[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 141 (Monday, October 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE NEW HAVEN HEBREW FREE BURIAL & BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION ON 
                         ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 18, 1999

  Mr. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to 
recognize the New Haven Free Burial & Benevolent Association which is 
celebrating its one hundredth anniversary this Sunday, October 17, 
1999. For the past century, this organization has been a source of 
support and comfort for the Jewish community, especially in times of 
distress.
  The New Haven Hebrew Free Burial & Benevolent Association was founded 
and continues its mission based on an old Jewish custom--tzedakah--that 
which is right. For centuries, Jews have held a commitment to protect 
and provide for their communities. The New Haven Hebrew Free Burial & 
Benevolent Association, once two separate entities, joined forces to 
provide interest-free loans and burial services for members of the 
Jewish community in financial need.
  Generations of Jewish community members in New Haven have benefitted 
from the Association's economic and social support. The organization 
works to further the concept of Gemilut Chessed, aiding worthy persons 
in becoming self-supporting, self-respecting members of the community, 
through the provision of interest-free loans. Members are able to 
receive small loans, without question, which are repaid on a weekly 
payment schedule. This safety net enables recipients to get back on 
their feet, and alleviates some of the pressure caused by an unexpected 
financial crisis. It truly demonstrates the community's commitment to 
supporting its own in times of need.
  Throughout time, the Jewish community has shown honor to the dead by 
preparing the body for burial and performing tahara, the ritual 
washing. This is one of the greatest mitzot--good deeds--in the Torah. 
According to Jewish Law and Custom, the complete washing and dressing 
of the body is necessary in order for the soul to rest. Because the 
natural decomposition of the body is of the utmost important in Jewish 
Law, the body must be placed in the ground in a strictly Judaic 
cemetery. The New Haven Hebrew Free Burial & Benevolent Association 
provides funerals and burial plots for those who could not otherwise 
afford the cost of a Judaic burial. In addition, the organization owns 
and operates a cemetery. The members and Board of Directors devote 
their efforts to its maintenance. It is their goal that no person 
should be denied a Jewish burial because of financial need.
  For one hundred years this local organization has met weekly and 
worked diligently to raise money to provide their community these 
interest free loans and burial services. Today, it is indeed my honor 
to recognize the tremendous contributions of the New Haven Hebrew Free 
Burial & Benevolent Association to the Jewish community--preserving and 
protecting the dignity and character of Judaic custom. I would like to 
express my sincere thanks and heart-felt congratulations to all the 
members on this momentous occasion.

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