By COLlive reporter
Thursday was the National Day of Prayer, an annual observance designated by the U.S. Congress and held on the first Thursday of May, when people are asked “to turn to G-d in prayer and meditation.”
And it was marked outside Chabad World Headquarters – 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, home to a shul that has round-the-clock davening.
Gathering outside the iconic building, which was the central office of the Rebbe, were a group of Chabad rabbis from the neighborhood, around New York and beyond.
They were presented with a citation by New York City Mayor Eric Adams brought by Ido Shargal of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) and Uri Fraenkel, Director of Special Projects for the Mayor.
“On this #NationalDayOfPrayer, @mayorsCAU was honored to present a proclamation at “770”, one of the most well-known synagogues in the world and home to the @Chabad Lubavitch movement,” they wrote on X.com.
Rabbi Shea Hecht, Chairman of the NCFJE organization, recited the Rebbe’s Kapital in Tehillim.
People present included: longtime community activist Rabbi Chanina Sperlin; Rabbi Yossi Garelik of the Anshei Lubavitch Shul; Shmuly Rosenstein of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council; Mendel Banon; Rabbi Motti Seligson, Director of Media Relations at Chabad.org; Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, Director of Social Media for Chabad.org and founder of Tech Tribe; Rabbi Shmuel Metzger, Director of Chabad Beekman-Sutton Manhattan; Rabbi Mendi Sudakevitch, Director of Chabad of Tokyo, Japan; Rabbi Levi Shmotkin, Director of Chabad Young Professionals in Midtown Manhattan; and Rabbi Eli Blokh, Director of Chabad of Rego Park.
The citation read:
“Whereas, New York takes immense pride in its rich tapestry of religious organizations, and we rely upon them to serve as pillars of strength and wisdom in their respective neighborhoods.
“Faith, and especially prayer, offers guidance and rejuvenates the spirit, and we are grateful to our many houses of worship that help to facilitate vital connections to the ethereal realm of the divine and sacred.
“Today, I am proud to acknowledge these organizations for their positive impact and to recognize a Day of Prayer in our city.
“Whereas, in 1775, the Second Continental Congress declared the first National Day of Prayer. In the 250 years since, important leaders have expanded upon this legacy. President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution declaring an annual National Day of Prayer, and President Ronald Reagan codified it into law with the permanent designation for the occasion to be observed annually on the first Thursday of May.
“This important day encourages New Yorkers to strengthen their spiritual connection, express themselves through prayer, and celebrate the healing power that faith has had in their lives. Through prayer, many individuals have found clarity in the mysteries of the world, compassion for others, and courage in the face of great challenges.
“Whereas, over the past five years, religion and spirituality have been crucial in healing our city and renewing our strength and resolve. This year’s observance of the Day of Prayer gives all New Yorkers the opportunity to unite in fellowship and seek a brighter, more hopeful path for their lives and for our city. I am pleased to join in commemorating this important day and embracing the many diverse backgrounds and traditions of all New Yorkers. Together, we will build a stronger, more united future for the five boroughs.
“Now therefore, I, Eric Adams, Mayor of the City of New York, on Thursday, May 1, 2025, do hereby confer this citation in observance of New York City Day of Prayer.”
VIDEO:
Uri Frankel in representing the Mayor!