FDNY Holds Official Department Menorah Lighting At Crown Heights Event

by CrownHeights.info

Firefighters, officials, and community members braved the cold Sunday evening for the official FDNY Menorah lighting event, which took place at the S. Johns garage in Crown Heights.

The event, attended by top brass of the FDNY, was MC’d by Samuel Jaroslawicz a Jewish member of the New York City Fire Department.

Notably in attendance was FDNY Commissioner Mark Guerra, FDNY Chief of Department John M. Esposito, FDNY Deputy Chief Yonatan Klein of the Ner Tomid Society, as well as many other top brass.

Also in attendance was Joel Eisdorfer from the NYC Mayors Office, Pesach Osina the Senior Community Liaison for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Yoel Lefkowitz from the NYC Attorney General’s Office, and Shmueli Rosenstein of the CHJCC.

Speaking at the event was Rabbi Mendy Hershkop, a Coordinator of Crown Heights Shomrim and community figure. Starting his speech, he opened with a Kapital Tehillim, tying the meaning of the Tehillim with the leadership and life-saving mission of the FDNY. He ended with a lesson from Torah on the two fires found in this world, and how one must remain watched and tended for benefit, whole the other, the heavenly fire, always provides warmth and safety to us on earth.

Following the Menorah lighting, community members had the opportunity to enter the firehouse, speak with the firefighters and engage with the fire officials. Also present were the FDNY official mascots, as well as donuts for those who joined the event.

A special thanks to Rabbi Mattis (Matthew) Melnik and FDNY Deputy Chief Yonatan Klein of the Ner Tomid Society for their instrumental work ijn making the event happen.

Crown Heights Shomrim released a statement on social media following the event, saying “Tonight our community came together outside our local firehouse—Ladder 123, Engine 234, and Battalion 38—to honor the heroes of the FDNY at a Menorah lighting. FDNY leadership, including the Commissioner and Chief of Department, stood alongside community leaders. Shomrim was proud to assist and play an integral role in organizing this meaningful event. Thank you to Rabbi Mattis Melnick for making this event a reality.”