[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONGREGATION TREE OF LIFE

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the 
50th anniversary of Congregation Tree of Life, located in the 4th 
Congressional District of New York.
  This synagogue has been a major component of the Jewish community of 
Valley Stream for half a century. Since first opening its doors in 
1952, the congregation has grown both in number and in spirit.
  Today, 120 families belong to the synagogue. They gather in large 
crowds to participate in a variety of weekly, monthly and yearly 
activities. Although the shul has a high attendance rate for regular 
Shabbat services, it also hosts monthly Oneg Shabbats and family 
dinners three times a year. A crowd also gathers Sunday mornings for 
Minyan, and 8 times a year, the synagogue hosts special speaker 
breakfasts to discuss matters of interest to the community.
  Congregation Tree of Life has different holiday celebrations 
throughout the year. On Hanukah, there is a candle-lighting ceremony 
and festive dinner complete with latkes and jelly doughnuts. A Hanukah 
fair is held before the holiday starts so the congregants and other 
members of the community can shop for the holiday. On Purim, members 
gather to hear the Megillah reading.
  The synagogue is dedicated to continuing education. In the Fall, 
adult members meet with the Rabbi to discuss different issues and how 
they relate to Judaism. Twice a year, bus trips are held to visit 
Jewish sites of interests in different cities. Past visits have 
included the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC and Philadelphia.
  The members are committed to helping others, both in the community 
and abroad. Besides participating in UJA and Israel Bond appeals during 
the High Holidays, the synagogue has a committee that visits the sick 
in local hospitals.
  The contribution this synagogue and their members have made to our 
community is obvious. I congratulate everyone at Congregation Tree of 
Life on the anniversary of such a wonderful gathering place for our 
Jewish community.

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