By COLlive reporter
Photos: Shimi Kutner/COLlive
A Menorah lighting ceremony took place at the 71st Precinct in Crown Heights Monday, organized by Chabad Air.
The second annual lighting took place “in appreciation to our NYPD officers for all they do for our community, keeping residents safe all year round,” organizers said.
Rabbi Yossi Bryski served as the MC.
Participating in the event on his first day on the job was the precinct’s new Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Tito Romero, who was honored with lighting the shamash candle.
CO Romero was presented with a gift of a Dreidel, in honor of his new position, which “represents the freedom we enjoy today to practice our Jewish faith openly and without fear,” organizers said.
The Menorah was lit in honor of Chana Bas Avrohom.
Following the candle lighting, Rabbi Simon Jacobson thanked the officers for their selfless work in protecting us all, and then proceeded to speak about the lessons that the Chanukah lights teach law enforcers.
“Lesson #1 is that you are not just fighters of the dark, but bearers of light. Though at times you may need to use arms, your real power lies on your noble mission of serving as illuminating role models demonstrating the best human beings have to offer,” Rabbi Jacobson said.
“Nothing is greater than serving to protect others,” Rabbi Jacobson continued. “The master flame (the shamash) towers above the other flames because it ignites, kindles and protects them.
“A little light naturally dispels darkness. Light is not loud and aggressive. Its subtlety has more power than the darkest darkness,” he said.
Rabbi Jacobson concluded with a powerful blessing to all the officers: ”May you always be carriers of light. May G-d protect you as you protect us all. May your mere presence as light bearers serve as preventive medicine deterring all darkness, without ever needing to resort to actual battle.”
VIDEO:
Rabbi Jacobson message:
Menorah lighting
wow big Kiddush Heshem we want moshaich now