[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of 
Representatives to join me as I rise to commend Congregation B'nai 
Israel in Millburn, New Jersey on its groundbreaking ceremony on 
Sunday, April 26, 2009. Congregation B'nai Israel, under the leadership 
of Rabbi Steven Bayar decided to commit to an over six million dollar 
renovation project in spite of the tenuous economy and worrisome 
financial markets.
  Congregation B'nai Israel is blessed to have financial commitments of 
$5.2 million from its members for this important project. The most 
significant part of the renovation will be a new, two story building 
for B'nai Israel's nursery and religious school. Fortunately, the 
decision to go ahead with the renovation will guarantee jobs for local 
construction crews and a revenue stream for suppliers of building 
materials.
  It is a pleasure for me to celebrate with the members of Congregation 
B'nai Israel, Rabbi Bayar, Mayor Sandra Haimoff and others as they take 
this leap of faith in moving forward with the project. This initiative 
will serve as a model to other entities that may be contemplating 
similar projects but have been reluctant to proceed in today's 
challenging economic times. It is this kind of dedication and 
steadfastness that will help propel our Nation forward and bring us 
back to a sense of prosperity and hopefulness.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Congregation B'nai 
Israel has made the right decision in continuing with its renovation 
project and demonstrating its faith to the community it serves. I am 
pleased to recognize Congregation B'nai Israel and proud to have it in 
my Congressional District.

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