[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO RABBI ISAIAH ZELDIN

                                 ______


                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                       HON. ANTHONY C. BEILENSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 1995
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we are honored to pay tribute to Rabbi 
Isaiah Zeldin, a good friend and one of the most respected and 
influential leaders in the Jewish community of Los Angeles, on the 
occasion of his 50th year in the rabbinate and his 75th birthday. In 
1964 Rabbi Zeldin founded Stephen S. Wise Temple, which has since 
become the largest Jewish congregation in the West and the second-
largest in the world. This alone justifies his exalted status.
  But Rabbi Zeldin is not one to rest on his laurels. Through its 
programs, lectures and full-time day and high school, Stephen S. Wise 
Temple has made an immeasurable contribution to Jewish life in southern 
California. Hardly a day goes by when there is not a stimulating event 
of some kind taking place at the temple. Rabbi Zeldin would not have it 
any other way.
  In 1953, New York's loss became California's gain; Rabbi Zeldin left 
his native New York City, where he was assistant dean of Hebrew Union 
College, and headed west; 1 year later he became founding dean of the 
Los Angeles branch Hebrew Union College. From 1958-63 Rabbi Zeldin was 
spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel in Beverly Hills.
  Despite his rabbinical duties, Rabbi Zeldin somehow finds the time to 
get actively involved with other cases and organizations. For example, 
he is past president of the American Zionist Council and the San 
Fernando Valley Synagogue Council and sits on the board of the UCLA 
Medical Ethics Committee. In addition, Rabbi Zeldin writes frequently 
for newspapers and magazines.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us today in saluting Rabbi 
Isaiah Zeldin, a man whose friendship, guidance, and intellect has 
touched the lives of so many. We wish him well on his birthday.


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