The days of Chanukah, when we celebrate the freedom to practice our religion, were seen as an ideal time by the Minnesota Jewish Community to show appreciation to the men and women who protect that freedom – the Law Enforcement officers of the State of Minnesota and its capital city, St. Paul.
On the sixth night of Chanukah, the community gathered at the St Paul Police Department for a Menorah lighting. Joining them was United States Attorney Andrew Luger and Deputy Chief Mary Nash.
St. Paul Police Department Chaplain Rabbi Mayer Rubinfeld, who organized the event, discussed the importance of the event, the community’s way of expressing its support and appreciation for Law Enforcement.
Rabbi Asher Zeilingold, Rabbi of the Adath Israel Synagogue, addressed the assembled. He emphasized the importance of Law Enforcement in promoting order and preventing chaos, and expressed the community’s appreciation and support for the Men and Women in Blue, particularly during this time of national unrest.
Attorney Luger, who lit the Menorah, discussed the importance of Law Enforcement in protecting all faiths against bigotry, and promised to ensure that they continue in this vital task.
Deputy Chief Nash, who lit the Shamash Candle, spoke about the importance of gathering as a community and expressed her hope that this would be the first of many times that such an event would take place.
After the Menorah was lit, the officers joined the community members in joyous dancing, as well as in enjoying delicious hot latkes, donuts, and other Chanukah refreshments.
The event was a project of Upper Midwest Merkos – Chabad Lubavitch of Minnesota, and Adath Israel Synagogue.
go mayer rubinfeld!