[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGREGATION SHIR TIKVAH GROUNDBREAKING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 1996

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, October 20, Congregation Shir 
Tikvah will break ground for their permanent home, a house of worship 
in the heart of Troy.
  Congregation Shir Tikvah was founded 14 years ago when Pam Spitzer 
and Phyllis Wenig met in an elementary school parking lot. Recognizing 
the need for a worship community for Jewish families in the area, 18 
families came together and the number quickly grew to 70. Today, 
Congregation Shir Tikvah has a membership of 240 families. Until now, 
the congregation has held its services in the Morman, Catholic, 
Lutheran, Presbyterian, Unitarian, and Methodist Churches. The cross-
cultural enrichment from these exchanges of hospitality fostered 
outreach to people of other faiths.
  Shir Tikvah's Ark houses a sacred Torah which was seized after World 
War II in Nazi Germany. It travelled from Germany to England and then 
to Detroit. Led by Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg, the congregation is open 
and welcome to all. It is a place to gather for spiritual growth, 
education, and socialization. Rabbi Arnie and his congregants are an 
active presence in the faith community of the area.
  Shir Takvah translates as ``Son of Hope,'' and the congregation's 
groundbreaking on October 20 is, indeed, a symbol of their hope for the 
future. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the members of Congregation Shir 
Tikvah on the realization of their dream, and I wish them continued 
success.

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