[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE RETIREMENT OF RABBI RICHARD LEVINE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM SAXTON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Mr. SAXTON.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
extraordinary gentleman who I am honored to call a friend. On July 1, 
2005, Rabbi Richard Levine will retire after 41 years of service as the 
spiritual leader of Congregation Adath Emanu-El. Since 1964, Rabbi 
Levine has worked tirelessly on behalf of his Congregation and the 
greater Jewish community of southern New Jersey. As my friend continues 
his journey after retirement, it is with great pride and admiration 
that I look back on his tenure as a spiritual and community leader.
  After graduating from the Wharton School of Business at the 
University of Pennsylvania, Richard Levine went on to the Hebrew Union 
College-Jewish Institute of Religion where-upon completion of his 
studies, he was ordained as a Rabbi. Arriving in Willingboro, New 
Jersey in 1964, Rabbi Levine began to get involved with a countless 
number of Jewish and non-sectarian organizations and causes. In 
addition to holding the Presidency of the Delaware Valley Association 
of Reform Rabbis and the Tri-County Board of Rabbis, he was the first 
New Jersey Rabbi ever to serve as President of the Greater Philadelphia 
Board of Rabbis. He has served on the Boards of the Jewish Federation 
of Southern New Jersey, Jewish Family and Children Services and the 
Board of Jewish Education.
  Rabbi Levine's dedication to our local community goes far beyond his 
service on Rabbinical and community boards. Over the years he has 
worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Operation Head 
Start, various multi-ethnic human relations organizations and has 
taught classes at local schools. He has served with distinction as a 
``scholar in residence'' in other communities and has led over a dozen 
trips to Israel. During these trips, the participants enjoy his first-
hand knowledge of the country, its history, people and spiritual 
meaning.
  Today, as we honor the accomplishments of this exceptional American, 
Rabbi Levine is still hard at work, as the patriarch of a growing 
family. He and his lovely wife Judith are the proud parents of nine 
children and are celebrating the arrival of their eighth grandchild! As 
a father, grandfather and rabbi, Richard Levine has earned the respect, 
gratitude and admiration of all of us who have had the privilege to 
work with him over the years.
  Mr. Speaker, my friend Richard Levine has dedicated his professional 
life to the service of his people and the greater community of which I 
am honored to be a part. As he begins his well-earned retirement, I 
would like to extend my sincere gratitude for his friendship, 
leadership and service.

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