Wednesday evening, August 25, The Rabbinical Alliance of America – Igud HaRabbonim, of which over forty Lubavitch Rabbis are members, held their annual Elul Siyum HaShas and honored four NYPD officials for their dedicated service to our community.
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea, Chief of Community Affairs Jeffrey Maddrey, Deputy Inspector Richie Taylor and Chaplain Imam Tahir were the recipients of the RAA’s prestigious awards during the ceremony which was held at the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation on Avenue T in Brooklyn.
A number of Elected Officials presented the distinguished honorees with a Certificate of Appreciation, including US Congressional Proclamations from Congresswoman Yvette Clarke that were presented by Mr. Gabriel Torres, Director of Special Projects and Policy with R’ Eli Slavin – Community Liaison. Also Present from Crown Heights was Rabbi Chanina Sperlin – Executive VP Intergovernmental Affairs for the Crown Heights JCC. The MC of the event was Rabbi Mendy Miroczanik, Executive VP of RAA. The Chairman of the event was Rabbi Michael Menick, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of RAA and Mr. David Heskiel, NYPD Clergy Liaison (CAB) Organizing Committee.
Amongst the Rabbis addressing the Siyum was Rabbi Shea Hecht of New Haven, who again introduced the Rebbe’s wish to implement “a Moment of Silence” in the Public Schools.
The Siyum was made by Rabbi Shaul Kassin, Chief Rabbi of the Syrian Community, and the Hascholas Hashas by Horav Williger, Rosh Hakollel of Nachlas Dovid of Yeshivas Torah Vodaas.
In attendance were Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, Councilmen Kalmen Yager and Ari Kagen. Representing the Mayor’s Office was Pinni Ringel, the Comptroller’s Office Pinny Hikind, and representing the NYC Public Advocate was Simon Sebag.
