[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO RABBI RICHARD HAMMERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM SAXTON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2000

  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rabbi Richard 
Hammerman of Congregation B'Nai Israel, Toms River, New Jersey, who is 
celebrating his 25th year with the synagogue.
  Much of B'Nai Israel's vibrancy and outreach comes from the influence 
of Rabbi Hammerman, who came to B'Nai Israel in 1975. He is credited by 
many as the driving force which helped make the synagogue as it is 
today.
  Through the years, the congregation has enjoyed many additions and 
accomplishments, among them the memorial to the victims of the 
Holocaust, the stained glass windows depicting scenes from Israel, and 
the synagogue expansion in 1983. Despite difficulties during the early 
days, the congregation persevered, and today it is an active member of 
both the Jewish community and the community at large, including a 
thriving Talmud Torah which sends all Hebrew high school graduates to 
Israel, participates in community programs to provide moderate housing, 
and in an interfaith group to help house the homeless.
  Rabbi Hammerman is described as a ``real mensch,'' a person who 
genuinely cares about each member of the congregation. He is considered 
a man of the highest ethics, one who is warm and welcoming.
  Having grown from 225 members upon Rabbi Hammerman's arrival to its 
current membership of 500, his warmth and caring are cited as the 
strength behind the success of Congregation B'Nai Israel, and for the 
respect the congregation has earned from the community.
  May Rabbi Richard Hammerman, Rabbi of Congregation B'Nai Israel, 
continue to serve the community for many years to come.

                          ____________________