[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 81 (Friday, June 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN TRIBUTE TO RABBI SHIMON PASKOW

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2000

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Rabbi Shimon 
Paskow, who is retiring after 31 years of spiritual leadership of 
Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks, CA.
  Although the temple is not physically in my district, many of my 
constituents have benefited from Rabbi Paskow's spiritual leadership 
and human compassion. Among his many volunteer efforts, he has served 
as the Jewish Chaplain at the Ventura School of the California Youth 
Authority in Camarillo, CA. In that capacity, Rabbi Paskow has 
ministered to some of our most troubled youth.
  Rabbi Paskow was ordained in 1959. The next year, he joined the U.S. 
Army and served as a Jewish Chaplain in France and Germany. 
Immediately, he proved his dedication and was honored by the Commanding 
General of the Fourth Logistical Command and the National Jewish 
Welfare Board for his outstanding work. In 1985, Rabbi Paskow was 
promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1993, he 
was decorated with the Meritorious Service Award.
  Prior to coming to Temple Etz Chaim, Rabbi Paskow served as an 
Associate Rabbi of the Valley Jewish Community Center and Temple (Adat 
Ari EI), one of the largest Conservative congregations on the West 
Coast.
  Under his leadership, Temple Etz Chaim has grown from a membership of 
less than 100 families to more than 700 families today. He has been 
instrumental in designating sections of local cemeteries for 
consecrated Jewish burials. Jewish Family Service established an office 
in Thousand Oaks' Community Conscience Services Center through his 
personal efforts.
  While leading the Temple Etz Chaim congregation, Rabbi Paskow also 
has found time to lecture to numerous college groups and serve on the 
faculties of several institutes of Jewish learning. He is a member of 
many religious organizations, in addition to his service on secular 
community committees. He has authored many popular and scholarly 
articles that have appeared in journals and newspapers throughout the 
country. Rabbi Paskow appears frequently on radio and television and is 
listed in various Who's Who directories.
  Rabbi Paskow has earned many awards for his service. Among them: In 
1993, he was presented with the Torch of Learning Award by the American 
Friends of the Hebrew University in recognition of his commitment to 
youth, education, Israel, and the Jewish people. With his wife, Carol, 
he established a scholarship fund at the Hebrew University for students 
needing financial assistance. The government of Israel has honored him 
for promoting tours to Israel.
  Rabbi and Carol Paskow have one daughter, Michelle, who was ordained 
a Rabbi in 1991. The couple are the proud grandparents of Aaron Daniel 
and Jonathan Jay Cohen.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Rabbi 
Paskow for his many decades of service to his religion and his 
community, congratulate him on his retirement, and wish him and his 
family many more years of fulfillment.

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