[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN CELEBRATION OF EMANUEL DAY

                                 ______


                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 1996

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues 
and the members of Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, as they gather on May 
5, 1996, in Temple Emanual to celebrate Emanuel Day, the end of a 10-
year effort that has served to beautify the synagogue, and enhance it 
as an ongoing source of inspiration to its congregants and the Great 
Neck community. Conceived by Rabbi Robert Widom, spiritual leader of 
Temple Israel, the project evolved into the design of six stained glass 
windows for the synagogue's sanctuary, a new ark and eternal light. The 
initial project, under the direction of Rabbi Widom, undertook a search 
that would last for 10 years until the appropriate artist was selected 
and the creative plans were developed.
  An extensive search by the rabbi and the congregation's refurbishing 
committee yielded Paul Winthrop Wood, a Canadian born artist, who comes 
from a family of renowned architects and builders. Mr. Wood brought to 
Temple Emanuel an innate understanding of the Old Testament and the 
many creative and imaginative themes that flow from it. It was his 
early upbringing by his mother that endowed him with a rich blend of 
talent and insight that would be brought to fruition by the many 
religious building challenges he undertook.
  A native of Port Washington, Mr. Wood continues the family tradition 
of building and design. He began his early studies in the Art Studies 
League and the National Academy of Design. Soon thereafter, he founded 
his own school, and began a career that would include the design and 
construction of more than 100 churches and synagogues throughout the 
United States and 30 houses of worship on Long Island.
  In rising to the challenge of bringing to the synagogue and sense of 
love, understanding, and compassion, Mr. Wood succeeded grandly. It is 
with great pride and love that the trustees of Temple Emanuel of Great 
Neck have declared Sunday, May 5, as Emanuel Day. As the hundreds of 
congregants of Temple Emanuel gather on this day, it is most exciting 
and reaffirming that in the truest tradition of the American spirit, 
this beautiful congregation continues to so willingly give of itself, 
to its members and the community.

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