[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 59 (Thursday, May 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TEMPLE EMANU-EL'S 135TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 1996

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, San Jose will commemorate the 
135th anniversary of Temple Emanu-El, the city's oldest synagogue, and 
I know that all the Members of this House will want to join me in 
marking this historic event.
  A few dedicated families founded the Temple in 1861, originally named 
Bickur Cholim, to care for the sick and needy, to ensure proper burial 
for the dead, and, as their original articles read, to ``[further] 
their Holy religion and language.'' The Temple has continued to serve 
this mission through this day.
  Temple Emanu-El has a long history of service to both the Jewish 
community and the San Jose community at large. Through Interfaith 
Sabbaths, the congregation's work with the homeless through the 
Coalition of Churches and Synagogues, and their community outreach 
through concerts and pulpit exchanges, the Temple Emanu-El community is 
active in San Jose cultural and civic life. As current Rabbi Mark 
Schiftan remarks, the Temple provides a beacon for Jewish values and 
ethical imperatives for the entire community.
  The history of Temple Emanu-El truly mirrors the development of San 
Jose. In 1861, the fledgling Temple relied on the strong support of the 
community's churches and civic organizations to construct its synagogue 
and build its congregation. Over the next 80 years, it grew with the 
city until a fire in 1940 destroyed the sanctuary. I am proud to tell 
you that, once again, the community responded enthusiastically, helping 
the Temple continue its services and programs. The new sanctuary was 
completed in 1948.
  Temple Emanu-El's last 50 years have been a whirlwind of rapid growth 
and community development. I believe that, like San Jose, this 
synagogue will remain an active center of our vibrant Silicon Valley 
community. One of the Temple's former Rabbis, Joseph Gitin, reminds us 
that although the Temple has grown, its fundamental role is unchanged. 
``Here,'' he says, ``we learn that our faith and discipline of Jewish 
ethical values prepare and equip us to live meaningful lives.''
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that no matter what our particular religion 
may be, we all strive for a similar goal. I would invite my colleagues 
in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Temple 
Emanu-El's 135th anniversary.

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