[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO RABBI SALLY OLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 14, 1999

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rabbi Sally 
Olins for her outstanding contributions to the Jewish community and the 
community at large for many years.
  The Talmud states that ``He who does charity and justice is as if he 
had filled the whole world with kindness.'' In a unique and lasting 
bond, Rabbi Sally Olins and Temple B'nai Hayim have established a 
relationship which members of the temple and members of the community 
benefit greatly from. Temple B'nai Hayim is the only Conservative 
synagogue in Sherman Oaks and is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. 
Rabbi Sally Olins, the first female Conservative rabbi on the West 
Coast, now serves the members of Temple B'nai Hayim.
  Rabbi Olins received master's degrees in kinesiology and dance 
therapy from UCLA. Later she attended the University of Judaism in Los 
Angeles and earned a master's degree in Jewish philosophy. After 
studying at New York's Academy for Jewish Religion, five years of in-
depth study of the Talmud, the Torah, biblical and modern Hebrew, 
history, law and more, Rabbi Olins was ordained in 1989.
  Temple B'nai Hayim appointed her as its first female rabbi. Rabbi 
Olins has been appointed to the executive committee of the Rabbinic 
Assembly of the Pacific Southwest Region, where she serves on the Bet 
Din (Court of Law) Committee of Conversions.
  Rabbi Olins has been an integral figure in building a congregation 
and community at Temple B'nai Hayim. She spends countless hours making 
herself available to the fortunate members of the Temple. Today, we 
honor Rabbi Olins for her 10 years of service and not to be outdone, we 
also celebrate the 40th anniversary of Temple B'nai Hayim.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
Rabbi Sally Olins and Temple B'nai Hayim on this joyous and memorable 
day.

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