[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TEMPLE EMANUEL OF GREAT NECK

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                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2003

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call the attention of the House 
to a wonderful event that will occur this Friday, October 24, in my 
district: the 50th anniversary and rededication of Temple Emanuel of 
Great Neck. This synagogue, since its founding, has been a vital force 
in my community, instilling hope, providing opportunities for prayer, 
education and fellowship, and acting as a vigorous agent of tzedaka, of 
righteousness, charity and social action.
  Since 1969, this energetic congregation has been led by Dr. Robert 
Widom, an exemplary rabbi, a community icon, a wise, decent and kind 
man, and, I'm proud to say, my close friend and counselor. Under his 
leadership, Temple Emanuel has grown, thrived and fulfilled its mission 
of providing a home to a dynamic liberal Judaism that promises and 
delivers both continuity and change.
  Mr. Speaker, this wonderful anniversary recalls the divine promise of 
redemption made by Isaiah who foresaw the restoration of the Beit 
HaMikdash, the holy temple in Jerusalem: ``Behold I will set down gems 
as your flooring stones and lay your foundation with sapphires. I will 
set your window frames with ruby and make your gates of carbuncle 
stones and your entire boundary of precious stones. All your children 
will be students of the Lord, and your children's peace will be 
abundant.''
  This joyous 50th anniversary of Temple Emanuel will celebrate and 
amplify the echoes of the profound spirit of the Great Temple. This 
anniversary will rightfully celebrate the creation, half a century ago, 
of a place for Jews to join together to commune with God, to ask for 
atonement and to celebrate the holidays and mitzvot established in the 
Torah. For a generation, Temple Emanuel has been the place for hundreds 
of Jewish families to celebrate simchas, births, b'nei mitzvot, and 
weddings; the life events which connect individuals and families to our 
community and to their faith.
  The structure of this synagogue is not mere mortar or brick; it is 
not wood, stone or steel. This house of prayer, this home for a 
community, is founded on centuries of faith and tradition, it is built 
up with love and dedication, and its roof is an abiding faith in the 
promise made to King Solomon so long ago. Even as this congregation has 
matured, this structure of spirit has not aged.
  Those of us who know this congregation, who know the people who, for 
50 years have made it hum with activity and life and spirit, we know 
it's not just a temple, it's not just a synagogue: It's a shul, a 
spiritual home, a place that reflects the highest aspirations of an 
ancient people living proud and free in this great Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, in the Jewish tradition, when a book of study is 
completed, traditionally we celebrate the success by offering 
encouragement to immediately return to the work ahead. This 
anniversary, this celebration of 50 years of sustaining Jewish life in 
a profound and modem way, is a real and deeply satisfying achievement. 
But it is an anniversary which only promises greater things.
  Mr. Speaker, the words we say are ``Chazak! Chazak! v'nitchazayk!'' 
Be strong! Be strong! And may you be strengthened! Mr. Speaker, I ask 
all of the Members of the House to stand and join me in offering Temple 
Emanuel a hearty yasher koach, and best wishes for the next 50 years.

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