By COLlive reporter
Photos: Yossi Kurant/COLlive
Just days before Yud Alef Nissan, the birthday of the Rebbe, a large crowd gathered in front of the home of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka at 1304 President Street in Crown Heights for the historic unveiling of the street as ‘Lubavitcher Rebbe Way.’
The ceremony was organized by community activist Yaacov Behrman, Director of the Jewish Future Alliance, who spearheaded the effort to rename the street where the Rebbe and Rebbetzin lived for decades.
The co-naming sign was unveiled in a ceremony hosted by New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson and was attended by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Attorney General of New York Letitia James, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and many other elected officials, members of the NYPD and community leaders.
The program included reciting of the 12 Pesukim led by Rabbi Shimon Hecht, performances by Cantor Shloime Rabin, singer Boruch Shalom Blesofsky, and the Lubavitch Yeshiva Boys Choir led by Rabbi Moishy Goldstein. Live music was performed by musician Chony Milecki.
Rabbi Shalom M. Paltiel, Shliach in Port Washington, NY, delivered an inspiring address.
Also in attendance were: Adrienne Eadie Adams – Speaker of the New York City Council, Jumaane D. Williams – Public Advocate, Senator Zellnor Myrie, Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, City Council Member Kalman Yeger, Council Member Nantasha Williams, Justin Lee Brannan – Member of New York City Council, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Assembly Member David Weprin, NYPD Chief Richard Taylor, 71st Precint Inspector Captain Ronald Perez, NYPD Community Affairs Officer Jonathan Connors, Rabbi Chanina Sperlin of the Crown Heights Jewish Community, Rabbi Eli Cohen of the Crown Heights Jewish Community, Mrs. Ruchama Clapman of MASK, Rabbi Shea Hecht of the NCFJE, Eli Slavin – Liaison to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Pinny Hikind – Liaison to NYC Comptroller, Uri Fraenkel – Director of Special Projects for City Hall, and Moshe Davis – Senior Liaison for Community Affairs for City Hall.
“The Rebbe’s teachings of kindness and his dedication to advocating for the underserved left a lasting impact not only on the district, but on New York City and the entire world. His emphasis on leading with warmth and openness inspired so many, including Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. In such unprecedented times, it is important for New Yorkers to recognize sources of light in the community. I am honored to join the Chabad Lubavitch community in celebrating and recognizing the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s legacy by co-naming President Street ‘Lubavitcher Rebbe Way,’ ensuring his impact reaches Brooklyn generations for years to come,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson.
“The Lubavitcher’s teachings and leadership emanated from here in Brooklyn and extended to every corner of the world, spreading faith, unity, and kindness. At a time when hate and division are on the rise, it is more important than ever to celebrate his legacy and reaffirm our commitment to respect and dignity for all. I am proud to join Brooklyn’s Jewish Community in honoring the Rebbe’s life and contributions,” said Eric Gonzalez, Brooklyn District Attorney.
“I am honored to join in the sign unveiling of Lubavitcher Rebbe Way to celebrate the legacy of Brooklyn legend Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “The Lubavitcher Rebbe was a pillar of faith and service for our borough, and thanks to his leadership, people from all around the world come to Crown Heights to continue to learn from the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Co-naming the street that he grew up on is a great way to honor the legacy that the Lubavitcher Rebbe left on Crown Heights, and I thank the leaders who helped make this happen.”
The co-naming event was made possible by: NCFJE, MASK, Interborough (IDCC), the OK, Bais Shmuel, COLlive, The JFA, the Office of Council Member Crystal Hudson, the Department of Transportation and the NYPD.
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Today was truly epic
The Rebbe is smiling down in such a beautiful event and Kidush Lubavitch
Keep up the amazing work
Great event – Thank you to the JFA and rabbi Berman for making this special day come to fruition
Nice respectful event. Thanks.
Surprised you didn’t mention Ms Faye Brown who was there. She was the Rebbetzins dedicated care taker. She deserved a mention at least. I see at least 8 photos of her but no mention !!
Many people came up to Ms Faye as she is known. She was definitely acknowledged by the many that have come to know and love her. The organizers including Mr Berman did a great job…but to remember every single person while running this type of event, I think we can cut him some slack
Ms Faye is a very humble person and Im sure she appreciated the people who knew her giving her a warm hello
i do think one of the politicians mentioned her…
it may have even been the mayor
Yes the Mayor did speak of her fondly as she was an integral part of his staff until she retired only recently
But I was there and she was mentioned towards the end when all the dignitaries were asked to speak, at that time. I thought she was going to come up and even speak, I would have been happy to see her …..
Behrman is a powerhouse, a crown heights jewel. Hes got a gift and the CH community should really appreciate what he does behind the scenes on the daily.
no one works as hard as ritchie Taylor protecting Yidden in NYC.