(Courtesy of RCA) On Wednesday, December 15, under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Herson shlita, dean of the Rabbinical College of America, a group of Chabad rabbis and Miles Berger, a member of the board of directors of the Rabbinical College, met with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy at his North Jersey office.
The purpose of the meeting was to update the governor on important Jewish issues in the state and to discuss the successful program of New Jersey’s Mental Health Initiative, which was launched in 2020. Rabbi Mendy Herson, associate dean of the Rabbinical College, said, “The program’s focus is on creating a culture of mental health awareness and safe spaces in our network of over 70 Chabad centers through training for the 200 rabbis and rebbetzins. To date thousands of people have attended the events and workshops throughout the state.”
Murphy spoke about his concerns over antisemitism, which has increased throughout the country and the world post-October 7. The governor assured the group that his administration, including law enforcement, was zeroed in on combating antisemitism, and racism in any form.
He also thanked the rabbis for the good work that they do in the 70 community centers that they serve within New Jersey.
Before closing the meeting, Berger presented the governor with a picture of the governor taken in front of the Kotel, on one of his many trips to Israel.
The governor concluded the meeting wishing everyone a happy and joyous Chanukah. Rabbi Herson wished the governor much success and health in all his endeavors.
The rabbis attending the event were:
- Rabbi Asher Herson, director, Chabad of Northwest New Jersey
- Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg CFO, Rabbinical College of America
- Rabbi Ephraim Simon, director, Chabad of Bergen County
- Rabbi Shalom Lubin, director, Chabad of SE Morris County
- Rabbi Boruch Chazanow, director, Chabad of Western Monmouth County
- Rabbi Moshe Gourarie director, Chabad of Toms River
- Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, Chabad of Livingston, director of Friendship Circle
- Rabbi Mendy Solomon, director, Chabad of Short Hills
- Rabbi Dovid Dubov, director, Chabad of Mercer County-Princeton
- Rabbi Eli Kornfeld, director, Chabad of Hunterdon County
