By COLlive reporter
Photos: Menush Amit/COLlive
With so many events canceled because of Covid, it seemed likely that there would be no annual Sukkah gathering for prominent elected officials at the home of Rabbi Chanina Sperlin, veteran Jewish community activist in Crown Heights.
However, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called Sperlin a couple of weeks before Yom Tov and told him that this event was too important to miss.
The DA said that, particularly in a time of division and turmoil, it was essential that a gathering that represents unity and coming together should be held.
Sperlin reached out to some of the regular attendees and shared the good news that we would be getting together – a smaller group, wearing masks – but all in one Sukkah nevertheless.
And, indeed, several prominent leaders responded enthusiastically.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, accompanied by her community liaison Eli Slavin, was honored with a few words. Sperlin welcomed the guests and thanked Clarke for her recent participation in a Congressional letter welcoming the recent treaties between Israel and Bahrain and Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James stopped by to express her solidarity with the host and with the Crown Heights Jewish Community. She spoke of the important tradition of coming together under the sukkah.
Gonzalez expressed his appreciation for being able to join in the traditional Sukkah festivities and praised Sperlin for bringing together leaders from such diverse backgrounds.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams spoke of his long-standing relationship with the Crown Heights Jewish Community, dating back to the days when he represented Crown Heights in Albany.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams expressed his hope that future Sukkos celebrations would be more joyous.
The Master of Ceremonies was Rabbi Eli Cohen, Executive Director of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council.
Also present were: Mrs. Devorah Halberstam, Director of External Affairs for the Jewish Children’s Museum; Chief Brian Conroy, Commanding Officer of NYPD Patrol Brooklyn South; Captain Richard Taylor from the Police Headquarters; 77 Precinct Commanding Officer, Inspector John Buttacavoli; and Lieutenant Ira Jablonsky.
We In CH, as well as the Entire Jewish Community are blessed to have her Hishtadlus for our safety and welfare all these years!
May Hashem grant her much continued energy and Koiach for all the great work on our behalf.