NY Congressman Davens at the Ohel Before Elections

Congressman Mike Lawler visited the Ohel in Queens just days before Election Day, joining a group of local shluchim for a visit that carried personal significance. Lawler, a Republican representing New York’s 17th Congressional District, is running for a third term in a closely watched race that has classified as a toss-up.

The district includes all or parts of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, with one of the largest frum Jewish populations in the country. Lawler has developed relationships with many frum communities throughout the district and has been a vocal supporter of Israel.

The group of shluchim included Rabbi Shmuel Zalman Gantz, Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Ehrenreich, Rabbi Mendy Korf, Rabbi Avi Korer of Chabad of Putnam County, Rabbi Dovid Brawer, executive director of Cheder Chabad of Monsey, and Rabbi Motty Seligson of Chabad Headquarters.

At the Ohel, the shluchim sat down with Lawler and spoke with him about the value of every individual. They explained how the Rebbe viewed every person as part of Hashem’s plan for creation, with each individual responsible for reaching their full potential and then going beyond it.

“The congressman really took what the shluchim shared with him to heart,” Rabbi Ehrenreich told Anash.org. “It was clear how meaningful the moment was for him.”

Lawler then spent several minutes davening at the Ohel before returning outside to pose for a picture with the shluchim.

The shluchim also presented him with the book Positive Bias, which explores the Rebbe’s approach to viewing ourselves, others and the world around us through a lens of positivity and the recognition of the inherent value and potential of every individual.