[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE MORRISTOWN JEWISH CENTER BEIT ISRAEL

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2010

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Morristown Jewish Center Beit Israel, of Morristown, New Jersey, which 
is celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2010.
  The Morristown Jewish community was first incorporated as a formal 
religious body on January 5, 1899 as the House of Israel. Their first 
meeting place was at 4 Race Street, where Hebrew School classes were 
held and services were conducted. As the congregation grew, it moved 
several times to accommodate the expanding membership. In 1918, the 
religious body purchased a three-story Victorian home at 177 Speedwell 
Avenue in Morristown. The building was remodeled to accommodate 
religious services and religious school classes.
  Between 1921 and 1924, the idea of creating a multi-purpose community 
center arose. During this time period, a demand for wider use of the 
facility for religious, cultural and social purposes developed. The 
desire for a building suited to these multiple purposes gained 
momentum. Maurice Epstein, founder of the M. Epstein Department Store, 
led a campaign to raise $34,000 toward this goal. Shortly thereafter, 
plans were presented to the membership and the cornerstone of the new 
building was laid on March 3, 1929.
  From the 1930's through the 1950's, Jewish community life revolved 
around the center. In the 1960's additional classrooms and a new social 
hall were built and in the 1980's the former gymnasium was converted 
into a ballroom. In 1987, the building, listed on the National 
Register, received a Heritage Commission marker. A nursery school was 
added in 1992.
  Culturally, socially and spiritually, the Morristown Jewish Center 
Beit Israel has been a positive force in people's lives, and its 
members continue to enrich the well-being of Morristown and the 
surrounding area through its presence.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Morristown Jewish Center Beit Israel as it 
celebrates its 80th Anniversary.

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