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Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan Honors NYPD at Annual Lag Baomer BBQ
Edited by: TJVNews.com
On May 8, 2023, members of the NYPD were lauded and their exceptional police work appreciated and recognized at the Annual Lag Baomer BBQ hosted by the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan in the New Springville section of Staten Island. Rabbi Aharon Zeev and President Oshri Reuven warmly welcomed the NYPD as honored guests to this annual event. . Among the great officers in attendance was Chief Joseph Gulotta, Commander, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Chief Ebony Washington, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Captain Eric Waldhelm, Commanding Officer, Pct.121, Lt. Carolyn Nitowitz, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Lt. Mike Scaly, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Officer Jose Tosla, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Officer Daniel Murro, Pct. 121, and Officer Cynthia Janniere, Pct. 123.
“Lag Baomer is a special and spiritual day when we celebrate the life of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochi. Through his teachings, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochi unlocked the deep secrets of the Torah, making the world a truly better place. Tonight, as we honor the life, commitment, and legacy of this great sage, it is fitting to celebrate alongside the members of the NYPD who selflessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety of our city,” said Rabbi Aharon Zeev.
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochi faced immense challenges and was compelled to go into hiding due to the authorities’ disapproval of his teachings and the Torah he imparted. However, he emerged from seclusion to share his wisdom with the world. Similarly, the NYPD faces a multitude of challenges in their line of duty. As a community, we wholeheartedly affirm our deep appreciation and profound respect for the NYPD, recognizing the arduous circumstances they confront. Despite the prevailing cold weather and existing perceptions surrounding policing, we want the members of the NYPD to know that they are genuinely valued and esteemed, just as the ancient sage was. As a community, we also fervently pray for the day when society awakens to its misjudgments and rectifies its course. We hold steadfast confidence that this day will soon come,” added Rabbi Zeev
Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rabbi Zeev and Oshri Reuven for their warm and hospitable sharing of the Lag Baomer celebration with the NYPD. Mirocznik joined the NYPD as they visited various ceremonial bonfires in honor of Lag Baomer and was greatly impressed by their unwavering commitment to public safety and well-being.
Mirocznik extended his gratitude to Chief Joseph Gulotta, Commander of Patrol Borough Staten Island and publicly stated his appreciation for COJO’s partnership with the NYPD and emphasized the importance of their collaborative efforts in strengthening police-community confidence, trust, and relations.
“The Aur Torah Lag Baomer celebration serves as a testament to the exceptional caliber of the NYPD members serving in Staten Island. They are dedicated public servants who genuinely care about the well-being of the community and prioritize its needs. It is thanks to the unwavering commitment and heroism of the NYPD that our city has thrived, providing us with the optimism and resilience needed to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. Their steadfast dedication to serving the public sets the stage for a better and brighter tomorrow,” affirmed Mirocznik.
Chief Joseph Gulotta expressed his appreciation for COJO and Aur Torah, highlighting the significant achievement of reinforcing community confidence and support through their collaboration. He recognized the value of communal leaders and clergy working together with the NYPD to build strong and enduring relationships with the community.
Chief Gulotta added, “from a police perspective, such partnerships can only lead to a safer Staten Island. I extend my gratitude to Mendy Mirocznik and Rabbi Aharon Zeev for their efforts in facilitating this connection. We eagerly look forward to building upon the success of tonight’s event and taking it to the next level, further improving the quality of life for all residents.”
