Public Employee Press

DC 37 celebrates Chanukah holiday

DC 37 celebrated the first night of Chanukah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, with a diverse gathering of members, retirees and union leaders at a sunset ceremony Dec. 20.

"Chanukah brings us together in the spirit of fellowship, empowerment, leadership and faith," said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

Dr. Leonard Davidman, president of Psychologists Local 1189 and chair of the DC 37 Jewish Heritage Committee, presided over the annual candle lighting that celebrates the triumph 2,200 years ago of a Jewish guerilla army over their oppressors, who had banned the religion.

Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass, chief chaplain of the city Police Dept. and a member of Local 299, offered benedictions as he lit the first candle on the menorah.

Noting that 2011 marked a decade since the 9/11 terrorist attack,Kass said Chanukah "teaches us never to despair. Some thought our city would never rebuild from that dark time, but we have made a remarkable comeback and a key ingredient has been our union, DC 37. Its energy and guidance and members' talents have made this the greatest metropolis in the world and elevated the quality of life for all."