[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TEMPLE EMANUEL OF GREAT NECK IS REDEDICATED

                                 ______


                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 1996

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
rededication of Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, which occurred on May 5, 
1996. This day, hereby known as Emanuel day, culminates 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 or Temple 
Emanuel, 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.
  Through the combined efforts of the congregation's leadership team of 
president Lloyd Goldfarb, chair of the refurbishing committee, Paula 
Held Scharf, brotherhood president, John Holzer and sisterhood 
president, Carol Cohen, an extensive search was launched that yielded 
Paul Winthrop Wood, a Canadian born artist. Mr. Wood comes from a 
family of renowned architects and builders and 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.
  In rising to the challenge of bringing to the synagogue a 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 declared Sunday, May 5, as Emanuel day. As the hundreds of 
congregants of Temple Emanuel gathered on that day, it was 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.

                          ____________________