Chabad of Bedford in Bedford Corners, N.Y., got an email notice late last week after a Recreation Commission meeting on Sept. 11 that it would receive a permit allowing the Jewish center to hold Tashlich in Leonard Park in the nearby village of Mount Kisco, N.Y.
As of Monday, the permit was in hand, putting an end to being denied use of the public property for the Rosh Hashanah tradition. “Shofar in the Park” is scheduled for Sept. 23.
The issue, which centered on restrictions related to religious use, didn’t make sense since Chabad has held Tashlich in the park for five years; it is within walking distance of the Jewish center. Other events held there have included an Easter egg hunt.
Rabbi Arik Wolf, who directs the Chabad House with his wife, Sara, told JNS that “we feel very relieved that the village has reconsidered their denial and chosen to be inclusive in allowing our community to have our service in Leonard Park. We look forward to partnering with Mount Kisco—and all other municipalities and organizations—in bringing our communities together.”
The Tashlich ceremony is one where Jews gather to “cast off” their sins, typically throwing pieces of bread into a body of water that preferably has fish, with their “eyes always open,” akin to God’s watching over the Jewish people. It represents a clean slate going forward into the Jewish New Year, 5786.
