Different voices, one song

There’s something special about moments when everyone shows up. Think about a wedding, a graduation, or even a sports championship. The power isn’t just in the event itself, but in the fact that everyone is there—family, friends, teammates, people from all walks of life, standing together and sharing the moment. It’s that feeling of unity, of being part of something bigger than yourself, that leaves the greatest impact.

That’s exactly the image the Torah gives us this week as we approach Rosh Hashanah. The Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, explained that when the Torah says: “You are all standing here today,” it’s referring to Rosh Hashanah. It’s as if G-d Himself is saying: Before the new year begins, before the Day of Judgment, I want you to know that you are standing firm. You are strong and whole.

But then the Torah goes into detail. It doesn’t just say “you are all standing together.” It specifies: leaders and followers, scholars and workers, woodchoppers and water-carriers. It even emphasizes that this includes not only the people physically present at the time, but all future generations as well. Which begs the question: If we’re all equal before G-d, especially on Rosh Hashanah, why does the Torah highlight all the different “types” of people?

The answer carries a powerful message for our lives today.

On Rosh Hashanah, we are lifted to the highest place imaginable. The Zohar describes it as every Jewish soul reconnecting with its purest source. In that space, differences disappear—whether you’re a professor or a plumber, a rabbi or someone who hasn’t set foot in a synagogue in years. At the deepest level, we’re all the same. Yet, the Torah reminds us not to forget the differences. Because true unity doesn’t erase individuality, it includes it.

It’s like a symphony. The violin doesn’t have to sound like the trumpet, and the trumpet doesn’t have to sound like the drums. The beauty comes when each instrument plays its part while contributing to the harmony of the whole. The Torah lists every kind of Jew to say that unity is not sameness; it’s about every unique role being honored and uplifted.

There’s also another lesson here, one that feels especially practical. Even when we’re striving for something spiritual or meaningful, the Talmud teaches us to keep our “eyes down” while our “hearts are up.” Meaning, yes, reach for inspiration, but don’t lose sight of the very real needs in front of you.

This was the approach of the Baal Shem Tov himself. For all his spirituality, he was known just as much for helping people with everyday struggles—whether it was food on the table, clothing for their children, or simply listening when they needed someone to care. He understood that being connected to the highest ideals doesn’t exempt you from responsibility down here, it makes you more responsible.

And that’s the message for us as we step into Rosh Hashanah. Yes, we’ll gather in the synagogue and pray. Yes, we’ll reflect on our lives and set goals for the year ahead. But equally important is how we’ll show up for each other. Maybe your neighbor needs a ride to the doctor. Maybe your cousin could use a listening ear. Maybe someone in your community is struggling financially, and you can make a difference.

When we bring the lofty ideals of Rosh Hashanah into real, everyday action, we create the kind of unity the Torah envisions—“all of you, standing together.” And when we do that, the blessings promised for the new year don’t just remain abstract or spiritual; they become real, tangible, and sweet.

May this year be one of health, peace, and joy; for you, for your family, and for our entire people.