UN HQ Purim 2019

B”H

 

The Institute of The Noahide Code at the United Nations has been especially active in 2018 throughout New York, Washington, and The United Nations.  In a special meeting on the 38th floor of The United Nations Headquarters, Rabbi Yakov D. Cohen, Founder and Executive Director of the Institute, met personally with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres.  The meeting was arranged to fall on Shushan Purim, after a historic and first time Megillah reading and Purim party at the UN Headquarters.  The Megillah attracted a myriad of UN employees, diplomats and members of the media, as well as those working for UNICEF, who attended to listen to the story of Cyrus’s family set in the land known as current day Iran.

 

It was interesting to see that the employees working for UNICEF, as well as other UN employees, listened to the Megillah reading, in particular and according to Wikipedia:  “In recent years, the Middle East was the subject of 76% of country-specific General Assembly resolutions, 100% of the Human Rights Council resolutions, 100% of the Commission on the Status of Women resolutions, 50% of reports from the World Food Programme, 6% of United Nations Security Council resolutions and 6 of the 10 Emergency sessions.”

 

The story of the Megillah takes place all over again throughout the world, wherever a Jew stands in the midst of all the other nations, and is constantly signaled out as such, and in the case of the United Nations, constantly diplomatically sanctioned.  But the Megillah also offers the lesson that Rabbi Mordechai gathered children to pray, thereby getting parents and families involved in doing good and saving the world while saving his own people.  That story, has resonance in the halls of the United Nations, where such emphasis is placed on the welfare of children, of families wrought apart by strife and war, and violence, where the hope resides in saving children, to save the world.

 

As a foundation for the meeting with Secretary General Antonio Guterres, for Jews at the United Nations there was light, joy, overt happiness and honor.   The Secretary General was extremely happy to meet with Rabbi Cohen, and acknowledged Rabbi Cohen’s efforts to shed light among those who transit through the UN.  Both gentlemen spoke about the Isaiah Wall in front of the United Nations where it clearly states the time when people will ‘bet their swords into plowshares’.  The Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M Schneerson referred in January of 1992 that the arms reduction agreement between the former USSR and the United States, particularly meant that Isaiah’s prophecy was coming to fruition.

 

It was in that very site of Isaiah’s Wall, that for the first time, a Mehorah was lit during Chanukah.  Illuminating the steps that connect First Avenue up to the leafy and beautiful NYC enclave known as Tudor City, the Menorah had as witnesses to its initial 2017 lighting, Ambassadors from Ukraine, Uruguay and the United States, as well as representatives from Azerbaijan, Canada and Slovakia, among others.  For eight days, a beacon of light -and victory for the Jewish people- could be seen from any floor of the United Nations Headquarters.  That there was sufficient oil to last eight days in the initial Chanukah story paralleled in 2017, that there was sufficient respect among the nations to value and to enjoy the light glowing from each additional lit lamp.  An everlasting symbol of Judaism stood tall and erect in front of a huge building where 193 countries often convene, to discuss how to put an end to poverty, to put an end to war, to teach people to live in peace with one another, how to uphold peace and security.

The Universal Noahide Code “UNC”, setting forth to the international diplomatic and religious community what philosopher Hugo Grotius cited as the basis for the 1945 United Nations Charter and thus, the cornerstone of all international law.  Grotius further pointed out that the “UNC” is the practical means, by which humanity may strive to live in unity and in peace and can thus fulfill its potential to see all the families of the earth blessed.  These laws of peace and unity encompass respect for G-d, for human life, respect for the family, for other people’s property, for the creation, respect for judicial systems plus respect for all creatures and the environment.

A day does not go by that someone at the United Nations and its corridors, does not approach Rabbi Cohen first just to say hello.  It is after all, not usual to see a Rabbi transiting through the building.  From the initial encounter, the Rabbi hands over to the person a ‘good card’, which reflects the Universal Noahide Code. During a recent encounter, a man said after hearing what the Codes entail:  ‘I could live by that’.  Just as Jews were able to be redeemed from Egypt and to this day is an ongoing and dynamic process, humankind too, shows its need to leave the constraints of everyday life and society, and to be elevated spiritually, to know its Creator.  The Noahide Codes do serve as a bridge to unite humanity, for peace and unity and love.  There is no better place to evidence this, as the United Nations:  a place which has a unique calling to beat their swords -and hate- into plowshares, transforming humanity into brotherhood, to a time when the whole world will only know Him.

 



Kosher and halal food in public schools

No child should leave Lunchroom or enter a classroom hungry:

Political, civic, and religious leaders from across the spectrum have united in a groundbreaking effort to secure school lunches that meet the religious requirements of the diverse population in New York City’s public schools.

September 6th, 2016 at 12 noon at the steps of Manhatten’s City Hall will host a dynamic gathering of top leaders to push proposed Senate bill S1032 to ensure the availability of Halal and Kosher lunches for every school that hosts twenty-five percent or more students from a faith community that has dietary restrictions.

Senator Tony Avella (D-QUEENS) is credited with pioneering this effort. He shares, “The population of residents in cities like New York City who practice a religious faith with specific dietary restrictions is rising….Offering students these types of food options during lunch not only accommodates their dietary restriction but also enhances students’ awareness and respect for diversity in cultures, religions, and ethnicities.” Another active contributor is Assemblyman William Colton (Brooklyn), “as a former teacher, I understand the importance of ensuring the proper and healthy nourishment of children to educational progress. I have cosponsored two legislative bills (A8474, Ortiz & A 4328 Sepulveda) to provide for such needs.” Hailing these efforts as basic to American democracy, Assembly member Jaime R. Williams (District 59 Brooklyn)states, “To be without such food due to governmental agencies not considering important religious ideals is contrary to all our great beliefs of our City, State and Nation. Diversity of our religions has always been a cornerstone of our democratic system and that is why I support and urge others to support the mandate that no child should leave a
lunchroom or classroom hungry.”

Awareness for this pressing need was galvanized by Mazeda Uddin, Muslim woman activist and humanitarian,founder of the S.A.F.E.S.T. advocacy organization and leader in meeting the needs of immigrant populations from
all over the world.

Mazeda Uddin reflects, “Often these children go to bed hungry because they did not eat a good diet during the day.The parents of many of these children are on minimum wage trying to make ends meet and struggling to give their
children a proper diet on a daily basis.”

This proposed bill is hailed as a testimony to the tolerance and diversity of New York City; at the forefront of world leadership in finance and culture, now the city is trailblaizing efforts at true coexistence. State Senator Jose Peralta (D-Queens) remarked, “I want to thank the South Asian Fund for Education, Scholarship and Training in its efforts to bring Halal and Kosher menus school cafeterias.” Adding his support, State Senator Jesse Hamilton said, “Our public schools must be sensitive to the needs of every student, so providing kosher and halal meal options to students is imperative. I urge the Department of Education to act promptly to ensure that no student goes hungry.” because of their religious background.”

 



UNIVERSAL NOAHIDE in DC

DC  Nov 2018


Universal Noahide UN for Universal peace on Capitol hill in Washington D.C. And in NYC TV show one People one world..



IDC & INC at Park East Syn,

Rabbi Arthur Schneier of Park East Synagogue NYC , annual Conference on Cultural Diplomacy in the UN
“Utilizing Cultural Diplomacy to Foster Democracy, Global Security, Business and Trade” New York City; November 27th – 30th, 2018 In Park East Synagogue “Interfaith Dialogue and Religion as Cultural Diplomacy”

Interactive Moderated Discussion
Rabbi Marc Schneier
Foundation for Ethnic Understanding

Key Note speaker
Rabbi Yakov David Cohen
Founder and Director, Institute of Noahide Code
“The Role of Religious leaders for Building Peaceful and Inclusive Societies and Combating Violent Extremism”

Mark C. Donfried
Director General, Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Berlin



UN Chanukah Menorah

Dec 6 2018 UN HQ

The evening will began with a Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony with Rabbi Elie Abadie remembering the 11 victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue and lit the candles out side by the Isaiah wall Menorah. Diplomats , Rabbis and UN staff gathered for a grand Hanukkah ball in UN HQ with Kosher wine and food .The Advocates Corner Clark Pena receiving the Ambassador of Peace award, attending, Latino Pastor Bishop David Maldonado jr, District Leader of the Conservative Party in the Bronx Denis Oswald , Lt Angie Ozuna NYPD finest woman, Chief Lou Telano Sheriffs Office , Chief Manuel Delarosa NYPD, Luis Paniagua Alianza Int., and people from every part of the world. After the blessings were recited by Michael Fisher and the 5 candles were lit in UN HQ for the first time in history , we all sang Maoz Tzur and danced together, really nice bonding experience. Rabbi Yakov David Cohen share some Chanukah remarks and blessings for Universal Peace Over 100 people were there, as well from the Mountain Jewish community from the former USSR

The origin of lighting a Menorah stems from the moment when just a few people were able to confront a huge and well-trained army that wanted to do away with religious freedom, and be victorious over that army. It is also a symbol of freedom, of the yearning of people to exercise their religious beliefs without any external imposition. And finally, the Menorah also incorporates the notion that there should ever be more light in the world, as one candle is added each night to be lit at the darkest period of the year. In all countries of the world, leaders have been seen lighting the Menorah at their Jewish communities.

Rabbi Yakov David Cohen Director of the Institute of the Noahide Code, the UN NGO that organized the evening , said “I am heartened coming into the United Nations Headquarters with the Isaiah Wall right across the UN in which the day is mentioned that no nation will wage war against another nation, and the swords will be transformed into plowshares. The Seven Universal Laws of Noah are means by which humanity strives to live in unity and peace. These laws for peace and unity encompass respect for G-d, for human life, respect for the Family, for other people’s property, the creation and respect of a judicial system, and respect for all creatures and environment.

The United Nations acknowledges human rights as well as humanity’s right to freedom, including that of religion. This Menorah lighting ceremony was open to all, including visitors to the United Nations of all races, religions and ethnicities. It was a celebration of all that unites us as human family that we are: our yearning for ever more light at a time that humanity hopefully emerges victorious with light over darkness, the forces of human rights and freedom successful over intolerance, and the ideals of the Noahide code prevailing throughout the world.

The New York State assembly, The Council of NYC issues a Proclamations on the Universal Noahide Code as foundation for peace and law and order and in a statement from city officials spoke on working with communities on universal peace and prevention, thereby all living in peace and harmony in this great city of NY.



Culture of Peace in UN

Culture of Peace in UN

THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY COALITION FOR GLOBAL ETHICS
SEPTEMBER 4, 2018/ UN Headquarters, New York
SUMMIT OF PARLIAMENTARIANS AT THE UNITED NATIONS
The Role of Parliaments for Promoting the Culture of Peace and Implementing the SDG’s
Co-sponsors: UNESCO, Missions of Sri Lanka, Benin, 
Civil Society Representatives:
Imam Agha Jafri/ Sec. Gen. -American Muslim Congress
Rabbi Yakov David Cohen, Pres. Institute of Noahide Code
Rev. Tomas de Valle, St. Colomba
Mark Weizman, Director of Government Affairs/ Simon Weisenthal Center
Sergio Kopeliovich, Founder/Director, New York City Peace Museum



Kosher and Halal Food in Schools

No child should leave Lunchroom or enter a classroom hungry:

Political, civic, and religious leaders from across the spectrum have united in a groundbreaking effort to secure school lunches that meet the religious requirements of the diverse population in New York City’s public schools.

September 6th, 2016 at 12 noon at the steps of Manhatten’s City Hall will host a dynamic gathering of top leaders to push proposed Senate bill S1032 to ensure the availability of Halal and Kosher lunches for every school that hosts twenty-five percent or more students from a faith community that has dietary restrictions.

Senator Tony Avella (D-QUEENS) is credited with pioneering this effort. He shares, “The population of residents in cities like New York City who practice a religious faith with specific dietary restrictions is rising….Offering students these types of food options during lunch not only accommodates their dietary restriction but also enhances students’ awareness and respect for diversity in cultures, religions, and ethnicities.” Another active contributor is Assemblyman William Colton (Brooklyn), “as a former teacher, I understand the importance of ensuring the proper and healthy nourishment of children to educational progress. I have cosponsored two legislative bills (A8474, Ortiz & A 4328 Sepulveda) to provide for such needs.” Hailing these efforts as basic to American democracy, Assembly member Jaime R. Williams (District 59 Brooklyn)states, “To be without such food due to governmental agencies not considering important religious ideals is contrary to all our great beliefs of our City, State and Nation. Diversity of our religions has always been a cornerstone of our democratic system and that is why I support and urge others to support the mandate that no child should leave a
lunchroom or classroom hungry.”

Awareness for this pressing need was galvanized by Mazeda Uddin, Muslim woman activist and humanitarian,founder of the S.A.F.E.S.T. advocacy organization and leader in meeting the needs of immigrant populations from
all over the world.

Mazeda Uddin reflects, “Often these children go to bed hungry because they did not eat a good diet during the day.The parents of many of these children are on minimum wage trying to make ends meet and struggling to give their
children a proper diet on a daily basis.”

This proposed bill is hailed as a testimony to the tolerance and diversity of New York City; at the forefront of world leadership in finance and culture, now the city is trailblaizing efforts at true coexistence. State Senator Jose Peralta (D-Queens) remarked, “I want to thank the South Asian Fund for Education, Scholarship and Training in its efforts to bring Halal and Kosher menus school cafeterias.” Adding his support, State Senator Jesse Hamilton said, “Our public schools must be sensitive to the needs of every student, so providing kosher and halal meal options to students is imperative. I urge the Department of Education to act promptly to ensure that no student goes hungry.” because of their religious background.”



Universal Peace

Universal Peace

UN HQ Oct 8, 2018 reclaiming intellectual primacy & promoting PEACE in ECOSOC UN HQ by OIC, ARSH, HOLY SHRINE and Imam Agha Shaukat Jaffri and myself on Universal Noahide UN and Rav Moses Maimonides as a role model for a bridge between religious and academic … as he was Rabbi , Dr , philosophy and Peace maker



Universal Noahide Code at UN HQ

Universal Noahide Code at UN HQ

10 30 2018

Universal Noahide Laws at the UN

One man had a dream once, that his children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. This dream was born out of the ashes of a crumbling belief that one man was worth more than another. This misguided idea, that a free man was still subject to the will of his former masters, was and still is a microcosm of a problem that is facing the world today.

The prejudice, bigotry, violence and wickedness that infects every nation is the result of a lawlessness born out of our tendency to forget our past. The nations of our planet face daily battles between people whose only real fault is ignorance of the laws given to mankind since the time of Adam. These forgotten laws are known as the Universal Noahide Laws and are ostensibly a paragon of ethical behavior meant to guide mankind to perfection through good deeds and to propagate knowledge and understanding of the Divine.

It should be the dream of all people that our children should not only live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, religion or social status, but that they should live in a nation that adopts these Universal Laws as the foundation of the existence of that nation.

In 1945, the United Nations was established to promote international co-operation as well as to create and maintain international order. The original 51 member states began with a vision that all nations, great and small, would benefit from a conglomerate of working together in their efforts to foster social and economic development, provide humanitarian aid, promote human rights and maintain peace between all nations. Today, over 190 countries have joined this international body in hopes that the infrastructure of peace lies within.

One of the principal organs of the UN is the Economic and Social Council, or ECOSOC. This 54 member council serves as a forum for discussing international economic and social concerns, as well as delivering recommendations regarding policy to be addressed to the entire UN body. ECOSOC deliberates with many non-governmental organizations , or NGO’s, that participate in the day to day activities of the UN. The Institute of Noahide Code-UN is an accredited NGO with consultative status promoting peace through the values set in place by the seven Universal Laws. These laws are the Key to opening up a dialog between people of all nations, regardless of creed, religion or social class. They represent the common bond of all people across the globe, the backbone of peace. These laws are the framework for building a bright future for our children.

The foundation for establishing these Universal Laws at the UN is already in place due to the tireless efforts of Rav Yakov D. Cohen, executive director of the Institute of Noahide Law. As our generation witnesses the moral decay of the society around us, like what the world recently witnessed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it becomes a moral issue whether or not to become proactive in stopping this burning hate that is festering in regions all over the world. We are beginning to forget the lessons that we learned from the Holocaust, which included the greatest lesson, that even discrimination against one group of people will result in the unraveling of the fabric of our entire society.

If we forget those lessons, if we forget our past, if we forget the Universal Laws, then our dreams of a utopia world for our children will fade away and be forgotten. These lessons, laws and future go hand in hand. In order to make peace between all nations, then all nations must realize that it is time to stop dreaming and embrace our reality. All of our lives depend on the choices we make from moment to moment. Each new moment provides us opportunities to change who we are. Now is the time to make the Universal Noahide Laws a priority.

When enough people recognize the importance of the Universal Laws, people and nations can truly begin the healing process all over the world with a common goal of providing our children with their own moments and chances to build a future for their children, our grandchildren. If we lose sight of our responsibility to pass on the knowledge of these laws to the next generation, we forfeit our future.

By: Craig R. Lodice



13 Principles of the Jewish Faith

The Thirteen Principles of the Jewish Faith

by Rav Moshe Ben Maimon, the Rambam – Rabbi Moses Maimonides

שלשה עשר עקרים של אמונת היהודי

The RAMBAM, in his commentary on the Mishnah (Sanhedrin, chap. 10), refers to these ‘Shloshah-Asar Ikkarim’ or thirteen principles of faith as “the fundamental truths of our religion and its very foundations.”

  • Belief in the existence of a Creator and of providence
  • Belief in His unity
  • Belief in His incorporeality
  • Belief in His eternity
  • Belief that worship is due to Him alone
  • Belief that G-d communicates with man through prophecy
  • Belief that Moses was the greatest of all the prophets
  • Belief in the revelation of the Torah to Moses at Sinai
  • Belief in the unchangeable nature of the revealed Law
  • Belief that G-d is omniscient
  • Belief in divine reward & retribution in this world and in the hereafter
  • Belief in the coming of the Messiah
  • Belief in the resurrection of the dead

Yud Gimmel Ikrim – יג עקרים

From The Siddur (prayer book)

  1. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the Creator and Guide of everything that has been created, and that He alone has made, does make, and will make all things.
  2. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is One, and that there is no oneness like His in any way; and that He alone is our G-d, who was, is, and ever will be.
  3. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is not a physical body, and no physical phenomena can apply to Him, and that He has no form whatsoever.
  4. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the first and is the last.
  5. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the only one to whom it is proper to pray, and that it is not proper to pray to anyone else.
  6. I believe with perfect faith that all the words of the prophets are true.
  7. I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses our teacher, peace be to him, was true, and that he was the father of all the prophets, both of those who preceded him and of those who followed him.
  8. I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah which we now possess is the same that was given to Moses our teacher, peace be to him.
  9. I believe with perfect faith that this Torah will not be changed, nor will there be any other Torah from the Creator, blessed be His name.
  10. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, knows all the actions and thoughts of human beings, as it is said, It is He who fashions the hearts of them all, who discerns all their actions. (Psalms 33:15)
  11. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, rewards those who keep His commandments, and punishes those who transgress His commandments.
  12. I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and, though he tarry, I wait daily for his coming.
  13. I believe with perfect faith that there will be a resurrection of the dead at the time when it will please the Creator, blessed be His name and exalted be His mention for ever and ever.

In what has become one of his most celebrated and well‑known works, Maimonides, in his commentary on the Mishnah, com­piles what he refers to as the Shloshah‑Asar Ikkarim, the Thirteen Articles of Faith, compiled from Judaism’s 613 com­mandments found in the Torah. The Thirteen Articles of Jewish faith are as follows:

  1. Belief in the existence of the Creator, be He blessed, who is perfect in every manner of existence and is the Primary Cause of all that exists.
  2. The belief in God’s absolute and unparalleled unity.
  3. The belief in God’s non-corporeality, nor that He will be affected by any physical occurrences, such as movement, or rest, or dwelling.
  4. The belief in God’s eternity.
  5. The imperative to worship Him exclusively and no foreign false gods.
  6. The belief that God communicates with man through prophecy.
  7. The belief that the prophecy of Moses our teacher has priority.
  8. The belief in the divine origin of the Torah(Bible).
  9. The belief in the immutability of the Torah(Bible).
  10. The belief in divine omniscience and providence.
  11. The belief in divine reward and retribution.
  12. The belief in the arrival of the Messiah and the messianic era.
  13. The belief in the resurrection of the dead.

It is the custom of many congregations to recite the Thirteen Articles, in a slightly more poetic form, beginning with the words Ani Maamin‑”I believe‑‑every day after the morning prayers. In his commentary on the Mishnah (Sanhedrin, chap. 10), Maimonides refers to these thirteen principles of faith as “the fundamental truths of our religion and its very foundations.”