By COLlive reporter
The Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation, an organization that supports Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Reserve Officers and Recruits, has named Chaplain Rabbi Sholom D. Langsam as one of their LAPD Reserve Officers of the Year.
“Chaplain Langsam is an outstanding example of Twice a Citizen,” they said, citing the name of the award. “He works a full-time job plus assists the Wilshire Area where he can be counted on at all hours for Roll Call, Call Outs and Special Events,” they stated.
Due to the rise in COVID cases in California, the gala tribute event was held online and hosted by Amy Aquino and Tim Conway Jr., with Chief of Police Michel Moore, Assistant Chief Robert Arcos, and Commander Gerald Woodyard.
He was cited as “Reserve Officer of the year” for Wilshire Division of Los Angeles heavily populated by Jewish families, and the “Twice a Citizen” award for serving Operation West Bureau which oversees operations in Hollywood, Wilshire, Pacific, and West Los Angeles, as well as the neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades, Westwood, Century City, Venice, Hancock Park, and the Miracle Mile.
“I was quite surprised to hear that I was the recipient of the award,” Langsam, married and a father of 3 children, told COLlive.com. “It never entered my mind that the reason why I was doing it was for any awards.”
Langsam, a Lubavitcher Chossid who was raised in Crown Heights, is well versed in communal affairs and needs. as a Mohel, US Coast Guard Chaplain, a volunteer member of Hatzolah of Los Angeles, a member of the local Chevra Kadisha burial society, and a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC).
“I joined the LAPD in 2013 and started building relationships.” In addition to serving law enforcement personnel, he educates his colleagues on Jewish laws and customs.
As a member of the emergency agencies, some of Langsam’s colleagues are used to him being available 24/7. Therefore, it may have come as a surprise to them when he notified them that he wasn’t going to participate in the gala itself.
“Ironically, the actual gala took place on Shabbos afternoon,” he said. “I did explain to them that although I appreciated the honor, being that it was Shabbos there was no way that I would be able to attend the ceremony.”
Instead, he offered to receive any of the awards in person after Shabbos.
“I told them that even though it a great honor to receive an award, this is not a matter of life and death,” he said.” So I turned it down being a religious Jew. It made an impression on them…”
We have the best division- Los Angeles Jewish Community appreciate what our cops do for our community
Yasher koach for all that you do for the community
I didnt know the Langsam family Literally has a brother In every field just for the sake of helping another Jew, from chinuch to business to Public service, this band of brothers are a gift to the world In general and lubavitch in particular.
Being first time parents we were understandably nervous regarding the bris. Calling Rabbi shalom was one of the best things we did. He was always available day or night to answer any question we had he even made a special trip to our home 2 days before to check our son, and was always there to guide us in the weeks that followed. We are forever thankful to Rabbi shalom Langsam and if given to opportunity we will use him again. When we asked which model to use Rabbi Langsam is the only answer!
A big shout out to Ruchama his wonderful wife.
She is the Ruach of much of his Chessed!
She keeps everything running smoothly so he can do all the great work he does for our community here.
He is mammash a big brocha for our Anash and the entire community..He keeps a very low profile in regards to his work..”Hatzneh Leches” is his motto…Just get the job done with no fanfare!
A real chossid and Bal Midos Tovos.
Sam Kustanovich
his Grandfather R’ Yechezkel Langsam a”h was a giant in torah and chesed but most never even heard of him and thats the way he wanted it.
his father Tzu Linge Yoren Rabbi Shmuel Langsam is also secretly helping others in ways no one can even imagine, his guidance and counsel is of great help to those who seek but he is happiest when no one knows.
his sons all continue on that path. its amazing how much one family can accomplish!
thank you Rabbi’s yossi, Chaim, Sholom and all the other langsem Boy’s For all you do for the tzibur!!!
LA is safer for jews thanks to you!
thanks rabbi langsam
Rabbi Sholom ber Langzam is indeed a true chosid A few years ago, when I was a bocher in YOEC in L.A. on afternoon an unassuming gentleman (who I later learnd was rabbi langzam) walked into yeshiva, met me in the hallway and asked if the mikva was still open and if not who can he ask to open it. Seeing my look of surprise he explained thst he was called to help with a Jewish individual who had passed away (I dont recall if it was an inmate or a traffic accident) and for kavod HaMess was going to… Read more »
We are lucky to be members of the same community as Rabbi Sholom Ber Langsam. He is really a special gem of a person, always there to help others. He together with his wife are truly honorable people.
Rabbi Langsam and Ruchama are a truly remarkable couple. Always willing to help people with kindness and in a humble manner.
We are lucky to have you here in la always looking out for the frum community and having our back !!