[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1678-E1679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF TEMPLE BETH-EL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note that the Temple Beth-
El, in the Town of Bethel, New York, is celebrating its 75th 
anniversary. From its beginnings in a simple barn, this congregation 
has grown through many tribulations into a thriving, highly accepted 
community.
  The Beth-El congregation was formed near the turn of the century by a 
small group of summer residents who vacationed at the shores of North 
White Lake, which is now called Kauneonga Lake. The congregation was 
comprised of Jews from New York City whose faith inspired them to 
organize religious services during their summer vacations. The 
congregation, then called the Congregation Anchai of North White Lake, 
met in a hotel owned by Charles Kroner. Because the congregation was 
Orthodox, and allowed no travel on the Sabbath or holidays, the Kroner 
family went so far as to donate both meals and lodging to worshipers.

[[Page E1679]]

  The congregation grew quickly and needed a larger, more permanent 
space to worship. A small house and barn built the previous century was 
purchased in 1923. Congregation members took down the house and rebuilt 
the barn into a more suitable place of worship. Services began the 
following year and the congregation changed its name to Temple Beth-El. 
This change symbolized both the beginning of a more permanent 
congregation, as well as pride in their Town: Bethel, New York. ye 
their tale goes deeper than the story of how a barn became temple. The 
story of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El is equally inspiring. They 
began in the 1940's as a small group of women who organized to provide 
economic support to their temple. Due to the Orthodox nature of the 
congregation, women and men were not allowed to sit together during 
worship. The women endured balcony seats during summer services and 
were subjected to poor ventilation and buzzing hornets for their faith. 
In the 1970's the congregation turned conservative, and the women were 
allowed to join the men on the main floor of the temple. They continued 
to host pancake breakfasts and barbeques to raise money for both their 
temple and community. They opened a second hand store to both assist 
the poor and their congregation.
  From these humble beginnings in a barn behind a home, this 
congregation has grown and thrived. It has hosted more than ten rabbis, 
endured threats from the Ku Klux Klan, and yet perserved and remained 
true to the Hebrew meaning of its name, House of God.
  I am especially moved by the fond memories members had not only of 
the services themselves. but the card parties and penny socials hosted 
by those involved with the temple. It is the tales of Bar Mitzvah's and 
weddings, births and deaths, which touch me the most. They show the 
extent to which the temple nourished both the spiritual and social 
needs of the community.
  Praise is best expressed by my constituent Edward Brender in his 
poem, ``The Barn That Became a House of Worship'', which reads as 
follows:
The temple once a farmer's barn; part of America's rural farm
Furnished with a century-old church's pews, yet filled with devout and 
      dedicated Jews.
At Temple Beth-El, we like to stay with American uplifted heart's we 
      pray.
For 75 years, the temple filled our spiritual needs, while rabbis 
      planted righteous seeds.
The halls resounded with Chief Justice Lawrence H. Cook's praise, 
      reminding us of Hebrew sacrifices during America's revolutionary 
      phase.
During the time of our country's greatest need, recounting tables of 
      Jewish patriots' deeds.
High on a majestic verdant hill stands stately Temple Beth-El; For 75 
      years a beacon of freedom's faith, spreading boundless love and 
      tales to tell.
  I believe that Congregation Temple Beth-El serves as an example to 
all Americans in our nation hoping for the simple joys of faith and 
family.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite our colleagues to join with me in applauding 
this congregation for its dedication to both its faith and its 
community as a whole and extending our best wishes on the occasion of 
their 75th anniversary and may Temple Beth-Al, enjoy many more years of 
growth and community service.

                          ____________________