The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month on Monday night with a ceremony honoring two esteemed organizations: the Community Thanksgiving Dinner Program hosted by Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners, an interfaith volunteer effort which has fed thousands for more than 20 years, and Community Security Services, a White Plains-based national nonprofit empowering volunteers to protect Jewish institutions and gatherings from security threats.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) convened the ceremony, welcoming guests and inviting Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern of Young Israel of Scarsdale to deliver the evening’s meaningful invocation.

Gashi said, “Jewish American Heritage Month honors the profound contributions our Jewish neighbors, friends and family have made to Westchester County's cultural, social and educational life throughout history. It reminds us that diversity strengthens our local democracy, and that the Jewish tradition of social justice continues to inspire positive change throughout our communities. It is my privilege to recognize two extraordinary organizations that embody the core values of compassion and community service.”

Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D- Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) honored the Community Thanksgiving Dinner Program and said, “Every year, for over 20 years, this program has brought the community together to provide free Thanksgiving meals to those who might otherwise go without. A typical year involves 1,000 volunteers pitching in through countless ways - from shopping to cooking to serving – resulting in meals for 4,000 people in Westchester, Putnam and the Bronx. This community effort, hosted by Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners, includes the contributions of volunteers from many area temples and other local organizations and churches. I can think of no other local effort which better illustrates Tikkun Olam, a core concept in Judaism, which signifies the collective effort to heal the world through acts that include loving kindness. It is my extreme honor to recognize this program, and the compassion it helps to generate, as part of our Jewish Heritage Celebration.”

Legislator Judah Holstein (D- Eastchester, New Rochelle, Tuckahoe) honored Community Security Services (CSS) and said, “As someone deeply connected to synagogues and Jewish institutions across my district and beyond, I know many of the CSS volunteers personally. They are friends and neighbors who give their time to train, prepare, and quietly protect others so our community can gather, celebrate, and pray in peace. In the face of the astonishing rise in antisemitism across this country and around the world, CSS has become a trusted and vital presence in Westchester. I am proud to honor CSS and all of its volunteers and staff this Jewish American Heritage Month for empowering our community from within and for helping ensure that our values of safety, solidarity, and resilience endure.”

View Monday night’s event program HERE.

Watch the full meeting HERE.