[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 52 (Friday, May 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING RABBI AND MRS. DAVID EDELMAN ON DECADES OF DEDICATION 
                  AND SERVICE TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to have the 
opportunity to honor two outstanding constituents, Rabbi David Edelman 
and wife, Lillian Edelman.
  Their 48 years of devotion to the Jewish community is an inspiration 
to us all and reminds us of our responsibilities to serve one another. 
As leaders in education, community outreach, and religious stewardship, 
both Rabbi and Mrs. Edelman incorporate in their work the fullness of 
their Judaic faith so as to enhance the quality of Jewish life in the 
Greater Springfield area and elsewhere.
  At Yeshiva Academy in Longmeadow, MA, Rabbi and Mrs. Edelman have 
laid the foundation for one of the finest Jewish educational 
institutions in our nation. Having been involved in the establishment 
of Yeshiva from its beginnings, the Edelmans continue to be central 
figures at this thriving Academy that they so dutifully helped create. 
Both Rabbi and Lillian Edelman have collaborated in sharing 
administrative duties at Yeshiva while making their own unique 
contributions as well.
  Rabbi Edelman has been active in strengthening the Academy's 
commitment to community service through his involvement in outreach 
programs, adult education, and after school activities. Equally notable 
are Mrs. Edelman's efforts in founding a sisterhood at Yeshiva which 
became the Parent-Teacher Association and as innovator, designing the 
concept of the Auction to support the school's fundraising initiatives.
  In extending their ministry beyond Yeshiva, Rabbi and Mrs. Edelman 
have been able to enrich the quality of Jewish life for a host of 
citizens outside of their immediate community who reside in other areas 
of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Rabbi Edelman has shared his 
knowledge of the Judaic tradition with students of Chassidic philosophy 
at the University of Massachusetts and in classes at the Jewish Nursing 
Home. As visiting clergy at Baystate Medical Center and spiritual 
leader at both Knesser Israel and Beis Medrash Lubavitch, Rabbi has 
been similarly generous in spreading the teachings of Judaism. Lillian 
Edelman's activism and memberships include the Hebrew Free Loan 
Association, the Mizrachi, and the Kesser Israel sisterhood.
  Just as they have spread Judaic values within the community, so too 
have Rabbi and Mrs. Edelman instilled the spirit of this religion in 
their home. Perhaps the greatest reflection of any couple and surely 
the Edelmans is their remarkable achievement in raising eight fine 
children. In their sons and daughters, Rabbi and Mrs. Edelman have laid 
the roots of their legacy of service and commitment to the Jewish 
tradition. Together this family manifests through their vocations and 
good works a deep understanding of Jewish morality and generosity.
  Indeed two individuals who have made every facet of their lives work 
within the foundation of Judaism in a spirit of communal devotion, I am 
proud to honor Rabbi and Mrs. David Edelman on 48 years of service to 
the Jewish community.

                          ____________________