[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S11284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  IN RECOGNITION OF THE EXPANSION OF YOUNG ISRAEL OF OAK PARK, MI
 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me today 
in congratulating the Young Israel congregation of Oak Park, MI, on 
completion of recent expansion of the synagogue's facilities. Since 
1954, Young Israel has been serving the spiritual needs of its 
congregation as well as the community at large.
  From its humble beginnings, Young Israel of Oak Park has grown to 
become the largest Orthodox Jewish congregation in the State of 
Michigan. Originally founded as Young Israel of Oak-Woods, the temple 
served the communities of Oak Park and Huntington Woods. Six years 
later, Young Israel of Greenfield opened its doors in the adjoining 
community. For over a quarter century, the two temples offered a 
sanctuary where the respective congregations could meet.
  Then in 1997, in response to changing demographics and a desire to 
better serve their neighborhoods, the temples merged to create Young 
Israel of Oak Park. Soon after the merger, they embarked on an 
ambitious expansion project to provide more opportunity for communal 
celebration and prayer. In June of this year, the synagogue's stunning 
new sanctuary and social hall were completed.
  Today's congregation is not only a center of Torah study, but also a 
forum where young and old, rich and poor, come together to share their 
beliefs, desires, and fears. At the same time, the temple plays a 
central role in maintaining the stability and vitality of the Orthodox 
Jewish population of South East Michigan.
  For nearly 50 years, the Young Israel congregation has been a 
spiritual and social home for many in Michigan's Orthodox Jewish 
community. I trust that my Senate colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Young Israel of Oak Park on nearly a half century of 
growth and wish them the best in the coming years.

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