A delegation of Chabad Rabbis, led by Rabbi Benjy Korf, Director of Chabad of Florida, met with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to receive a Miami-Dade County proclamation in honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
The proclamation designates the Rebbe’s birthday—11 Nissan (April 9)—as “Education Day,” highlighting the Rebbe’s lifelong emphasis on the value of education and its role in shaping a better society.
During the meeting, Mayor Levine Cava engaged in a meaningful discussion about Passover with the Rabbis. Rabbi Korf shared that Pesach is a time when families come together to pass on Jewish traditions from generation to generation. He noted that the observance of Passover transcends denominational lines and is one of the most widely celebrated mitzvot in Jewish life. Mayor Levine Cava mentioned that her own family would be gathering for both nights to have a Seder.
Although the mayor admitted that she wasn’t the world’s best chef, she will be personally making the Charoset in her husband’s Spehardic tradition, using dates, which adds a delicious sweet flavor to this age-old custom.
The rabbis presented the Mayor with hand-baked Shmurah Matzah, a traditional symbol of the holiday. The Mayor expressed sincere gratitude and extended warm Passover wishes to the Rabbis, reaffirming her strong support for the Jewish community and its values.
Rabbi Avrohom A Lipszyc of Chabad of North Miami added “Our Sages say that Passover, the Exodus of our People, was made possible by the Righteous Women.
Which Righteous Women?
She, such as the Hon. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who changes neither her “Name,” “Language,” or “Clothing.” The proud Jewish Honorable Woman she is at home, in her community, and at her synagogue, is who she is in City Hall! – G-d bless you, Honorable Madame Mayor!”
Rabbis present were Rabbi Yossi Harlig of Kendel, Rabbi Zalman Gansburg of Palmetto Bay, Rabbi Chaim Lipskar of Downtown, Rabbi Avraham Lipszyc of North Miami, Rabbi Shmuel Gopin & Rabbi Potash of Midtown and Rabbi Moishe Kievman with 3 of his adorable children from Highland Lakes in Miami-Dade North.
Rabbi Zalman Gansubrg explained that April 9th marked the birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, a revered Jewish leader who championed education and sharing. This special day encourages people of all backgrounds to come together, promoting knowledge, understanding, and community. Rabbi Gansburg reiterated, “thank you Mayor Cava for the proclamation regarding this auspicious day”.
Mayor Levine Cava, the first Jewish and first female mayor of Miami-Dade County, has been a trailblazer in public service. Overseeing a government with more than 28,000 employees and serving nearly 3 million residents, she manages an annual budget of $13 billion. Originally from Brooklyn, she was first elected as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner in 2014 and became mayor in 2020, securing re-election in 2024.
As previously reported on JFN, Chabad is hosting Seders throughout Florida and is inviting all Jewish residents and visitors to join. They encourage you to reserve in advance by googling ‘Chabad near me’ and contacting the one nearest you. A great option for those in Miami-Dade North is the one in West Aventura or Highland Lakes run by Rabbi Kievman and I’m sure he’ll be happy for you to join at ChabadChayil.org/Passover.
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