Holiday Traditions Are Back in Hallandale Beach

In addition to placing a Menorah and Manger Scene in front of City Hall last Thursday, on Monday Rabbi Mendy Tennenhaus, Rabbi Miller and others held the lighting of the candles. Along with them were the young students from Chaya Aydel Seminary. This seminary led by Rabbis Yossi Lobovics provides Torah education and many other classes to prepare young women with life skills in Chassedishe. They also prepare them to continue on to college with classes that offer college credit.

It is always wonderful meeting these young ladies that come from around the globe. They stay in dorms around our city. In addition to studies, they do many acts of Tzedakah, giving to many needy residents here in Hallandale Beach. They also go around to visit many other homes and local Chabads to learn about our culture.

The Cantor sings his beautiful blessing over the candles, National Anthem and the Israeli National Anthem. While I could not be there, I was sent pictures and heard it was once again a wonderful event. In this day and age with the sharp rise in Antisemitism it is so important we learn about all religions and support the free practice of them without hatred. As my husband Dr Cooper always says, “Everyone should be able to practice whatever they want but religion should never be a reason or tool to attack another person.” I believe that the super majority of society believes this. Let us join in celebrating with hopes the bright light of the Menorah continues to shine peace and love throughout the year.

A special thank you goes to Vice Mayor Taub for joining with me to provide jelly donuts, a Hanukkah Tradition, and representing our Commission.

Another tradition was held last week at the OB Johnson Field. Amsterdam Restaurant and Nightclub once again helped to host the after-school holiday show. This year's Theme was ”International Holidays." Each class participated with a song, dance, or poem. The school also partners with Dreamer Makers, a non-profit that teaches performing arts. Amsterdam provided toys, bounce houses and food trucks for parents and students to enjoy after the show. They also had a visit from Santa.

For the past few years some residents in the Palms section of our City have been complaining about the opening of the large football field for free play at OB Johnson. The football field there is used by PAL, Hallandale High School and those that want to rent it out. Residents can enter the OB Johnson office to have staff open the field up to 6 PM or dusk.

The logic of not having it totally open was twofold. We did not want the field damaged, which would not only cost money but interfere with planned games. The other reason is liability. It is one thing for a parent and child to have a catch or kick around the ball but is quite different for coaches to come and do practice without proof of insurance.

After discussing the issue with the City Manager and Parks Director it has been decided not to require kids to request a key. The park, like others, will be open till dusk. There are lights on the field, but we do not want to create an unsafe environment after hours unless there is a planned permitted activity. If coaches want to provide training, they will need to go through PAL or file a permit with proof of insurance to have the park open and lights to be on.

As many are celebrating Hanukkah and preparing for Christmas, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season. Please remember to support our local shops and restaurants around town. Also, it is the perfect time to be kind. Kindness and a smile do not cost a dime but can mean the world to those that may be suffering.

Be on the lookout for the Rotary Santa Sled that will be out touring Christmas Eve.

As always, I am available for your questions, concerns, and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or email me at: jcooper@cohb.org.

Santa And His Sleigh To Ride Through Hallandale Beach

The Hallandale Beach - Aventura Rotary Club will continue with their annual tradition of the holiday sled. The Rotary Club has celebrated over 65 years of service. Santa and his reindeer on his Sleigh will be traveling throughout Hallandale Beach on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th, 2022 with gifts for the children of our City. Please come out to greet Santa when you hear the music that accompanies him as he makes his rounds. This is a traditional event occurring annually for over 60 years in our City, founded and continued through the years by the Rotary Club of Hallandale Beach - Aventura.

The sled will follow the route map and go to every area of the City, so be on the lookout for Santa and Mrs. Claus who'll be sharing goodwill. Please visit the Hallandale Beach - Aventura Rotary Facebook Page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/rotaryhba/

The Hallandale Beach - Aventura Rotary Club gives you an opportunity to join leaders to take action on important issues affecting our community, our nation and the world. They also have a lot of fun – whether they’re socializing or working together on service projects.

Members of the Rotary Club connect at meetings and learn from business experts, political, civic leaders and entrepreneurs, who help all of us stay informed on topics that are relevant to our community. Together, they are able to make great things happen. They have a structure that focuses on action and positive results.

For more information about the Hallandale Beach - Aventura Rotary Club visit: https://www.rotaryclubhallandaleaventura.com