The Bachurei Chemed BACH Jewish Center in Long Beach marked Thanksgiving morning by turning its holiday prayers into a heartfelt tribute to the city’s first responders, honoring members of the police and fire departments and Emergency Medical Services during its Shacharis service, highlighting their daily work protecting the community.
Kibbudim — prayer-time honors traditionally given to congregants — were presented to police officer Baruch Kranz, firefighter and paramedic Lt. Sam Pinto and EMS professionals B-Z Heller and Yanky Koenig.
After services, first responders and their families joined congregants for a Thanksgiving breakfast in the synagogue’s social hall, where community members expressed appreciation for their service.
Rabbi Benny Berlin, who leads the Jewish center and serves as chaplain for the Long Beach police, said the synagogue hoped the public celebration would instill gratitude in younger generations.
“Our sages teach that the actions of parents leave lasting impressions on their children,” Berlin said in a news release. “By celebrating our first responders openly and community-wide on Thanksgiving morning, with each generation participating in its own way, we hope to instill in our children the value of gratitude and the importance of recognizing those who dedicate their lives to helping others.”
