[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 156 (Monday, October 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CONGREGATION BEIT KODESH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 26, 2009

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Congregation 
Beit Kodesh, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
  In 1958, a small number of intuitive individuals started hosting 
Shabbat services at the Clarenceville Central Elementary School. This 
same year, over 200 people attended High Holiday services at the 
Botsford Inn in Farmington. The following year, the Livonia Jewish 
Congregation was formally organized. Over the next few years, the 
Congregation met at several different locations until negotiation with 
the Jewish Welfare Foundation allowed them to move into the May and 
Samuel Cohn Building.
  Importantly, the Congregation has been served by three Rabbis over 
the years: Rabbi Nathaniel Steinberg (one year), Rabbi Martin Gordon 
(twenty-two years) and Rabbi Craig Allen (seven years). When no Rabbi 
is available, the lay people of the congregation carry out services. 
Currently, Rabbi Jason Miller, the associate director of the University 
of Michigan Hillel Foundation in Ann Arbor, is the Rabbinic Advisor.
  In 1990, the congregation officially changed its name to Congregation 
Beit Kodesh in order to recognize members who live throughout the Tri-
County area. Two years ago, they combined efforts with Bet Chaverim and 
began to hold Sunday School classes and activities together at 
Congregation Beit Kodesh. Notably, students play an important role in 
these congregations. For example, students attend regular Bar and Bat 
Mitzvah classes and volunteer at Yad Ezra. In addition, they contribute 
actively in the community by participating in the Matzos Factory at the 
Junior Community College, the annual Penny Harvest, and assisting the 
elderly with various projects. Finally, the synagogue also has an 
active Sisterhood, which sends relief packages to our soldiers and 
seeks to advance tolerance in the community.
  In addition to being the only conservative synagogue in Western Wayne 
County, this distinguished congregation was the first in Metropolitan 
Detroit to elect a woman as president. While receiving very little 
financial assistance or recognition from the Jewish community, they 
remain very active and play an important role in the community.
  Madam Speaker, for fifty years, Congregation Beit Kodesh has stood as 
a tribute to the strong efforts of Metropolitan Detroit's Jewish 
community. As their members commemorate this tremendous milestone, they 
embody a legacy of distinction and determination. While observing their 
Jewish customs, this small but significant family synagogue will 
continue to contribute to the community. Today, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in commemorating Congregation Beit Kodesh and recognizing their 
contributions to our community and country.

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