The Township Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of Rabbi Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg to be named chaplain of the Police Department. “It is fitting and proper to support his position as rabbi,” said Councilman Salvatore Pizzi at the Aug. 23 council meeting. “He is a man of courage and conviction who recently toured the hot spots of Israel. It is my honor to support this resolution.”

“I think he deserves to not only stay on, but the respect he is asking for is not an extreme request,” said Councilwoman Antonia Ricigliano.

The council also passed a resolution calling for an ordinance that formally establishes the position of chaplain, at Township Attorney Jeffrey Lehrer’s recommendation.

“The only thing that exists in the records is a resolution naming the rabbi as chaplain for one year,” Lehrer said. “I advised the governing body that an ordinance must be passed establishing the position of fire and police chaplain.”

After the meeting, Rosenberg said that he was “grateful” to the council for having faith in him.

“The next step is the ordinance, as the resolution itself doesn’t make me the chaplain,” Rosenberg said. “From what I understand, is that the resolution only recommends.”

Mayor Jun Choi said after the meeting that he had not yet made a decision on the position of chaplain.

“I will consider the council resolution on this appointment,” Choi said.

After the meeting, council President Robert Diehl confirmed that the council would adopt an ordinance formally establishing the position of chaplain during a future meeting.

Rosenberg has been the township’s public safety chaplain since the days of Mayor Samuel Convery, but until now, the only paperwork the township has had on the position was a resolution dating back to 1995 when then-Mayor George A. Spadoro appointed him for a one-year term, to be compensated at a stipend of $2,500 per year.

The duties also included providing sensitivity training to township employees.

Councilman Pizzi confirmed that the $2,500 stipend would continue to be paid to the holder of the position.

EMS