By COLlive reporter
The New York City Council approved the co-naming of President Street, between Brooklyn and New York Avenues, in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood as “Lubavitcher Rebbe Way” on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
“Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was the seventh leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and one of the most transformative figures in modern Jewish history,” said the Democratic Council Member Crystal Hudson, who introduced the bill.
The block, which will be renamed, is home to 1304 President Street, the house of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of blessed memory. Today, it is occasionally open for tours and davening.
“After escaping the Holocaust and arriving in the United States in 1941, the Rebbe’s leadership expanded Chabad-Lubavitch’s global reach, establishing countless institutions: kindergartens, schools, drug rehabilitation centers, care homes, and synagogues,” Hudson said.
“His ability to meet people where they were—engaging them with warmth and heartfelt communication regardless of their background or status—set him apart,” said Hudson, 41. She was born and raised in the nearby Prospect Heights but has not met the Rebbe.
In her remarks, Hudson shared a story about the Rebbe to explain the source of her admiration. She said the story “embodies not only his enduring legacy but also the very spirit of Brooklyn.”
She said:
“In 1968, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She was assigned to the Agriculture Committee—an assignment intended to sideline her influence. Chisholm was disheartened — besides, what does someone from Brooklyn know about agriculture?
“At this moment, the Rebbe reached out to meet with her. Chisholm shared her frustrations and her desire to serve her community’s underserved. The Rebbe, seeing an opportunity where others saw a setback, encouraged her to use the committee to address America’s surplus of food while feeding the hungry. Inspired by this conversation, Shirley Chisholm championed legislation that led to the federal food stamp program—an initiative that continues to feed millions of Americans to this day.
“It is stories like this that remind us of the Rebbe’s profound ability to inspire action, build bridges, and help others see the potential for good in every challenge.”
Hudson, who represents the 35th district of the City Council, which covers parts of central Brooklyn, emphasized, “I am proud to represent a district that is home to the worldwide Chabad Lubavitch headquarters and now honors the Rebbe’s legacy with ‘Lubavitcher Rebbe Way.'”
Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, the Crown Heights activist who has been working with Hudson on the naming, was invited to present the invocation at the council meeting. His prayer emphasized values that were central to the Rebbe’s teachings.
“Master of the Universe, who created the world with boundless blessings, empower us to see and embrace all that is good and beautiful in New York City. Bless us to honor the dignity of difference in this global city of remarkable diversity.”
Rabbi Behrman’s words reflected the spirit of the street renaming, calling for courage, collaboration, and compassionate leadership. He concluded by quoting the Rebbe: “We are one people, living in one city, under one administration, and under one G-d.”
VIDEO:
should be called “Rebbe Nossi Doreinu Way”
they also approved thousands of new apartments for Homeless and Mentally unstable ppl, putting out community at risk.
Can someone clarify if Shirley Chisholm started food stamps or WIC?
I seem to remember that it was WIC…
The crux of the story doesn’t really change, but good to have accuracy
It was WIC
It was Wic that Shirley Chisholm started thanks to the Rebbe’s enchoragment
What a kiddush Hashem that Mr Berman gave the prayer! Well done