[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF BETH CHAVERIM, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

                                 ______


                          HON. OWEN B. PICKETT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. PICKETT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure I share with my 
distinguished colleagues the comments of Rabbi Israel Zoberman at the 
Groundbreaking Ceremony of Beth Chaverim, the Reform Jewish 
Congregation of Virginia Beach, VA, held September 18, 1994.
  Our God, Our Guide, Our Glory, Cherished Friends and Distinguished 
Guests, ``Indeed, this is the beautiful day the Lord has made for us, 
let us rejoice in it.'' Our cup of joy runneth over as we have gathered 
at this sacred season on our land of promise, this field of dreams, to 
give thanks for having reached a historic milestone.
  This significant celebration has been made possible through the 
heroic spirit of our beloved Beth Chaverim that has grown from a few 
visionary and courageous souls, 12 years ago, to a proud congregation 
of about 250 family units. We are here due to the steadfast and zealous 
labor of love of its members along with the extraordinary welcome and 
generosity of the remarkable Church of the Ascension that has been our 
loving home for the past 9 years, allowing us to flourish.
  The unique and incredible interfaith drama which since 1986 is the 
only such between Catholics and Jews anywhere, has received local, 
national, and international attention, adding to the noble cause of 
shalom in a changing world. I remain the grateful rabbi of 1,300 
Catholic families, an increase of 500 since our arrival.
  Father Bill Dale watched over us so very devotedly all this time and 
Father Jim Parke, who replaced him recently, continues so tenderly to 
befriend us. Thank you Bishop Sullivan, who wanted but could not be 
with us today, for all you have meant to us. What an understanding 
landlord we have in you. We pledge not to forget a kindness that comes 
from deep within the heart. Together we shall build upon our common 
bond, allies in the divine pursuit to create a better world, offering 
the gift of healing, wholeness and harmony.
  Standing before you in awe and trembling is the son of the saved 
remnant of European Jewry, born in Kazakhstan to Polish Holocaust 
survivors, living his tender years in a German Displaced Persons Camp 
and proudly raised in the State of Israel, our Zion restored. I confess 
to my profound conviction that the God of our martyred people led met 
to be the founding rabbi of a new synagogue in a generation that has 
witnessed both our people's demise and rebirth.
  Beth Chaverim was led into the heart of our beloved city of Virginia 
Beach to grow with it on these precious American shores of freedom and 
hope for humanity. It is good to be in a friendly neighborhood. All we 
seek is to be a blessing; unto ourselves and unto the gracious Jewish 
and general community of Hampton Roads.
  Without Jennifer, my faithful helpmate for 25 years, and our children 
Rachel and Harel, I would'nt have come thus far.
  ``We praise You O Lord our God, master of the universe, who has kept 
us alive, has sustained and enabled us to reach this miraculous 
occasion.'' Let us say Amen.

                          ____________________