[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RICHARD BURSTEIN--VALLEY BETH SHALOM MAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to commend Mr. Richard 
Burstein, an outstanding citizen. On June 1, 1997, Richard will be 
named the Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, CA.
  Richard, who lives in the San Fernando Valley with his wife, Irene, 
and their two sons, received his undergraduate degree at the University 
of California at Los Angeles where he graduated with a bachelor of arts 
degree in Political Science in June 1970, awarded magna cum laude. 
After graduating college, Richard enrolled in the University of 
California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, graduating with a 
juris doctor degree in June 1973. During 1972-73, Richard served on the 
Moot Court Board.
  Richard has been a practicing attorney in California for 24 years. 
Richard specializes in general civil litigation, commercial real 
estate, business, tort contract, and corporate matters. His practice 
includes matters in both State and Federal court and also issues of 
attorney conduct. He is a member of the California State Bar where he 
has served as a judge pro tem in the Hearing Department of the State 
Bar Court.
  Not only has Richard excelled in his professional life, but he has 
been a great community leader as well, enhancing the lives of his 
fellow citizens in the community. He has devoted countless hours of 
service at his synagogue, Valley Beth Shalom, where he served as 
president from July 1994 through June 1996. During his presidency, with 
his collegial style he found solutions to difficult problems as he 
coordinated the Temple's successful efforts to complete the repairs 
caused by the devastating January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake. He 
worked to insure that the earthquake repairs and events at the Temple 
were conducted in a way that was sensitive to the needs and concerns of 
the Temple's neighbors and the conditions established by the city of 
Los Angeles.
  He previously served as President of the Valley Beth Shalom Day 
School for 3 years, and as Temple vice president of Administration and 
Education. As the immediate past president, Richard serves on the 
executive committee and the board of directors of Valley Beth Shalom. 
Richard's emphasis on the needs of our community has had a great impact 
on all our lives; his values and ethics have set an example for others 
to follow--that is why it is with great pleasure and esteem that I 
stand here today to pay tribute to a great citizen of our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other esteemed colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Richard on being honored as Valley Beth Shalom's Man of 
the Year. His wife, his children, and his community can be proud of 
Richard's accomplishments. His unselfish dedication will be marked 
forever in our history.

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