WHEREAS it is the intention of the Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township to focus attention on noteworthy occasions and individuals; and

WHEREAS tonight we come together to honor Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, a man who has inspired others to live with the same compassion and care he possesses; and

WHEREAS Rabbi Larry was the recipient of Camden County’s 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Medal award, which he earned through his selfless contributions towards making Cherry Hill, and the entire Camden County community, a more accepting, unified, welcoming place to live; and

WHEREAS the founding rabbi of the Nafshenu community in Cherry Hill, Rabbi Larry has made a commitment to focus on education, interfaith matters, prayer and spirituality, and social justice; and

WHEREAS one of Rabbi Larry’s greatest qualities is his ability to bring people together in unity. Following the Pittsburgh shooting, he worked with the Camden County Freeholders to organize a vigil at the Boathouse, where over 300 people from all parts of the county came out to not just support the Jewish community, but stand for humanity; and

WHEREAS an individual who cares deeply about his community, Rabbi Larry works closely with the local officials and other faith based organizations to create a just society for all who call Cherry Hill and Camden County their home. He also serves as the chaplain for the Cherry Hill Police Department; and

WHEREAS Rabbi Sernovitz is passionate about Jewish Genetic Disease Awareness and has spoken around the country, advocating for testing among those of child-bearing age. He has raised money for Chai Lifeline and its summer camp, Camp Simcha, which is an organization that helps and supports children with cancer and chronic illness; and

WHEREAS when he isn’t busy helping others, Rabbi Larry can be found spending time with his wife, Rebecca and children; Sam, Daniella and Eden; and

WHEREAS through his leadership and advocacy, Rabbi Larry serves as a role model for all of our citizens and exemplifies the core values that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to teaching, and for that, he has made the Township of Cherry Hill very proud.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHUCK CAHN, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Township of Cherry Hill, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim Thursday, February 14, 2019

Rabbi Larry Sernovitz Day

in Cherry Hill Township, and urge all citizens to join with me and the members of Township Council in recognizing him for the countless ways in which he has personally worked to improve our community and always giving back.