[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 75 (Saturday, May 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E987]]
                   TRIBUTE TO RABBI JEROME R. MALINO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES H. MALONEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor for me 
today to bring to the attention of my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives the celebration of two very significant milestones in 
the life of Rabbi Jerome R. Malino of Danbury, Connecticut. During the 
weekend of June 1st through the 3rd, the United Jewish Center of 
Danbury, as well as the entire Danbury community, will be celebrating 
Rabbi Malino's 90th birthday, and marking his 66th year of continuous 
religious, spiritual, cultural, civic, and educational leadership for 
the people of Danbury.
  Rabbi Malino has had a deep, wide and profound impact on the people 
and the City of Danbury. Certainly he could have served as Rabbi in any 
of the major cities of our nation, but he choose Danbury as a young man 
and elected to stay with us for nearly seven decades. He, and his 
wonderful wife, Rhoda, made that decision out of a great commitment to 
serve not only as Rabbi to a congregation, but as Rabbi of an entire 
community--through all of the ups and downs, problems and blessings, 
that come to the life of a community. Rabbi Malino's decision was a 
perfect fit, and a great blessing to us all, 66 years ago, and it 
remains a perfect fit today--all to the tremendous benefit of Danbury 
and its people.
  Rabbi Malino has been active in nearly every aspect of Danbury life. 
He served as a member of the Board of Education for twenty years, 
including ten years as its Chairman. He was active with the Danbury 
Music Center and the Danbury Concert Association for more than two 
decades. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the local anti-
poverty agency, and many other local human service organizations. For 
several years, Rabbi Malino served also as chaplain of the Federal 
Corrections Institution in Danbury.
  While he officially retired in 1981, Rabbi Malino remains active 
today at the United Jewish Center, and continues his work as Rabbi 
Emeritus. As was said in a book of essays published in his honor, ``His 
lifelong love of Torah and learning are evident in his eloquent sermons 
and writings, whether his discourse is on history, art, philosophy, or 
Bible. To this day, his schedule is as full as ever, for he willingly 
shares his wisdom with all who seek it, whether congregant, colleague, 
or rabbinical student at the Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of 
Religion, where he has taught for many years.''
  Rabbi Malino is a man of conviction and commitment. This dedication, 
coupled with his deep religious faith, have made him a beloved leader 
and citizen of Danbury, our State of Connecticut, and, indeed, our 
entire country. As United Jewish Center Rabbi Bradd Boxman said 
recently, ``Rabbi Malino is a legend not only in Danbury, but 
nationwide. He is a treasure to the Jewish people.'' I would only add, 
he is a treasure to us all.
  Mr. Speaker, it is both a personal pleasure and privilege to honor 
Rabbi Malino, a man I have known well for over 25 years, and have the 
privilege of calling a close personal friend. On behalf of the Congress 
of the United States, I extend to Rabbi Malino best wishes for a most 
joyous birthday celebration, and our expression of deep gratitude for 
all of his many contributions to his congregation, the people of 
Danbury, and our nation. thank you, Rabbi.

                          ____________________