[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RABBI AND MRS. SCHWAB HONORED BY TEMPLE SINAI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor two remarkable 
residents of New York's 20th District. Rabbi Joel Schwab and Aviva 
Schwab of Orange County, NY, are, and have for years been, exemplary 
community leaders. So much so that they have been designated 
``Distinguished Members of the Year'' by Temple Sinai in Middletown and 
will be honored at a luncheon on October 26.
  Rabbi Schwab has served 15 years as rabbi of Temple Sinai. But his 
commitment to the Greater Middletown community goes beyond his 
rabbinical duties. The Jewish Family Service of Orange County was 
cofounded by Rabbi Schwab. He has been involved with numerous local 
organizations, many of which he is still actively involved with today. 
These include the Jewish Federation of Orange County, the Hebrew Day 
School of Orange County, Interfaith Council of Greater Middletown, the 
Emergency Housing Group, Middletown Psychiatric Center, and the 
Rabbinical Assembly of America, Mid-Hudson region. Rabbi Schwab has 
also served members of the Jewish faith while acting as chaplain at the 
Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center, as well as serving on the clergy 
committee of Horton Hospital.
  Mrs. Schwab, wife of Rabbi Schwab, has served in a significant role 
in the education of children of Orange, Rockland, and Dutchess 
Counties. The Systematic Training for Effective Parenting [STEP] has 
been of particular importance to her as she brings these STEP workshops 
to parents throughout the Hudson region. Her work with the David Moore 
Heights Children's Library and the Hebrew Day School of Orange County 
have added to his ongoing legacy of supporting education. Mrs. Schwab's 
work for the Jewish community has been outstanding. As a lifetime 
member of Hadassah, the temple shul crier, director of the High Holiday 
Sitting Service and Shabbat Morning Sitter Service, and member of 
Temple Sinai's Sisterhood, Women's American ORT, and the Jewish 
Federation of Orange County Aviva has selflessly given of herself to 
her community.
  Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Joel and Aviva Schwab have clearly dedicated their 
lives on behalf of their community. Middletown and the entire 20th 
District are proud that these two outstanding citizens are such good 
neighbors.
  I invite my colleagues to join in congratulating the Schwabs for 
their devotion to their community.

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