Miami Mayor Affixes Mezuzah With The Help of Chabad
Miami-Dade County’s newly elected Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, adorned her office with a mezuzah on its entrance door. She enters the Mayor’s office following a nearly 40-year career as a relentless advocate for South Florida families in public service and elected leadership.
As Miami-Dade County’s Mayor, she oversees a metropolitan government with more than 28,000 employees serving nearly 3 million residents, managing an annual budget of approximately $9 billion.
Originally from Brooklyn, the mayor was first elected in 2014, and re-elected in August 2018, to serve as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner.
The Mayor, who in addition to being the county’s first female mayor, is also it first Jewish mayor, was very diligent on this mitzvah, performing it in the first week she took office.
Miami-Dade County Mayor tweeted, “As I took office this week, I’ve been reflecting on the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam – to repair the world. Thanks to Rabbi Jacobs and Rabbi Kievman for blessing my new office and placing the Mezuzah, which will be a daily reminder of my guiding faith to serve our community.”
The Mezuzah was sponsored by Chabad and was placed with the help of Rabbi Moishe Kievman, director of Chabad Chayil and the spiritual leader of The Family Shul in Highland Lakes.
Jews are happy to have a new friend in office, giving the Jewish people a sense of security after the rampant antisemitism reported in the United States last year.
The mayor was congratulated by people of all faiths with hundreds of Mazal Tov’s and comments such as “I’m not Jewish, but it’s such a joy to know that a woman of faith will be leading our county. May the G-d of Abraham Isaac and Jacob guide you every step of the way as you lead us during these crazy times. G-d bless you! Welcome.”
Rabbi Kievman, who over the past 19 years has helped thousands of people throughout Miami put up Kosher Mezuzas, in their homes and office, was very happy to officiate at this momentous occasion. He helped make the blessing on the Mezuzah, and explained the importance of placing G-d at the forefront of Miami. “The Mezuzah which guards our entranceways from outside harm, also protects us from what goes on inside. Placing the Mezuzah at an angle reminds us of the importance of compromise, a lesson we need to constantly remember, especially when privileged to lead such a diverse community.”
The rabbi blessed her and her staff to be successful in their tremendous responsibilities, and to bring unity to a divided people.
