FRANKFORT, Ky. — In a show of unity on Thursday, leaders from a variety of faiths came forward to receive their vaccinations in Frankfort.

Among them was Rabbi Shlomo Litvin from Lexington, who hopes those in his congregation follow his lead.

Litvin spent some time explaining to his five kids after the event why he’s encouraging people in the community to get the COVID-19 vaccine as part of his role as a rabbi and drawing teachings from Jewish leaders. After his read to his kids about the birthday of Rebbezin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of Lubavitcher Rebbe, he spoke on the importance to get vaccinated. 

“The Rebbe [Lubavitcher Rebbe] was a leader of all the Yidin, all the Jews. Whenever someone would come to the Rebbe and say ‘I have a medical question. Should I get a surgery? Do you think I should take this medicine?’,” Litvin explained to his kids about Judaism's approach to medical issues. “The Rebbe would always say ‘speak to a doctor who’s a friend of yours.’ Do you know why the Rebbe would say that? Because trusting someone is an important part of medicine. You have to trust your doctors.”

When Litvin and wife got the call from Gov. Andy Beshear’s team to take the COVID-19 vaccine, he said yes.

Roughly 50 other faith leaders from across the Commonwealth have also received their vaccination in the Capitol rotunda in the last two weeks.

The Rabbi said he’s come across many people either hesitant or not on getting the vaccine.

“As a community leader which is one of the roles a Tabbi fills we have the responsibility, as do faith leaders, as do political leaders and others to instill that trust that is needed in the medical field to everyone,” Litvin said.

Following the vaccine event, the Rabbi and his family joined other faith leaders placing flags for those whose lives were lost due to COVID-19.