Ceremony and Public Art Installation Today in Chase Park at 1:30
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Installation of “Ohr: A Garden of Light and Strength” Public Art in Chase Park
This week marks one month since the horrific attack on Israeli citizens and since the 240 hostages were brutally taken by Hamas. In an effort to honor the lives of the hostages and show support for the Jewish community in Scarsdale, the Village of Scarsdale will be installing a temporary art installation in Chase Park titled, “Ohr: A Garden of Light and Strength.” In Hebrew, “ohr” (אור) means “light.” The artwork was created by Scarsdale resident and artist Simone Kestelman and features 240 blue and white orbs along with photographs representing the 240 innocent lives that were forever changed the morning of October 07. The art installation was commissioned by representatives from Scarsdale’s Jewish community as a gift to the Village of Scarsdale.
When asked what inspired her design of the installation, Kestelman said, “my father always said to me that what defines us is not who hates us, but who loves us and who we love.”
All residents of Scarsdale are invited to come together on Sunday, November 12 at 1:30 pm for a gathering of hope, peace, and reflection as we unveil the new artwork and hear remarks from community leaders.
News from the Democrats: Rocah Will Not Seek a Second Term, Jones Running for NY-17, Rabbis Urging Latimer to Challenge Bowman
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Mimi RocahFor those watching local races for District Attorney and Congress, there is much to report this week.
First, Mimi Rocah, who is currently service as the District Attorney for Westchester County announced that she will not seek another term in 2024. In an announcement on X or Twitter dated October 26, 2023 Rocah says she is “tremendously proud of what we have accomplished,” and said “I am confident that the changes we have implemented in the office will continue to make Westchester safer, fairer, and more just.”
However, she explained, “I do not fit the mold of a career politician…. This has been a difficult decision but one that is right for me and my family at this time. … my thoughts have been occupied in recent weeks by the terrorist attack on Israel and the aftermath, which has profoundly and personally impacted me in ways that I did not expect.”
Former Congressman Mondaire Jones who lost his Congressional seat to re-districting is running for NY-17 which includes all of Rockland County and Putnam County, as well as most of Northern Westchester County, and portions of southern Dutchess County. Jones recently attended a vigil for Israel at Westchester Reform Temple. Following the vigil, he posted the following: “I was privileged to speak with our Jewish community at Westchester Reform Temple—to condemn the evil perpetrated against Israeli civilians, to share my experience in Israel as a member of Congress, and to reaffirm the profoundly important role America has in supporting our ally.”
His website says, “Mondaire was raised in Section 8 housing in Spring Valley by a single mom who struggled with mental illness and worked multiple jobs to provide for their family. Their family sometimes needed food stamps to get by, and when child care was too expensive, Mondaire’s grandmother took him to work with her cleaning homes in Hillcrest and Congers. Life wasn’t easy, but Mondaire’s mother always encouraged him to dream big despite their circumstances.
Mondaire graduated from East Ramapo public schools and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, work at the Department of Justice during the Obama Administration, and graduate from Harvard Law School. Mondaire worked as a litigator in the Westchester County Attorney’s Office, where he defended correctional officers and took guns away from dangerous people.
Mondaire Jones
In 2020, Mondaire was elected to Congress to represent the Hudson Valley. His colleagues unanimously elected him the youngest member of House leadership, and he was named the most legislatively active freshman in Congress.”
This week he was endorsed by former house speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Meanwhile, 26 local rabbis signed a letter asking Westchester County Executive George Latimer to run against incumber Jamaal Bowman for NY-16.
In their letter they say, “Bowman boycotted President Herzog’s historic speech, refused to sign a resolution that rejected Israel as a racist or apartheid state, and voted against legislation supporting the Abraham Accords and celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary of statehood.
Inexplicably, but predictably, while Congressman Bowman condemned the (October 7, 2023) attacks, he put the blame on Israel for its “blockade of Gaza.” He now is calling for an immediate ceasefire, effectively a position of appeasement toward Hamas’s terror regime.
Since being elected, Bowman has led the effort to erode support for Israel on Capitol Hill and within the Democratic Party. That’s why we’re turning to you, in the hope that you will announce your candidacy for Congress and restore our values to this important seat in Washington."
Jamaal BowmanOn November 2, Bowman issued a statement saying, “The ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine and the tragic loss of life of Palestinian and Israeli civilians has caused immeasurable trauma and pain for Palestinian, Israeli, Jewish, Muslim, and Arab people around the world.” … “As we witness these horrific tragedies unfold, we have also seen an increase in incidents involving hate, threats, or harassment here at home, notably including on college campuses across the country. Whether death threats against Palestinian professors at American University or Jewish students at Cornell, each instance of antisemitism or Islamophobia is vile and disgusting. We must condemn hate in all forms.”
Latimer has not officially announced his candidacy but indicated to some that he would make a formal announcement after the November elections.
Kids Learn Fire Prevention Tips at Fire Fair
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The Scarsdale Fire Department host edits annual Fire Prevention Fair at Fire Station 3, 56 Crossway, on Saturday, October 14, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Scarsdale Fire Chief Chris Mytych said, “The event was the culmination of a week filled with fire prevention education visits to each of our nursery and elementary schools. We were fortunate that the weather didn’t significantly impact attendance, but we look forward to brighter skies next year.”
Kids learned from Llve fire demonstrations that highlighted the dangers of unattended cooking and improper fire extinguishment.
There will be antique and modern fire apparatus on display, interactive lessons from the fire safety trailer, bounce houses, refreshments, and a firefighter read-aloud.
The American Red Cross offered information on free smoke alarm installations, emergency preparedness, and hands-only CPR.
The Fire Prevention Fair is a great opportunity to meet career and volunteer firefighters, who are eager to share key messages from this year’s campaign, Cooking safety starts with YOU:
• Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
For more information, please contact the Scarsdale Fire Department at (914) 722-1215.
Neighborhood Associations Announce Street Closures for Halloween Trick or Treating
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Halloween Trick or Treating will be a little bit safer this year in three neighborhoods where several streets will be closed to facilitate walking door to door with young children. Fox Meadow will continue their tradition and this year Greenacres and Heathcote will follow in their steps.
Barriers, manned by local residents, will be put up to prevent cars from passing through at designated hours. This should make it safer for kids to travel from house to house without worrying about traffic.
The closures are arranged by the neighborhood associations in each area.
Here are the details for Halloween, Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Fox Meadow
The Fox Meadow Neighborhood Association is excited to announce that street closures for trick-or-treating is back! On Halloween, Oct 31, between 5:30-7:30 pm, the following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic:
Chesterfield Road between Brite Avenue and Kensington Road
An alfresco pumpkin carving party on Brewster Road on Sunday October 22.
Cohawney Road between Brite Avenue and Kensington Road
Shawnee Road between Chesterfield Road and Cohawney Road
Hampton Road between Chesterfield Road and Cohawney Road
Brewster Road between Fenimore Road and Butler Road
The neighborhood association will have a table on Shawnee Road and will distribute a small gift to trick or treaters.
Greenacres
For the first time in recent history, the Greenacres Neighborhood Association has gotten approval from the Village and our residents to close Oakstwain and Brewster Roads between Fenimore and Huntington Roads from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm on Halloween (Tuesday, 10/31) to allow kids to trick-or-treat without cars!! Neighborhood Association President Kristen Zakierski says, “This is a huge win this is for the safety of all neighbors. We know our kids are excited!”
Heathcote
In Heathcote two streets, Lebanon and Fayette Roads will be closed from 5 pm tp 8 pm. The neighborhood association is seeking volunteers to man the barriers which need to be moved foro emergencies and to allow residents on the streets to get back into their driveways.
A Moving Ceremony in Support of Israel
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Though most of us feel powerless in light of the horrific events that occurred in Israel last weekend, local clergy brought the community together to show us that we are not alone in our grief and to suggest how we can help to support Israel.
On Wednesday night October 11, ten local synagogues, representatives from Jewish organizations, Christian clergymen and political leaders joined together for a Vigil for Israel at Westchester Reform Temple. The event drew an overflow crowd to the synagogue. Traffic was backed up for miles on Mamaroneck Road and every seat inside the temple was filled. The audience included Scarsdale’s school superintendents and representatives of the Board of Education along with Scarsdale’s Mayor and several trustees.
Participants included:
AJC
Bet Am Shalom
Community Synagogue of Rye
Congregation Kol Ami
Larchmont Temple
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El
Shaarei Tikvah
Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester
Temple B’nai Yisrael
Temple Israel of New Rochelle
Westchester Reform Temple
Woodlands Community Temple
Rabbi Jonathan Blake of Westchester Reform Temple opened the ceremony saying “We are united in our broken hearts …the hearts of people who love and care about humanity, care about Israel, who care about Jewish people, who care about decency…..”
Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said, “Scarsdale is home to many residents with strong connections to this region, and we extend our prayers and support to them. In times of tragedy, we have always come together to lean on one another. That is who we are and who we must continue to be. We are also a community of compassion, tolerance, and respect.”
State Senator Shelley Mayer said, “We have an obligation as Americans to do the hard thing, which is to stand up for Israel, regardless of our faith.”
Shachar Liran-Hanan, the senior emissary from the Jewish Agency for Israel to the Westchester Jewish community shared her personal story of fear and loss. A native of Israel she told stories of terrorists going door to door slaughtering residents and burning homes with families locked inside. She said that her brother, who has a wife and three children has been called to duty. And said, “In Israel, every mother who has a son knows that one day she will have to send him to fight.” She wondered how people can live if they don’t feel safe in their own homes and thanked the U.S. community for supporting Israel.
Zioness Amanda Berman gave a rousing call to action, encouraging the audience to “show your solidarity … you have a role to play.” To those who question Zionism she says, “The response to anti-Zionism is more Zionism,” and she told the audience that those outside of Israel are needed to support Israel all over the world.
County Executive George Latimer said, “I stand with you,” and spoke of the right to religious freedom.
Rabbi Lester Bronstein of Bet Am Shalom read a prayer and said, “Let us send rescue and redemption to those held captive by the enemy,” and prayed to “implant understanding in the heart of the enemy.”
Former Congressman Mondaire Jones said he was “devastated by the heinous attacks,” and said “As a Black American I 
stand in solidarity with the Jewish people here and in Israel.” He remembered a 2021 trip to Israel calling it the most “educational trip of his life.” He said, “America has a role to play in supporting Israel and called for the “end of chaos in Congress.”
Reverend Kelly Rogers of Scarsdale Congregational Church said, “You are not alone.” She said, the Jewish people “are continually in a state of remembrance,” and said, “the commitment to Tikun Olam is all our work. Let us go in peace and make peace.”
The evening was punctuated by moving musical performances by nine cantors from local synagogues. At the conclusion of the service he audience joined to sing:
Oseh shalom bimromav
hu ya’she shalom alienu,
Ve’al kol Yisrael,
Ve’imru, imru Amen,
Which means:
One thing above all: That for Israel, for the Jewish people, and for the world, that there should be peace.
