Rockland County Legislators Phil Soskin and Aron Wieder and Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht attended the Tosh-Monsey Lag Ba’Omer holiday celebration along with more than 500 residents. Politicians came out to show support for the Hassidic community. Tosh-Monsey is a Hassidic community in Rockland County known for its unique outreach beyond its community.

The event was held in response to recent escalations of anti-Semitism nationally and locally relating to stereotypes associated with the measles outbreak and the Hassidic community. As a result, the theme for this year’s annual event was building bridges between the Hassidic and non-Hassidic communities.

During his remarks, Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht spoke about the rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric in connection with the measles outbreak and the increasing divide in Ramapo as a result. He shared hope that “there will be a fire lit tonight and we are hoping that the light of that fire conquers the darkness that’s out there.”

“There is a misconception that the Hassidic community doesn’t believe in vaccinations. Almost everyone in the Hasidic community today does in fact vaccinate and we hear and see how we’re being talked about and we are grateful that the politicians are coming to show their support,” said Tosh-Monsey Rebbe Rabbi Avraham Katz.

Founded in 1999, Tosh-Monsey is leading the way on innovating the Kollel experience. Under the leadership of its dean Harav Hagaon Reb Avrohom Katz and his unique blend of Breslov spirituality with traditional Talmudic rigor inspires Jews from all walks of life.

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