[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF CONGREGATION BETH JACOB

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a 
respectful tribute to Congregation Beth Jacob of Astoria on the 70th 
anniversary of its founding. The congregation's history is one of 
perseverance and growth, supported by a foundation of worship, 
education, and dedication.
  Beth Jacob was founded in 1927 by a small group of Hungarian Jews who 
were determined to have their own congregation. These founders had very 
little money and could only afford to erect a fragile, one story 
structure which leaked badly after the first rain. However, the 
congregants were determined to have a home.
  Their weak structure never fell. In fact, it grew, as did the number 
of people who prayed there. And in 1938, in the midst of the 
destruction of synagogues throughout Germany, the growing congregation 
rebuilt their temple.
  In 1951, upon the completion of a second story, Beth Jacob truly 
began to flourish. At this time, it housed a Hebrew school with 126 
students and three teachers. The Yeshiva of West Queens also began at 
Beth Jacob and had to move when its students overfilled the available 
classrooms. Worshipers filled the synagogue beyond capacity on 
holidays.
  Since the 1960's, the size of the Jewish community in Astoria has 
decreased. However, Congregation Beth Jacob has maintained its lively 
atmosphere, providing a center for Jewish life for residents from 
Astoria and nearby communities.
  Consistent with its tradition of growth, Congregation Beth Jacob now 
has a young new rabbi, Rabbi Zev Itzkowitz, and is always expanding its 
educational offerings, including adult classes and special programming.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to 
Congregation Beth Jacob as it celebrates 70 years of a most vibrant 
history. I am honored to have such a thriving synagogue in my district, 
serving as a center for Jewish life and a home for Jewish education and 
worship.

                          ____________________