[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 146 (Monday, October 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE REDEDICATION OF THE YOUNG ISRAEL SHOMRAI EMUNAH OF GREATER 
                               WASHINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 25, 1999

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Young 
Israel Shomrai Emunah of Greater Washington. On October 31st, the 
members of this congregation will join together to rededicate the 
facility that has served as their home for the past quarter-century. In 
addition, the congregation, located in Silver Spring, MD, will 
celebrate the renovation of its sanctuary and expansion of its 
building.
  Since its creation, the Young Israel has helped to provide its 
members with a spiritual anchor and a firm foundation upon which to 
build a Torah observant community. The synagogue truly lives up to its 
name Shomrai Emunah--``guardian of the faith.''
  The synagogue, loosely established in 1951, was first located in 
Riggs Park, in northeast Washington, DC. Its first permanent home was 
established in 1957. However, a few years later, the community moved to 
Silver Spring and eventually built two facilities, the first located on 
University Boulevard. As the community grew, the leadership of the 
synagogue sought larger quarters, resulting in the construction of a 
spacious facility on Arcola Avenue. The new facility was completed in 
1974.
  As we all know, mortar and bricks do not make a community. Rather, 
the individuals in each community influence its success. Through the 
foresight of its founding members and the meticulous guidance of the 
Young Israel's esteemed spiritual leader, Rabbi Gedaliah Anemer, the 
synagogue boasts a membership of more than 500 families. The synagogue 
provides a variety of programs to serve its members. The community 
furnishes classes throughout the year, including an active adult 
education program. Seniors programs, a nursery school, the youth 
department, and a vibrant Sisterhood are all supported by the Young 
Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, a synagogue is referred to as a ``House of Prayer,'' a 
``House of Study,'' and a ``House of Assembly.'' The Young Israel 
Shomrai Emunah fulfills all of these definitions. Therefore, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the entire membership of the 
Young Israel; Rabbi Gedaliah Anemer; the President of the synagogue, 
Arnold Sherman; the chairman and co-chairman of the renovation 
committee, Sheldon Klein and Dr. Howard Schulman; and the board of 
directors. May they proceed from strength to strength.

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