Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov is the dedicated leader of Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim in Kew Gardens Hills. The rav is no stranger to community service, our service-members and our elected counterparts. Since 1991 the synagogue has hosted a well-regarded food pantry feeding over 1200 local families. This past Monday, January 15th, the rabbi invited a large contingent from the NYPD Police Explorer program to discuss and educate our community’s youth on discipline, respect, and dignity through training and community service about the Jewish community and its various rituals. A delegation from NYPD Queens South under the direction of Community Affairs Sargent James Clarke and local 107th Precinct Commanding Officer Scott Henry were present with other NYPD officials for the talk. Deputy Inspector Courtney Nilan, the Commanding Officer for NYPD’s 102nd Precinct and Chief Fausto Pichardo, Chief of Patrol, both thanked Rabbi Nisanov on social media for partnering on opening this conversation on Judaism with the community.
The Law Enforcement Explorers program of the police department is geared to provide youngsters ages 14 to 20 from the city's diverse communities with an introduction to a career in law enforcement or the criminal justice system, while strengthening ties between the community and police. Explorers are taught the importance of higher education, self-discipline, and respect for diversity and human dignity through training, involvement in community service projects, and other Exploring events like the gathering at Kehilat Sephardim. In an interesting twist one Explorer explained their approach to youth leadership, “The Explorers elect their own officers and are promoted within a rank structure. We also plan and execute most of our activities, learning teamwork and leadership skills.” Another youth noted that she looked up to Rabbi Nisanov as a positive adult role model, “The positive interaction of Explorers alongside community leaders and law enforcement officers helps us as young adults see officers and leaders of faith as fellow human beings allowing greater opportunities to foster building positive relationships within the city's various diverse communities.”
The Explorer program emphasizes five exploring experiences granting an appreciation and commitment to the development of all young people: life skills, service learning, character education, leadership experience and career.
“It was enlightening especially for the youth of our city to have an informative question and answer session on diversity and Jewish faith further deepening our connection with the NYPD,” noted Rabbi Nisanov.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Kehilat Sephardim Opens Conversation On Diversity With NYPD Explorers
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