[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF RABBI DR. H. JOSEPH SIMCKES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Rabbi Dr. H. 
Joseph Simckes, who has just retired after 29 years of service to the 
Hollis Hills Jewish Center.
  As the spiritual leader of the Hollis Hills Jewish Center, Rabbi 
Simckes' dedication and compassion to our community has been 
unparalleled. I have had the great honor of knowing this intelligent, 
wise and kind-hearted individual, both on a personal level and as an 
advocate for the numerous important issues, and, particularly, support 
for the state of Israel, that we have worked on together.
  Throughout his extraordinary career, Rabbi Simckes has been deeply 
and profoundly involved in the education of Jewish youth. His strong 
support of Jewish education was evident early in his career through his 
role in helping to found the first Solomon Schecter Day School in 
Boston. Rabbi Simckes has also led over 40 student-groups on tours 
throughout Israel. I have seen first hand the importance Rabbi Simckes 
places on education through the important work that he has done helping 
sculpt today's Jewish curriculum and the vast knowledge and rigor that 
he displays in his moving sermons. The wisdom he has shared both inside 
and outside of his congregation has improved and enriched the lives of 
thousands in the community.
  Rabbi Simckes is also a trained therapist, whose compassion and 
guidance have comforted both old and young. Rabbi Simckes has been a 
pillar of strength throughout his tenure counseling, comforting, and 
sharing in the pain and joy of the whole community.
  Rabbi Simckes has stood with the Queens Jewish Community during our 
most important life-cycle moments: births, bar-mitzvahs, weddings, and, 
of course, deaths as well. Always warm, always accessible, Rabbi 
Simckes has guided our community as pastor and friend.
  Our community has been blessed to have such a devoted and passionate 
leader. Though Rabbi Simckes will be missed his role as congressional 
rabbi, his spirit and convictions will remain as a permanent legacy for 
the community. The importance he placed on learning, and his deep 
devotion to the Jewish people and their faith, have inspired us all, 
and we look forward to his continued involvement in our lives.
  To Chana Simckes, on behalf of the entire community, I want to thank 
you for sharing your husband to us so readily and for so long. Without 
your love and support neither he, nor we, could have made it so far, 
and for so long, together.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House to join me in 
recognizing my leader, my pastor, my guide, and my friend, Rabbi Dr. H. 
Joseph Simckes for his 29 years of service to the Hollis Hills Jewish 
Center. We send him our very best wishes in his years of well-earned 
retirement.

                          ____________________