[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 50 (Thursday, April 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF TEMPLE BETH EL

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to call my colleagues' 
attention to the first Jewish congregation in the state of Michigan, 
Temple Beth El. The congregation, whose first services were held in 
1850 by twelve families in Detroit, begins the celebration of its 150th 
anniversary this year with a series of special events. Beginning in May 
with a Musical Revue and concluding with a benefit in November, the 
events will bring together members of the congregation as well as 
thousands of others from throughout the metropolitan Detroit area.
  Founded at a time of unrest in our nation--when the debate over 
slavery was intensifying, the economy was booming, and the railroad was 
transforming American culture--Beth El began with German immigrants. 
Members of Beth El later joined in the Reform Judaism movement. By 
1867, the congregation had replaced German with English as the language 
of instruction, and in 1873 Beth El was one of the charter members of 
the Union of American Hebrew Congregations which brought together the 
Reform synagogues of America to establish an American rabbinical 
seminary.
  Over the years, the congregation experienced steady growth, locating 
at several notable sites in Detroit. These include a temple that was 
constructed at Woodward and Eliot in 1903 (now the Bonstelle Theater 
which is owned and operated by Wayne State University) and a temple 
that was designed by the late Albert Kahn in 1922 and built at Woodward 
and Gladstone. Like these formidable architectural works that bear 
witness to the congregation's vision and contribution, Beth El's rabbis 
were pillars in the community and were instrumental in building and 
developing the Detroit Jewish community and the national institutions 
of the Reform movement. Rabbi Louis Grossman, Rabbi Leo Franklin, Rabbi 
B. Benedict Glazer, and Rabbi Richard Hertz are among those who are 
well-remembered for their significant leadership and prominent roles in 
helping to strengthen human relations and the cause of social justice.
  In 1973, the congregation opened its doors to its newest home in 
Bloomfield Hills. Today it has a membership of over 1600 families. 
Under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Daniel Syme, Rabbi David 
Castigilone, Rabbi Sheila Goloboy and Cantor Stephen DuBov. Temple Beth 
El continues to play an important role in the metropolitan Detroit 
Jewish community, and it is recognized as one of the foremost Reform 
congregations in the United States.
  Mr. President, I would like to express my best wishes to Temple Beth 
El on the celebration of this milestone in their history as a major 
contributor to America's cultural strength and religious tradition. We 
all profit from the preservation and celebration of individual and 
religious freedom that Temple Beth El so well embodies. I know my 
colleagues will join me in congratulating the congregation of Temple 
Beth El and Rabbi Daniel Syme for achieving 150 years as a ``home that 
welcomes all of Detroit's Jewish community'' and as a hallmark of 
spiritual development.

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