Contact: Sunny Mindel (212) 788-2958
Edward Skyler (212) 788-2969
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today helped dedicate the new offices of Orthodox Union by participating in a traditional mezuzah ceremony. The Mayor was joined by Orthodox Union President Mendy Ganchrow and Rabbi Raphael Butler, who performed the ceremony. The dedication was preceded by a meeting between the Mayor and the Orthodox Union's Board of Directors.
"Orthodox Union has been a leading voice in Jewish affairs since its founding one hundred years ago," Mayor Giuliani said. "As the home to the largest population of Jews in the United States, New York City is a vital link for the world's Jewry and I am confident that Orthodox Union will continue to fulfill its mission in this new home."
The mezuzah is found on the doorposts of traditional Jewish homes. The commandment to place mezuzot is derived from the Shema and serves to remind people of God's presence. The words of the Shema are written on a small scroll of parchment that is placed inside a case that has the letter Shin written on it. The mezuzah is nailed or affixed to the right side of the doorpost in a ceremony called the Chanukkat Ha-Bayit, which means dedication of the house. The term comes from the biblical description of the elaborate dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Orthodox Union is the country's largest representative Orthodox Jewish organization. In 1924, it was the first non-profit to sponsor kosher certification and now certifies over 200,000 kosher products. The Orthodox Union currently coordinates both the National Conference of Synagogue Youth and the National Jewish Council for the Disabled; protects Jewish interests through its Institute for Public Affairs; and performs outreach to Jewish populations in foreign countries. Its new offices are located in Manhattan at 11 Broadway between Battery Park Place and Morris Street.