Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and his colleagues in the Suffolk County Legislature honored various Suffolk County residents of Jewish heritage at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on Wednesday, May 7th.
Held to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Day and Month, the evening event was organized by Legislator Stephanie Bontempi.
"This celebration provided a unifying platform for Suffolk County's Jewish American community to recognize their profound influence on our local fabric,” she said.
“My heartfelt gratitude goes out to County Executive Ed Romaine, Eric Post of the American Jewish Committee, and Allan Richter of the Suffolk County Jewish American Advisory Board for their invaluable support and collaboration to make this event possible."
Bontempi personally selected Dr. Daniel Picard, a Huntington community fixture for decades. The Tulane University and Los Angeles Chiropractic College graduate is involved with noble volunteer outfits such as Huntington’s Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Field of Honor and Elk’s Club, among others.
“Judaism has a rich and extensive history spanning thousands of years, with its members enduring despite facing many forms of opposition and oppression,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey. “Jewish people have made a notable impact all around the world, especially in the United States; and their impact can be seen in virtually every aspect of society, as exemplified by this year’s honorees.”
McCaffrey posthumously nominated Theodore “Teddy” Newman, a Corporal in the US Army during the Korean War. The Veteran passed away at the age of 95 years old in the summer of 2021.
Newman was also an NYPD Detective Sergeant and one of the oldest living members of the Shomrim Society—the Jewish policemen fraternal organization.
“Teddy lived his life as both a Watcher and a Guard of all, and especially Jewish belief systems and values,” McCaffrey recalled. “He instilled in many, by example, how one must provide for the continuation of the process and the need to support Jewish houses of worship whether they are Conservative or Lubavitch.”
Additional honorees included Rabbis Gadi Capela, Helayne Shalhevet and Marvin Demant, David Goldstein, Dr. Rina Meyer, Stephen and Diane Weitzman, Kenneth Spiegel, Joi Garvint, Tobi Herman, Steven D. Gellar, Arline Goldstein, Sheila Pariser, Bette Schneiderman, Stuart Lichman and Michael Kaufman.
Through her office, Legislator Leslie Kennedy commended the lattermost nominee—the Vice Chair of (1) the Suffolk County Planning Commission; (2) the Suffolk County Council on Environment; and (3) the Suffolk County Historic Trust—for his Local Waterfront Revitalization Program efforts in both his Nissequogue stomping grounds and Head of Harbor.
Kaufman has overseen 10 major dredging projects across the county. His law, history and civil engineering expertise have made him an invaluable asset to the Twelfth District and beyond.