COJO Sparks 9 Days of Righteous Action and Chesed

COJO Sparks 9 Days of Righteous Action and Chesed

Edited by: TJVNews.com

July 19, 2023, through July 27, 2023, starting with Rosh Chodesh Av through Tisha B ’Av marks the period known as the nine days. These nine days of National Jewish mourning culminates on the 9th day of Av which this year falls out on July 27. Tisha B’ Av commemorates the destruction of both Beth Hamkdoshem (temples in Jerusalem). Through the annals of history many sad calamities have fallen out on Tisha B ‘Av. At the suggestion of Rabbi Aharon Zeev, Mara D’Atra of the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan located in the New Springville section of the borough the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) dedicated this time period as days of Righteous Action and Chesed.

“As a community Rabbi, I am proud of the chesed that comes from my congregation. I am proud of Iva Reuven who serves as the COJO Pantry and Social Services, director. I am proud of her hardworking Service Committee team which is well represented by the good people who are part of our Shul,” so remarked Rabbi Aharon Zeev.

Rabbi Zeev explained, that “[t]he nine days according to Rabbinic tradition was caused by sinas chinam, baseless hate. The cure to this problem is ahvas chinam, pure love and concern for your fellow person. By encouraging COJO to dedicate this National Period of Mourning for Righteous Action and Chesed I as a Rabbi feel that we are making ourselves better people and are engaged in spreading a good and strong dosage of ahavas chinam, vitamin love which is the cure and antidote to sinas chinam. I thank Oshri Reuven, president, Aur Torah for enthusiastically embracing this idea and Iva Reuven for agreeing to galvanize her committee and truly engage these days as days of Righteous Action and Chesed. I further thank Mendy Mirocznik, COJO, president for his support and effort in helping us implement this idea into action. This truly was community coming together to help any way we can. From food distributions, job help, social services I am proud of the chesed coming out of Aur Torah through COJO. In this merit may we speedily have the Geulah Shleyma B’Karov” so remarked Rabbi Aharon Zeev.

Iva Reuven, commented, “what started as an emergency covid response at Aur Torah has grown into a standing pantry and social services outreach center. I am proud that my committee members are always on call and ready on short notice to mobilize. When Rabbi Zeev suggested the idea I was pleased how enthusiastic the team was and how supportive Mendy Mirocznik was. I truly feel blessed to live in such a wonderful place and truly believe that we all must do what we can in spreading Ahvas Chinam.”

Mendy Mirocznik expressed his observations, “ Rabbi Zeev set the tone in leading by example. Iva Reuven and her team came together and worked hard in preparing food packages, working on client services, and truly spreading love, compassion, and concern. Iva and her teams made these days truly full of Righteous Action and Chesed. The NYPD, Chaplain Tahir Kukai, Captain Eric Waldhelm, commanding Officer Pct. 121, and his wonderful officers Sgt. Charles Kosa, Officer Daniel Murro, Officer Marc Acevedo, Officer Brandon Nickle, and Officer James Taylor at the food distribution helped with all aspects necessary to run a smooth and efficient food distribution from traffic control to packaging food the NYPD was there to help. We at COJO appreciate this collaboration and it truly brings community together.”

Captain Waldhelm on behalf of the NYPD remarked, “when Mendy Mirocznik told me about Rabbi Zeev’s idea of Days of Righteous Action and Chesed and the important significance as it relates to the Jewish calendar and Tisha B’ Av in particular I told him that the NYPD is in to help. Working the pantry and seeing the diverse panty clients I truly saw love and harmony come alive. This positive interaction is important for the NYPD, and it helps to foster community trust and confidence in the NYPD. This truly, to borrow the word, is a chesed for the NYPD. From   our perspective it leads to better community relations and a safer Staten Island. This truly enhances the quality of life for everyone calling Staten Island home. We at the NYPD look forward to our continued partnership with COJO, Aur Torah, Rabbi Zeev, Iva Reuven and we thank Mendy Mirocznik for bringing us together and making it a reality.”