New Haven, CT – The Jewish community of New Haven had the opportunity to share their thoughts on numerous issues with Governor Dannel P. Malloy at a town hall meeting held last night at the home of Rabbi Eliezer Greer, president and dean of the Yeshiva of New Haven.
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The relationship between the yeshiva and Governor Malloy dates back to 2009 when Rabbi Greer invited Malloy to meet with representatives of the Jewish community before he was even nominated as a gubernatorial candidate. The two have kept up a relationship since that time and approximately one month ago Rabbi Greer invited Governor Malloy to meet with Jewish leaders in order to give them an opportunity to discuss pressing issues.
“What we felt was extremely productive was that the entire Jewish community of greater New Haven was represented,” Rabbi Greer told VIN News. “Every single rabbi was invited to this meeting and we had representatives from all across the religious spectrum including Orthodox, Conservative and Reform rabbis. Also represented were the yeshiva, various shuls, the New Haven Mikvah, Vaad for Preservation of Batei Chaim, Vaad Hakashrus, Chabad of New Haven, Anti Defamation League, Greater New Haven Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation, Jewish Family Services and the Jewish Community Center.”
Approximately forty people attended the question and answer session, with over ninety minutes of spirited discussion involving topics such as Israel, anti Semitism, school vouchers, rising income taxes, crime and more.
“The governor was very honest about what topics he is and is not interested in pursuing and people respect that,” said Rabbi Greer. “Despite the varied audience, the ambiance in the room was very pleasant and people stayed and continued their conversations even after the governor left. Everyone felt the evening was an overwhelming success and I have received quite a bit of positive feedback from this meeting.”
“This was a great evening,” said one of the participants. “Governor Malloy showed chashivus for our community. It was a pleasure joining with him this night,” added Rabbi Avi Hack of Yeshiva of New Haven.
eliezer greer is not the presidnet nor dean of yeshiva of new haven his father is.