[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1861]]


                     TRIBUTE TO TEMPLE ADAT ELOHIM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the dedication of 
Temple Adat Elohim's new sanctuary and social hall. The people of this 
congregation have endured many sacrifices to make the construction of 
these new buildings possible. It is because of this congregation's 
overwhelming dedication to serving the Reformed Jewish community in the 
Conego that I am here today to extend my congratulations and express my 
gratitude for a job well done.
  The history of the founding of Temple Adat Elohim begins in the 
spring of 1967. Several families tired of the long and laborious drive 
to Ventura to worship with Reformed congregation and attend Hebrew 
School. On August 22, 1967, 16 families formed the congregation at 
Temple Adat Elohim. Since that time, many more Conego families have 
joined the struggle to make the dream of a new sanctuary and social 
hall a reality.
  By the early 1980's, the congregation had grown in size and the 
construction of a new sanctuary was no longer a desire, but a 
necessity. Instead, the congregation made a difficult decision and 
sacrificed their comfort for the safety of the children. They built the 
children a new school building. The new sanctuary would unfortunately 
have to wait.
  Today, we come together to celebrate and honor those families who 
have endured both spiritually and financially for the benefit of Jewish 
people in the Conejo Valley. The new sanctuary and social hall 
accommodates more than 800 people and allows the congregation at Temple 
Adat Elohim to truly worship together.
  This new sanctuary and social hall would not have been possible 
without the support and dedication of Temple Adat Elohim's Rabbi Alan 
Greenbaum and president Sandy Bistrow. I call upon this congregation 
and fellow members of our community to thank them for their efforts.
  Theodor Herzl once said ``If you will it, it is no dream.'' The 
construction of this new sanctuary would not have been possible without 
the strong will of their congregation. Mr. Speaker, distinguished 
colleagues, please join me in celebrating the dedication of Temple Adat 
Elohim's new sanctuary and honoring them for their hard work and 
sacrifice.

                          ____________________