Rabbi Gadi was one of 18 Jews honored in a ceremony held on May 7 at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. The event capped the Suffolk County Legislature’s annual observance of Jewish American Heritage Month. Each County District leader was invited to select one honoree of distinction. Legislator Catherine Stark of District 1 selected Rabbi Gadi for his leadership at our shul and his interfaith work with Project Genesis and the GEM (Greenport Ecumenical Ministries) organization of Greenport clergy.

The event, presided over by County Executive Edward P. Romaine, and planned by the Legislature’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Suffolk County Jewish Advisory Board, included acknowledgments to Jewish Americans who have contributed to this country in academia, entertainment, and community service, prayers for Israel and the Israelis still held hostage in Gaza, citations for all of the honorees, entertainment, and a lavish buffet dinner featuring Jewish cuisine.

The Rabbi told The Shofar that interfaith education helps to foster peaceful relations here and in Israel He said he was honored to have been selected by Legislator Stark.

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