of togetherness is so heartening, especially with all the turmoil and divisiveness we find when we open our phones and newspapers.”
Ari Lipper, a member and unofficial mashgiach ruchani of Sheves Achim, who organizes weekly summer barbecues at a rotating set of local homes, made sure the trays of hot dogs, grilled salami, pastrami, chicken and pulled brisket remained full for the large and hungry crowd.
“I wish we could go this big every week,” said Lipper. “Good food is a great way to bring people together, but also the best way to bring the geula closer.”
In the end, dozens attended, staying late into the evening singing zemiros and creating new connections.
Hillside Area Shuls:
- Adath Israel: 1391 North Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208. (908) 354-7318
- Bris Avrohom: 910 Salem Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205. (908) 289-0770
- Shaarei Bracha: 860 Gateway Street, Hillside, NJ 07205
- Kehilas Sheves Achim: 880 Salem Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205 [email protected]
