[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TEMPLE BETH-EL CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Temple 
Beth-El of Jersey City, NJ, celebrating the 130th anniversary of its 
founding. The temple also celebrates the 70th anniversary of the 
dedication of its magnificent sanctuary. A Sabbath service rededicating 
the sanctuary will be held on May 17, 1996, and a gala dinner party 
will be held on May 18, 1996.
  In the mid- to late-1860's a small group of Jewish worshippers in 
Jersey City began to congregate for prayer and study. Soon thereafter, 
the congregation began to grow and this culminated in the formation of 
the Isaac Ephrain Congregation. Finally, in 1871 the congregation 
adopted the name Temple Beth-El.
  Over the years, Temple Beth-El has grown and flourished as a 
prominent religious and educational institution. The selection of Rabbi 
Samuel A. Berman, now Rabbi Emeritus, to join Temple Beth-El in 1936 
proved to be an important decision. For 60 years Rabbi Berman has been 
bringing his enthusiasm, innate sense of spirituality, and devotion to 
Jewish learning into the temple. He created and implemented many new 
programs within the temple to assist its members.
  The temple, headed now by Rabbi Kenneth Brickman since 1989, offers 
many educational and support programs for the Jewish people. The 
nursery school, in cooperation with the Jewish Community Center, the 
Violet Zall-Hordes Mishpacha Family Education Program and the Sunday 
School allow young Jewish families to learn, appreciate, and enjoy 
their rich tradition. The Violet Zall-Hordes Lecture Series provides 
the adult Jewish community with an opportunity to enhance and learn 
more about their heritage and history. Members of the temple were 
active in the civil rights movement in the 1960's and remain committed 
to the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Every year on the 
national holiday marking Dr. King's birth temple members and 
representatives of the African-American community join together for a 
celebration. In addition to Rabbi Brickman, the temple has been blessed 
with the leadership of Irwin Rosen, who has worked tirelessly for the 
membership.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Temple Beth-El for its 
commitment to its members and the community at large. Temple Beth-El is 
a place that offers hope and love for all those seeking a divine 
embrace.

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