March 2026
Joshua Zucker
I would like to extend a Hakarat HaTov (big thank you) to Sister Marina Genin and Brothers Joe Curto and Josh Farazmand for running our February meeting at Chabad of Midtown. We had the privilege of hearing from Brother Assistant Chief Andrew Arias with multiple Jewish executives in attendance. With God’s help we will continue to build off of this success and have many more fantastic meetings together. Brother and Past President Ben Gelber is also deserving of HaKarat HaTov for running our annual Melava Malka which took place at the East Midwood Jewish Center.
Assistant Sergeant at Arms Tal and I had the honor of meeting with Assistant Commissioner Chima of the office of Equal Opportunity Employment to discuss issues affecting our membership. The Commissioner was very knowledgeable and eager to assist. One of the items discussed was travel time previously being included in Religious Accommodation letters allowing members enough time to leave their commands and make it home prior to the start of Shabbat/Holidays. At some point that provision disappeared from the letters, but the Commissioner expressed her desire to have it returned.
In the coming weeks members of the Board and I will be meeting with other Deputy Commissioners to discuss various issues affecting our membership. I will update everyone at our next meeting and in the next newsletter.
During my speech at the January meeting (and in the February newsletter) I spoke of my desire to sanctify/preserve Shabbat and not have societal representation at fraternal functions taking place on Friday nights. In my zeal to see my goal through I neglected the democratic process that has been the backbone of this society since its inception. Please accept my apologies. A motion was passed at both the February Board of Directors and General Membership meetings that will allow our members to continue to represent our society at fraternal events on Friday nights. Perhaps they will say Kiddush and be a light onto the nations. If anyone is ever interested in attending an event that takes place on a Friday night, please direct your inquiries to First Vice President Mike Kris.
Lastly, I am pleased to announce that the Department has selected Rabbi Manes Kogan of the Hillcrest Jewish Center to be the new Jewish NYPD Chaplain. Brother Josh Farazmand and I met with the Rabbi at his office, and I am pleased to announce that I recommended him to the Board to become our Society’s spiritual Director. A committee led by Brother Zinstein was established and they have agreed with my recommendation. A vote in establishing Rabbi Kogan as our Society’s Spiritual Director will be held at our upcoming General Membership meeting.
The Rabbi was very forthcoming during the process and disclosed that he is a Kohen (Priest) and unable to officiate funeral services. Therefore, he has asked that we also establish a committee to search for an Assistant Spiritual Director. I am currently accepting names of members in good standing who reside in New York State who wish to be a part of this committee. Ten members will vet the applications received, and present their findings to Rabbi Kogan (should he be approved) before presenting their findings to the rest of the Board and subsequent General Membership. Please direct all inquires to joshuaz@nypdshomrim.org.
I look forward to seeing everyone at our monthly meeting on Thursday, March 19 and at our Passover packaging and distribution.
Joshua Zucker, President