[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONGRATULATING RABBI JEHIEL ORENSTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2005

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and 
accomplishments of Rabbi Jehiel Orenstein. Rabbi Orenstein is a beloved 
figure not only among the 575 families at Congregation Beth EI, but 
throughout the community at-large.
  In 1961, Jehiel Orenstein received his master's degree in Judaica and 
was ordained as a Rabbi at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. 
While he was a student there, he received the Lawrence Prager Award for 
outstanding scholarship in medieval Hebrew Literature. In 1986, Rabbi 
Orenstein received his PhD from New York University in linguistics. In 
that same year, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity from 
the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
  Rabbi Orenstein served as Chaplain of the United States Air Force on 
Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After three years on 
Lackland Air Force Base, Rabbi Orenstein moved to Lynbrook, New York, 
where he was Rabbi of Congregation Beth David. After his stay at Temple 
Beth David he became Rabbi at Temple Israel in Great Neck, New York. 
For the past 35 years, Rabbi Orenstein has served as the spiritual 
leader of Congregation Beth El in South Orange, New Jersey. During his 
distinguished tenure at Beth EI, Rabbi Orenstein has overseen a vibrant 
and growing Conservative Jewish congregation.
  He has written several publications, including a book about Hebrew 
Literature. Some of his other works include articles published in 
Conservative Judaism, the New York Times, and Bai'nanu, a working 
publication for American Conservative Rabbis.
  Rabbi Orenstein is the past president of the Maplewood-South Orange 
Clergy Association, Chaplain of the State Police of New Jersey, and 
Chaplain of the Maplewood Police and Fire Departments. He is also the 
past president of the Rabbinical Assembly of New Jersey. I know that he 
is particularly proud of founding the South Orange-Maplewood Interfaith 
Holocaust Service, a 27-year tradition.
  Rabbi Orenstein is married to Sylvia Mowshowitz Orenstein, a very 
accomplished attorney in her own right. They are the parents of three 
very successful children, and are the proud grandparents of five.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish Rabbi Jehiel Orenstein a hearty 
``Mazel Tov!'' on giving the opening prayer today on the Senate floor.
  Rabbi Orenstein built a strong synagogue during his 35 years at Beth 
EI, and has been a pillar for the South Orange-Maplewood region. I 
would also like to thank him for his years of service dedicated not 
only to his congregants, but our community and the State of New Jersey. 
May he enjoy a very well-deserved retirement

                          ____________________