Colorado Shliach Is Nominated For City Reward For His Contributions
by CrownHeights.info
Rabbi Yerachmiel Gorelik, the Shliach of Chabad to Northern Colorado and Colorado State University, was surprised and touched when he discovered that he had been nominated for an award from the City of Fort Collins.
“One of my community members graciously nominated me for this award which recognizes individuals and organizations that contribute to community,” Rabbi Gorelik told CrownHeights.info. “They appreciated the work we do with community, university, hospitals, jails, Army and in particular our efforts with creating diversity and prevention of antisemitism.”
A reception and ceremony with the Mayor, council and other city and county leaders was held for Rabbi Gorelik last Tuesday, where the officials even went to the effort to find me some kosher food for the reception. Karen Schwartz, the community member who nominated Rabbi Gorelik for the award, was also invited to the ceremony.
The reward was the 2022 Human Relations Award in the Public Service Personnel category, which the City of Fort Collins has been sponsored for over four decades. The reward celebrates individuals and organizations which work towards advancing equity and social justice in their community.
The dedication of the award was also noted by the Colorado National Guard Chaplain Corps, who wrote that “We are very proud of CH (CPT) Yerachmiel, Battalion Chaplain for the 147th BSB, who was recognized yesterday for the Fort Collins “Human Relations Award” for his significant contributions to his community. His work to bring diverse groups of leaders together for a Regional Task Force for Nondiscrimination and Prevention of Antisemitism, his work with the Chabad Jewish Center of Northern Colorado where he teaches Bar Mitzvah classes, performs weddings, officiates funerals, and provides grief and other forms of counseling is making a significant difference in the lives of those he meets.”
Rabbi Gorelik’s position as a Police Chaplain with the Fort Collins Police Department and a volunteer Chaplain with the Larimer County Jail was also noted, along with his accomplishments as an adjunct professor in the Department of Philosophy teaching Colorado State University’s only Judaism class at which he received CSU Best Teacher Award in 2014.
“His kindness, humor, wisdom, and compassion make him such a valuable member of our team. Great job CH (CPT) Gorelik!”
