[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E989-E990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RABBI DR. H. JOSEPH SIMCKES AND CHANA SIMCKES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2000

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor Rabbi 
Dr. H. Joseph and Chana Simckes on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary 
of their association with the Hollis Hills Jewish Center. It is with 
great pride that I pay tribute to two people who I have known closely, 
and with whom I have worked with on numerous issues critical to the 
Jewish community and beyond. Joseph and Chana Simckes have made the 
Jewish sage Hillel's ancient dictum, ``Do not separate yourself from 
the community,'' a living guide for their lives and the basis for their 
continuing efforts to promote social justice and human dignity from 
within and beyond the walls of the synagogue.
  Rabbi Simckes has been an exemplary spiritual leader, teaching Jewish 
values and providing moral guidance by his personal example, and I 
confidently expect that he will continue to be a source of leadership, 
learning

[[Page E990]]

and compassion for his congregation. Rabbi Simckes came to the Hollis 
Hills Jewish Center from a pulpit in Massachusetts and has been an 
energetic community leader in Jewish philanthropy, Jewish education and 
pro-Israel advocacy. Holding a doctorate in Pastoral Counseling, with 
experience in psycho-therapy, Rabbi Simckes has been a source of 
counsel and comfort for hundreds of my constituents, sharing his great 
wisdom and boundless compassion.
  Equally, Chana Simckes has won the hearts and respect of the Hollis 
Hills Jewish Center, and the larger Jewish community beyond, through 
her commitment and involvement in sustaining Jewish continuity and 
values. A refugee from Nazi Germany, Chana Simckes has embodied the 
American dream: graduating from Columbia University, succeeding as a 
professional in Jewish education, and rising to the leadership of 
numerous Jewish community organizations, all while raising a growing 
family.
  Joseph and Chana Simckes have elevated and improved the lives of 
their community, providing those around them with guidance, education, 
support and leadership. Stalwart advocates of social action, tireless 
champions of the Jewish people and the values of the Torah, I am 
honored to share with this House their marvelous example, and to hold 
them up for the recognition they both so richly deserve.

                          ____________________