JEWISH HOME LA

LAPD Celebrates Chanukah

Rabbi Israel Hirsch, Chaplain LAPD

The lobby of the Los Angeles Police Headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles was filled with officers and civilians on Monday, December 12th, as a large menorah was prepared to be lit by Chief of Police Charlie Beck.

This annual ceremony, sponsored by Allen Alevy of Long Beach, an active supporter of the LAPD, included police officers, assistant and deputy chiefs, commanders, detectives, civilian employees, and chaplains from the department, as well as pastors, priests, and rabbis in attendance. The daughter of one of the Jewish officers sang the national anthem and “Maoz Tzur” after Chief Beck lit the menorah with the help of Chaplain Shmuel Newman, who organized the event.

Most of the men wore unique yarmulkes emblazoned with the LAPD badge. The event was followed by a gala kosher reception.