[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO RABBI DR. EUGENE MARKOVITZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
deeds of a remarkable person, Rabbi Dr. Eugene Markovitz of Clifton, 
New Jersey, who will be recognized on Sunday, June 11, 2000 because of 
his 50 years of service as the spiritual leader of the Clifton Jewish 
Center. It is only fitting that he be honored, for he has a long 
history of caring, generosity and commitment to others.
  Rabbi Markovitz was recognized for his many years of leadership in 
Clifton, which I have been honored to represent in Congress since 1997, 
and so it is only fitting that these words are immortalized in the 
annals of this greatest of all freely elected bodies.
  The 50-year relationship between Rabbi Eugene Markovitz and his 
congregation has added much to the rich history of the State of New 
Jersey. In addition, it has provided many years of friendship and 
leadership to the Clifton and Passaic Jewish communities and the 
community at-large.
  Born in Romania, Rabbi Markovitz moved to America when he was 15 
years old. His father, already living in the United States, brought him 
to this country along with his mother and five siblings. His father was 
a rabbi in Lexington, Massachusetts. Later in 1938, the family moved to 
New York. During these early years he worked at Wilson's meat packers. 
He spent most of his youth in Coney Island.
  At Yeshiva University in New York, Rabbi Markovitz received both his 
bachelors and doctorate degrees. After he was ordained he worked as a 
student rabbi in Dover, New Hampshire. It was the small steps in the 
beginning of his career that taught him the fundamentals that would 
make him a role model to the people that he now serves.
  In 1950, the Rabbi moved to Clifton with his wife Klara. The two 
lived in Middle Village. Working together with 60 to 75 other families 
he helped create a new Jewish congregation in Clifton. The Clifton 
Jewish Center's popularity grew throughout the years. Often attracting 
50 to 100 new members a year. People came from Passaic, Paterson, 
Newark and New York.
  Services for the Jewish Center used to be held in the Grand Union on 
Clifton Avenue and junior congregation services were in the Clifton 
Theater. In the 1950s the Hebrew School increased in size dramatically, 
so the building was expanded in 1958. The Jewish Center reached its 
peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s with 350 children attending 
Hebrew School each year.
  The congregation under the leadership of Rabbi Markovitz has had many 
significant achievements. First, the Hebrew School helped to produce 
six rabbis. In addition, the annual silent Kol Nidre appeal is a 
wonderful accomplishment.
  Noted for his civic involvement, the Rabbi is active throughout the 
City of Clifton. He is noted as the spiritual leader of the Clifton 
Jewish Center and as a good friend of the Clifton/Passaic community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Rabbi Markovitz's 
family and friends, the Clifton Jewish Center, Passaic County, the 
State of New Jersey and me in recognizing the outstanding and 
invaluable service to the community of Rabbi Dr. Eugene Markovitz.

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