Public Employee Press

DC 37 celebrates Hanukkah

Tradition was on display on Dec. 18 as DC 37 celebrated Hanukkah, the 2172-year-old Jewish holiday. Leonard Davidman, Local 1189 president and co-chair of the DC 37 Jewish Heritage Committee, welcomed the group and introduced Police Dept. Chaplain Rabbi Alvin Kass to officiate.

As he prepared to light the candles of the menorah, the rabbi spoke about the symbolism of holding the ceremony in a union hall.

Quoting the eminent scientist Chaim Weitzmann, who served as the first president of Israel, he said: “Miracles sometimes happen, but you have to work very, very hard for them.” Rabbi Kass linked the everyday struggles for freedom and dignity on the job for DC 37 members to the traditional story of the Festival of Lights.

“This time of year, during these holiest of days, is about what we can do for others,” said DC 37 Director Lillian Roberts. Franklin Silsdorf, the president of TBTA Maintenance Employees Local 1931 and new head of the committee, extended a warm greeting to all. Latkes (potato pancakes) and sweets, traditional for Hanukkah, were served.