Jewish High Holiday Services To Honor Legacy Of Beloved Monmouth County Rabbi

MARLBORO, NJ — It was over a decade ago when Rabbi Levi Wolosow first moved to Marlboro and launched “Project Rosh” for the Jewish High Holidays, but years later, his legacy is still making an impact in the Monmouth County community.

Wolosow, a longtime rabbi at Chabad Lubavitch of Western Monmouth County, launched Project Rosh after noticing that many people in the community wanted to connect during the High Holidays, but weren’t sure how to.

In response to this need in his community, Rabbi Levi created Project Rosh, a High Holiday service that looks to welcome community members of all ages and affiliations to connect with God and the local Jewish community during the holiday season.

“He really just made it a space where everyone felt welcomed and included, no matter what affiliation they had,” said Moushkie Volovik, who runs Chabad Youth with her husband, and was Rabbi Levi's sister-in-law. “What started off as a small thing in his house and his garage built up to where they were renting out elementary schools and now renting out middle school auditoriums.”

Over the years, Project Rosh grew from small to medium to large gatherings within the Monmouth County community thanks to the efforts of Rabbi Levi and project organizers, but in February, the community suffered a devastating loss when Rabbi Levi suddenly passed away on a family trip.

Remembered as kind, outgoing, and sincere, thousands of mourners made their way to Brooklyn for Rabbi Levi’s funeral and donated funds to help support his family following his passing.

Though he won’t be able to attend this year’s High Holiday services, Rabbi Levi's life and legacy will be present as the community dedicates this year’s Project Rosh in his memory.

“For people who have been coming to Project Rosh all these years, after he passed, there was a concern of ‘What are we going to do for the High Holidays?’” Volovik told Patch.

“We know this [Project Rosh] is something he put so much energy and effort into because he really believed it was a necessity,” Volovik continued. “There was no way we were going to let this year go by without making sure that every person he made sure had a place to pray for the holidays would have a place again this year.”

At this year’s Project Rosh services — which will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and Wednesday, Sept. 24, for Rosh Hashanah, and Wednesday, Oct. 1, and Thursday, Oct. 2, for Yom Kippur — attendees can expect:

• Fast-moving, easy-to-follow, step-by-step services
• Inspiring stories and anecdotes
• Everyone participates (men, women, and children)
• Children’s programs for kids of all ages
• Sushi Kiddush and Kosher wine-tasting

According to Volovik, the Rabbi Sermon will also focus on Rabbi Levi and what he did for the community, as well as how his passing won’t stop their community from continuing the important work that he believed in.

“There’s a Jewish saying along the lines of ‘In a place where there’s no man, strive to be a man.’ If you see a lack in the community, help fill that lack,” Volovik said. “Rabbi Levi really lived to help others. If he saw a lack, he was like, ‘Okay, we’ve got to take care of this. We’ve got to do this.’”

With Project Rosh specifically, Volovik added that Rabbi Levi saw a void in the local community and stepped up to make sure that void was filled. In doing so, he ensured that everyone had a place to pray and connect during the High Holidays.

By assisting his community, Volovik said that Rabbi Levi started a beloved, annual tradition — one which they will strive to continue for years to come.

“This is the time of year where, as Jewish people, it’s our time to connect to God,” Volovik said. “Whether you’re used to going to temple or not, this is a safe space where everyone can come and stay for as long as they want, while feeling comfortable and safe.”

“We’re going to keep it up, and we’re going to try to make it stronger and better, because we know he [Rabbi Levi] was taken too soon,” Volovik continued. “There was so much he still had to do and so many dreams he had, and we’re going to make sure all of that continues even after his passing.”

Project Rosh will take place at Marlboro Middle School on Tuesday and Wednesday for Rosh Hashanah. For Yom Kippur, services will be on Wednesday, Oct. 1, and Thursday, Oct. 2.

Services will be led by Rabbi Shmuly Volovik and hosted by Chanale Wolosow and Moushkie Volovik.

The sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah will be followed by a festive Kiddush featuring sushi and kosher wine. On Yom Kippur, the Yizkor memorial service will give participants a moment to honor loved ones.

To learn more or RSVP for Project Rosh, you can click here. Space is limited and reservations are encouraged, though nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

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