Park permit denial puts annual Bedford Rosh Hashanah event in jeopardy

Rabbi Arik Wolf, with the Chabad of Bedford, spoke with News 12 on Sunday regarding the congregation's permit denial to host its annual Rosh Hashanah event in Leonard Park.

The Chabad of Bedford has been hosting its annual Rosh Hashanah event in the park for the past five years. On June 11, it inquired about the event they scheduled for Sept. 23.

The same day, Kyle Thornton, the superintendent of the Mount Kisco Parks & Recreation Department, responded in an email that said in part: "I regret to inform you that the Recreation Commission informed me that there are to be no religious events held in the park. It's in the deed to the park..."

In a later email, the Mount Kisco Parks & Recreation Department also said that since the congregation is a "Bedford organization/group, groups using the park must be Mount Kisco residents."

Rabbi Arik Wolf and congregation members disagree with the permit denial, saying he feels that the congregation is being excluded without proper explanation. He said the park's location is the only one in suitable walking distance from the synagogue.

"When we actually read the deed, we couldn't find any reference to any exception of religious activities at all, and while our particular religious use has been excluded, there are other religious uses that are included and that are allowed in the park," said Rabbi Wolf.

A legal response was sent to the Town of Mount Kisco on behalf of the synagogue requesting reconsideration of the permit denial.

News 12 spoke with congregation member and attorney Lauren Israelovitch with the National Jewish Advocacy Center who wrote the legal response. She says both claims are "legally flawed."

"Rabbi Arik and Sarah Wolf are Mount Kisco residents and they're the ones that are applying for the permits, and they're also the founders and leaders of the congregation," Israelovitch said.

Regarding the deed's restrictions on religious activities, Israelovitch added that there cannot be a blanket religious restriction on a park. She added that if that language was in the deed, it would be unconstitutional and therefore, unenforceable.

"The Village appreciates the sensitivity and urgency of this matter and we are currently reviewing the situation,” said Village Manager Edward Brancati.

When contacted, J. Michael Cindrich, mayor of Mount Kisco, said he had no comment.