[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 74 (Friday, May 25, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF RABBI YITSCHAK MEIR KAGAN

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, Today I would like to commemorate 
the achievements of a beloved religious leader, dedicated father and 
husband and friend from my home state of Michigan, Rabbi Yitschak Meir 
Kagan. On June 3 of this year, people from around the world will be 
gathering in Southfield, MI, to honor the life and memory of Rabbi 
Kagan.
  Through hard work and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of 
Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Kagan's work has made an indelible mark upon 
countless individuals. His deep faith, keen intellect, and concern for 
others has led him to give generously of himself.
  Born in England, Rabbi Kagan's extensive education assumed an 
international flavor. After early instruction in Great Britain, he 
studied at the Lubavitch Yeshiva in Israel, the Central Lubavitch 
Academy in New York and the Rabbinical College in Montreal where he 
received his ordination.
  Central to Rabbi Kagan's life was the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. In 
1966, Rabbi Kagan joined the Michigan Chabad-Lubavitch. For thirty-five 
years he worked tirelessly to expand the Lubavitch Foundation's 
presence in Michigan. Chabad-Lubavitch is a Hasidic sect that 
originated in Lubavitch, Russia. Lubavitch means ``brotherly love,'' 
and Chabad is an acronym for a philosophy that pursues wisdom, 
understanding and knowledge of God. Rabbi Kagan's life embodied the 
ideal of brotherly love as he sought ``to increase the knowledge of 
Judaism within every Jew'' by educating people about the Torah, 
providing worship services and performing charitable acts.
  As Associate Director of the Lubavitch Foundation, Rabbi Kagan 
expanded the Foundation by establishing Chabad houses in Ann Arbor, 
Flint and Grand Rapids, developing ``the Campus of Living Judaism;'' 
counseling students and tending to the spiritual development of 
countless individuals.
  Rabbi Kagan's work reached far beyond Michigan. The printed word 
enabled his thoughts and insights to span the globe. He published 
essays adapted from the works of Lubavitcher Rebbe that were read by a 
multitude each month. In addition, he edited and translated the Rebbe's 
classic text, Hayom Yom, edited philosophical texts and translated 
commentaries on the Torah.
  Rabbi Kagan has been a community and spiritual leader for over three 
decades. I have been able to witness, firsthand, his enthusiastic 
commitment to helping others in need. Rabbi Kagan touched the lives of 
all who met him. He worked with and helped immigrants, prisoners, drug 
users, families in need and others with characteristic zeal, kindness 
and love. I know my Senate colleagues join me in commemorating the life 
of Rabbi Yitschak Meir Kagan, and in offering their condolences to 
Rochel Kagan, his wife, and his extended family.

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