[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 72 (Thursday, June 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1051-E1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING CONGREGATION KODIMOH ON ITS 90TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
pay tribute to the Congregation Kodimoh of Springfield, Massachusetts 
as it celebrates its 90 Year Anniversary this year.
  It is my honor to represent a congregation whose contributions to 
Springfield and its Jewish community have been so significant over the 
years. On this special anniversary, I include in the Congressional 
Record Congregation Kodimoh's complete chronological history and extend 
my heartfelt congratulations to Rabbi Alex and Dr. Bella Weisfogel who 
will be honored for their accomplishments at a dinner on June 11, 2006.

[[Page E1052]]

  Congregation Kodimoh in Springfield, Massachusetts, is proud of its 
history as a prominent Orthodox synagogue, which has made important 
contributions to the strength and vitality of the Jewish and general 
communities. Kodimoh's story reflects the common immigrant's success 
story and parallels the growth of the city of Springfield.
  Kodimoh which means ``forward'' or ``progress'' in Hebrew was founded 
in 1916 by a segment of the Jewish community with a spirit of optimism 
caught up in the success of the first generation of Jewish immigrants 
and the boom of Springfield as an important economic urban center. The 
name further suggests the desire of the founding members for the 
congregation to fit in to the American way of life. The Jewish 
community formed in Springfield primarily in the North End section of 
the city in the mass immigration from Eastern Europe in the last 
decades of the 19th century and early 20th century. When the first 
generation of Jewish immigrants prospered and achieved economic 
success, a segment desired to provide for itself a better standard of 
living.
  The move to the beautiful new neighborhood of Forest Park began, and 
a synagogue was needed. The first meeting of Kodimoh took place in the 
home of Moses Ehrlich, the first president of the congregation. Kodimoh 
was founded to maintain Orthodox standards and practices in modern 
America. English rather than Yiddish would be the language of sermons, 
while the synagogue and its members would participate in civic affairs. 
Tradition would feel at home in a new world.
  The first building was completed in 1923 on Oakland St. and an 
adjacent school building was built in 1937. Through the '50s, as more 
Jews moved to the Park, Kodimoh took its place as a prominent 
institution in the Jewish community and in the city. The congregation 
maintained traditional Jewish practice and effectively educated the new 
generation. The membership required more space for the burgeoning 
program of services and activities, and the current modern facility was 
built in 1963, a short distance away on Sumner Ave. While a large 
segment of the Jewish community and several synagogues moved to 
Longmeadow, an adjacent suburb, the leadership of Kodimoh decided to 
keep the synagogue in Forest Park.
  The new building witnessed extensive growth through the '70s as 
Kodimoh continued to follow its mission of maintaining Orthodox 
Judaism, involvement in the broader Jewish community, and local 
affairs. As the economic opportunities in Springfield declined, the 
synagogue also saw many young people seek jobs elsewhere. However, 
Kodimoh remains a vibrant and important religious center which makes a 
vital contribution to the community. We have faith that Springfield 
will continue to strengthen itself and the synagogue will benefit.
  Many important rabbis have served the congregation. Rabbi Isaac Klein 
continued his prominent career in Buffalo, while Rabbi Norman Lamm 
became the President of Yeshiva University. Rabbi Alex Weisfogel from 
1959-1982 led the synagogue during the construction of the Sumner 
Avenue building and oversaw the congregation's growth. As Rabbi 
Emeritus, he has remained in the community with his wife, Dr. Bella 
Weisfogel. Together they continue their involvement in synagogue and 
community activities. Not only did Bella support her husband's 
endeavors, in her own right she contributed in significant ways to the 
educational and social programming of the synagogue. For all of their 
accomplishments, Kodimoh honors Rabbi Alex and Dr. Bella Weisfogel at a 
dinner celebrating the 90th anniversary on June 11, 2006.

                          ____________________