Chodesh Adar Transforms COJO into a Hub of Joyful Chesed

Edited by: TJVNews.com

As Chodesh Adar comes to a close, the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) celebrates the culmination of a month filled with acts of kindness (chesed), all rooted in love, joy, and happiness.

Rabbi Aharon Zeev, Rabbi of Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan, reflected on the significance of this period:

“Traditionally, Chodesh Adar is a time of joy, with Purim inspiring us to overcome challenges with optimism. As a community rabbi, I saw an opportunity to channel this joyous energy into meaningful chesed. True happiness comes from accomplishment, and with that in mind, I approached Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, and Iva Reuven, COJO’s Food Pantry and Social Services Director, to dedicate Chodesh Adar to acts of kindness. They wholeheartedly embraced the idea, and the impact was remarkable. From social services to food distributions, the spirit of chesed was evident throughout the month. I am deeply grateful for COJO’s partnership with Aur Torah, which enables us to help others with joy.”

Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, echoed these sentiments:

“Rabbi Zeev’s vision was inspiring—it’s impossible to argue with a rabbi who understands the community’s needs so profoundly. The Adar Chesed initiative truly made a difference. Under the leadership of Iva Reuven, COJO’s service committee worked tirelessly throughout the month, and their joyful approach uplifted everyone involved. This experience has not only strengthened COJO but has also enhanced the way we serve Staten Island. The impact of this initiative will continue to shape our efforts moving forward.”

Mirocznik also extended heartfelt gratitude to the NYPD for their unwavering support and partnership in the Chodesh Adar Simcha Initiative. He acknowledged the contributions of Chief Melissa Eger, Staten Island Borough Commander; Inspector Glorisel Lee, Commanding Officer of Precinct 121; and Captain Ryan Russel, Commanding Officer of New York State MTA Police, District 9.

“The NYPD has been an integral part of this initiative—from assisting at the food pantry to ensuring community safety. Their dedication to Staten Island enhances our quality of life, and we deeply appreciate their role in our community. We look forward to strengthening this invaluable partnership even further.”

Chief Eger praised the initiative, highlighting its broader impact:

“Rabbi Zeev’s Simcha strategy is something both the NYPD and the Staten Island community can learn from. By embracing joy, we cultivate appreciation for what we have, making us better individuals and a stronger community. I thank Rabbi Zeev, Mendy Mirocznik, Iva Reuven, Aur Torah, and the entire COJO family for including the NYPD as partners. This collaboration is truly a form of chesed, and we look forward to future joint efforts to better serve Staten Island.”

The success of COJO’s Adar Chesed initiative stands as a testament to the power of joy-driven kindness, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to serving the Staten Island community with compassion, dedication, and unity.