[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ALEX AND SHIRLEY FAHN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Alex and Shirley 
Fahn, of Sacramento, California.
  Mr. Speaker, the Sacramento community, and especially the community 
of the Kenesset Israel Torah Center understand why Alex and Shirley 
deserve our recognition and our heartfelt thanks.
  These extraordinary individuals display the inspiration of the Talmud 
and serve as examples to those near them. Alex and Shirley show us by 
their faith and commitment that this kind of courage is possible and 
they surround us with their strength.
  Perhaps the most remarkable example of Alex and Shirley's commitment 
to build in our community is their belief in the Kenesset Israel Torah 
Center. Mr. Speaker, Alex and Shirley's work to take a dream and make 
it a reality touched so many people that they will be honored with a 
gala dinner in Sacramento later this week. I know I speak for those 
back home when I say that one evening of recognition could not possibly 
repay Alex and Shirley for their constant sacrifice.
  The Talmud say, ``Every blade of grass has an angel that bends over 
it and whispers, `Grow, Grow.' '' Alex and Shirley have been the angels 
of the Kenesset Israel Torah Center--dedicating their time and 
enthusiasm to every aspect of creating the Center. Since the initial 
planning stages, they never hesitated to offer their home to host 
meetings and events. They served on the Center's Board of Directors and 
began a tradition of generosity by donating to the building fund and 
dedicating classrooms. This amazing couple unconsciously grew into a 
leadership position in the development and life of Kenesset Israel.
  We are grateful for Alex and Shirley's involvement as congregational 
and community leaders in a variety of organizations and capacities. 
Their leadership experience and personal integrity provide an example 
for the rest of us trying to navigate a true course.
  Over the course of their service in Sacramento, Alex has served as 
president of both the Jewish Federation and Mosaic Law Congregation. 
Shirley has been active in the philanthropic sorority Theta Delta Xi.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the constant contributions from Alex 
and Shirley Fahn and their commitment to truly give all they can. It is 
with great pleasure that I honor them today and offer my most heartfelt 
gratitude and best wishes for the future.

                          ____________________