The Orthodox Jewish Chaplaincy Board (OJCB) of Southern Californiaconducted Chanukah candle lighting with Jewish inmates at Men’s Central Jail (MCJ), Twin Towers Correctional Facilities (TTCF) and Pitches Detention Center (PDC) during various nights of Chanukah.
The OJCB held a Gala Chanukah Candle Lighting Ceremony and Dinner Reception on the eighth night of Chanukah at the Men’s Central Jail prior to visiting the inmates. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Custody Services Division Chief Eric Parra, Commander Stephen B. Johnson and other high ranking members of LASD who have been helpful to the efforts of the OJCB and who assure that inmates of all religions are able to observe their religious rights during their incarceration were present as the OJCB bestowed awards upon those who have performed their duties in an exemplary manner.
LASD Deputy Jennifer Hernandez and Custody Assistants Judy Akiike at Religious & Volunteer Services, Marcos Hernandez at Twin Towers Correctional Facilities and Kevin P. Lutz at Pitchess Detention Center were recognized for their outstanding assistance, continued support and endorsement of the OJCB. Los Angeles County Commissioner HowardWinkler who is the OJCB Director and Senior Chaplain stated to the Honorees, “Your commitment and dedication to the OJCB and to the inmates we serve is greatly appreciated. The Orthodox Jewish Chaplaincy Board recognizes your professionalism and commends you for exemplary service.” C/A Marcos Hernandez was presented the exemplary service award for the second time in as many years for volunteering to escort the Jewish Chaplains through the jails during Rosh Hashono to daven with the inmates and blow shofer. Hernandez did this on his off days.
MCJ Lieutenant Sergio Murillo and TTCF Lieutenant Joseph Badali were recognized for their outstanding assistance, continued support, and endorsement of the OJCB. Both Lieutenants Murillo and Badali have been extremely helpful and have gone out of their way to accommodate religious practices for all inmates in general and for the Jewish inmates in particular.
The Religious & Volunteer Services Unit of the L.A. County Jails were commended for their professional management of the programs performed by the OJCB.
Rabbi Moshe Yitzchok Schwartz, who is Director of B’Derech Kovod, a community service organization in Los Angeles that supplies clothing to needy families before all major Jewish Holidays, as well as all year round, was honored for his support, commitment and dedication to the Jewish Community.
Stanley Treitel, who is one of the foremost community leaders in Los Angeles, was honored for his support, commitment and dedication to the Jewish Community of Los Angeles as well as across the United States and Israel.
Tiffany Feder, Esq.,was honored for her support, commitment and dedication to the OJCB. Attorney Feder handles all OJCB legal matters and assists many in the Jewish community with their legal matters as well.
Limor Zarin Amrani, a CPA who works with Attorney/CPA Yosef Manela, was honored for her support, commitment and dedication to the OJCB. The Manela accounting firm handles all OJCB accounting & financial matters.
All honorees and awardees present, as well as the OJCB, received commendations fromUnited States Congressman Brad Sherman, California State Assemblyman Richard Bloom, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff Lee Baca, , L.A. City Councilman Paul Koretz, and the OJCB.
Sinai Glatt Kosher Catering (RCC Glatt) graciously hosted the event with a gourmet buffet dinner consisting of a variety of salads, hot entrees, assorted cold cuts, breads and rolls. Pico Kosher Deli (RCC Glatt) supplied the attendees with delicious, oversized potato latkes.
Immediately following the Awards Event, the Chaplains, Assistant Chaplains, and Volunteers of the OJCB fanned out to visit the Jewish Inmates. Together they lit candles, sang, danced and uplifted their neshomas and brought them Chanukah light and joy!
Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: Orthodox Jewish Chaplaincy Board, P.O. Box 480454, Los Angeles, CA 90048. A tax deductible receipt will be sent to all contributors.
