Dem Boss Comes to Sukkah

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Levi Percia

In the tradition of past years, Crown Heights community activist Chanina Sperlin hosted important elected officials and public figures in the Sukkah of his home.

With the Presidential Debate being held that night, several regular attendees had other commitments. Nevertheless, they joined community leaders, representatives of other elected officials and police brass, to celebrate the Yom Tov.

Among them were Frank Seddio, the new chairman of the Kings County Democratic Party; State Senator Eric Adams who is the sole candidate to replace Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson, District Leader Jesse Hamilton, and the newly elected Chairman of the Kings County Democratic Party Frank Seddio.

Vaad Hakohol Chairman Zaki Tamir greeted the guests and spoke of the values that transcend communities.

Senator Adams, who is running for Brooklyn Borough President in 2013, described the powerful energies that emanate from Brooklyn, and specifically from Crown Heights under the Rebbe’s leadership, and how he hopes that all people will join to strengthen the message and make Brooklyn an even greater place to live.

Thompson, who is running for Mayor of New York City next year, told of his political beginnings in Crown Heights. He shared memories with fellow Brooklynite Rabbi Jacob Goldstein.

Seddio told of his beginnings as a young police officer stationed in Crown Heights and of being asked to help on Shabbos by taking care of things in 770 that Jews were not permitted to do. He also told of receiving a dollar from the Rebbe that he treasures to this day in a frame in his office.

Also in attendance were Devorah Halberstam of the Jewish Children’s Museum and Eli Slavin, an aide to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.

After the gathering, several of the participants headed to the Simchas Beis Hashoeiva on Kingston Avenue, where Senator Adams and District Leader Hamilton joined the circle and showed their prowess at Chasidic dancing.

They also took the microphone to wish the crowd Gut Yom Tov, as did new 71 Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Jack Lewis, Lieutenant Weiss, and retired Lieutenant Cantwell.