Rabbi's Desk

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, our Hanukkah lights glowed dimmer as our synagogue community was, once again, touched by the tragic death of a beautiful soul, gone far too young. Noah Aaron Leotta, of blessed memory, was a police officer in our district who provided security for us on Shabbat mornings. Last week, Noah was struck by a drunk driver while working on Rockville Pike and finally succumbed to his injuries yesterday. At only 24 years old, kindness, compassion, duty, and determination ran in Noah's Jewish blood.  

Shortly, we will again light the Hanukkah candles and place them in the window to advertise and show gratitude for the many miracles that have facilitated our very existence. I always find it interesting that the whole reason for lighting the candles is to share that inspiration with others. If you put them in the window of your penthouse apartment or want to light candles during the day for convenience, they have no halakhic effect. The rabbis recognized that the ritual of lighting the hanukiyah was indeed important, but far more important is the ability of the glow from our own homes to inspire and touch those who happen to pass by.

Perhaps the message of Hanukkah is that WE can become angels and agents of God in others' miracles. Noah was on a Godly mission. He was a person who by nature and by profession was always there at the right moment to act as an angel for people in distress. He felt a personal duty to make our community more safe and had an infectious smile that brought calm, consolation and reassurance to people when they needed it most. 

Perhaps the last person whose "Sohl" was ignited by Noah's dwindling flame was a 6 year-old member of HTAA. James Sohl became an agent of Hashem after his mother told him of the news. With fond memories of Officer Leotta, James became motivated to perform the mitzvah of nichum aveilim (comforting the bereaved). According to his mom, Kimberly, "It was all his idea. He said he was sure all the officers were sad tonight and we should bring them treats. He made them blueberry muffins and double peanut butter paisley brownies, with a little help."

Hanukkah reminds us of our responsibility to keep our flame burning so that others can enjoy its glow and become inspired to share their light with others. In that way, we all can be angels and ambassadors of God in the world, as Noah was. 

May the Almighty send comfort to the bereaved. May the memory of Officer Leotta forever serve as a blessing and inspiration.

Shabbat Shalom & Happy Hanukkah,

Rabbi Steven Suson