[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO TEMPLE BETH DAVID

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Temple Beth David, 
which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. In the past 
60 years, the temple has grown into a vibrant community dedicated to 
the values of Judaism including spiritual discovery, educational 
richness, and the love and kindness of community and personal 
responsibility.
  Founded by 10 families in 1947, Temple Beth David was the first 
reform synagogue in the San Gabriel Valley. The original founder, Flora 
Kahn, is still a member of the congregation. Since its inception, the 
temple has seen its membership grow to 195 families, spanning the 
generations. The community welcomes all Jews as well as interfaith 
couples and encourages non-Jewish spouses to participate in temple 
life.
  Rabbi Alan Lachtman has been with the temple in his current position 
since 1976. A retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Army Reserves, Rabbi 
Lachtman has a degree in Marriage Family Therapy and received the 
Doctorate of Divinity from Hebrew Union College in 1999. He currently 
teaches at the University of Judaism, and works closely with the 
American Jewish Committee and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
  A dynamic and active temple, Temple Beth David encourages congregant 
participation and offers a wide variety of programs from interfaith 
programs and social action projects to religious and Hebrew schools. 
Demonstrating a commitment to all members of the community, Temple Beth 
David offers not only youth scholarships but also an array of adult 
education programs for those who seek a greater understanding of 
Judaism.
  Committed participants not only in temple life but in the larger 
world as well, the members of Temple Beth David have recently joined 
the interfaith chorus calling for U.S. Government intervention in 
Darfur. Along with Rabbi Lachtman, the 195 families of the temple, 
mindful of their own community's history, are activists for the 
civilians in Darfur.
  It is my privilege to honor Temple Beth David on its anniversary of 
60 years of active community and fulfillment in Judaism. I ask all 
members to join me in wishing the Temple Beth David and its congregants 
continued success.

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