[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    RABBI IRVING J. BLOCK HONORED FOR 40 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______


                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 1994

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues the efforts of a special New Yorker who has meant so much 
to my community. Over the past 40 years, Rabbi Irving J. Block has led 
the Brotherhood Synagogue with dignity, compassion, and integrity. I 
would like to take this opportunity to celebrate his achievements.
  It was, in fact, 40 years ago the day after tomorrow that Rabbi Block 
convened the first meeting to form the Brotherhood Synagogue 
[Congregation Beth Achim]. And from that first formal meeting, the 
original group of 23 men and women has blossomed into an integral part 
of the Lower East Side community, Its doors are always open, welcoming 
all those who wish to worship.
  This open door policy is fitting considering the cardinal principle 
upon which the Brotherhood Synagogue was founded--v'ahavta--love thy 
neighbor. Indeed the Hebrew name itself means house of brothers. Under 
Rabbi Block's inspiring leadership, the Brotherhood Synagogue has truly 
translated this dictum into reality.
  Rabbi Block has always been a leader who confronts the issues of our 
times with courage, speaking out against injustice with a steady voice, 
standing up against repression with conviction. It is therefore no 
surprise that the Brotherhood Synagogue has always been heavily 
involved both in the local community and the world at large.
  The Brotherhood Synagogue was the first Jewish congregation in 
Manhattan to open a shelter for the homeless in New York City over a 
decade ago; these successful efforts continue to this day. Not quite so 
close to home but just as close to our hearts, the congregation has 
also directed many efforts on behalf of the State of Israel and Jews in 
the former Soviet Union.
  In fact, Rabbi Block has always been a spiritual leader who seeks to 
unite those of different faiths and ethnicities. He has worked 
tirelessly on behalf of the Black Jewish community in the United 
States, taking an important lead in calling their plight and problems 
to the attention of the larger Jewish community. In particular he has 
arranged for funds and opportunities for scholarships, religious 
programs, and study for Black Jews. He is also a member of the board of 
directors of the American Association for Ethiopian Jews and a 
committed life member of the NAACP.
  Rabbi Block's many awards include a degree of Doctor of Divinity, 
honoris causa, by the Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of 
Religion; the Bucknell University Award of Merit; the Salvation Army's 
coveted Golden Donut Award; and an honorary degree from the General 
Theological Seminary for his work in Christian-Jewish relations. He has 
served in many civic and religious groups, including the Masons, the 
Jewish War Veterans, Religion in American Life, the State human rights 
commission, the New York Association for New Americans, and the Joint 
Passover Association.
  But Rabbi Block will be remembered most for his work as the spiritual 
leader of the Brotherhood Synagogue. His moral guidance has brought 
this thriving congregation through 40 years of good times and bad, but 
mostly good. As the time approaches when Rabbi Block will have 
conferred upon him the honored title of Rabbi Emeritus, it is entirely 
appropriate that we take this moment to reflect upon his 40 years of 
service to congregation and community. His lifetime of dedication to 
the uplifting of the human spirit will always be remembered by those 
whose lives he has touched forever. He will always remain a source of 
inspiration to all who knew him.

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