[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 87 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S7425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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          RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TEMPLE BENJAMIN

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to the past and present leaders and 
congregation of Temple Benjamin as they celebrate 50 years of service, 
learning, and faith on June 25, 2005. This milestone provides the 
perfect opportunity to reflect on the rich history of this institution 
and to remember the many individuals who played an integral part in its 
success.
  In 1955 Rabbi Joseph Kratzenstein, who escaped Nazi persecution and 
ultimately settled in Bay City, inspired the original idea for Temple 
Benjamin through his efforts to educate children in the Mount Pleasant 
community. Upon arriving in Michigan, Rabbi Kratzenstein frequently 
visited the Mount Pleasant area, drawing attention to the need for 
religious education for local children. The rabbi's call was answered 
by Harry Goldberg, Leo Simon, Ben Traines, and Dr. Phil Silvert, who 
raised the necessary seed money to establish the temple we enjoy today.
  Within 2 months of laying the first stone, the temple was completed 
and families began to use the services it provided. Temple Benjamin is 
one of the first Jewish community and religious centers to be 
established in the Central Michigan area and began with 10 families, 
some of whom would travel more than 50 miles for services. Today, the 
temple serves more than 50 families and has continued to grow and 
embrace the surrounding community.
  The founding mission of education, originally developed by Gene 
Traines, has remained a bedrock tenet of Temple Benjamin through the 
years. Many notable community leaders, including Rose Traines, Mildred 
Goldberg, and Helen Klein, have helped to shape Temple Benjamin's 
instructional elements and to promote community outreach.
  In addition to its work with children in Michigan, Temple Benjamin 
has contributed to the overall welfare and safety of our Nation through 
the dedicated service of many in the congregation. There are many in 
the congregation who served in our Armed Forces, including Robert 
Klein, Charles Muskowitz, Arnie Bransdorfer, Joe Simon, and Carvel 
Wolfson, who served with distinction during WWII.
  Through the years, those associated with Temple Benjamin have 
embodied the values of community spirit, faith, and leadership. I know 
my Senate colleagues join me in congratulating the members of Temple 
Benjamin for their service to the community and in wishing them many 
more years of success in the future.

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