[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 77 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E907-E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN CELEBRATION OF THE DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR CONGREGATION OLAM TIKVAH

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Congregation Olam Tikvah on the occasion of the Dedication Ceremony for 
their recent expansion.
  Congregation Olam Tikvah was formed in 1964 by six Fairfax County 
families who recognized the need for a synagogue that would serve the 
Kings Park, Springfield, Fairfax and Annandale areas. The congregation 
was initially led by Reb Jack Frankel who, although not an ordained 
rabbi, provided religious leadership and guidance in those early days.
  From these modest beginnings, Olam Tikvah has grown into a vibrant 
community and is the spiritual and religious home to over 620 Jewish 
families in the Northern Virginia area. Along with this growth in 
membership has come an expansion of programs which now include a 
preschool, child and adult education classes, ritual support, a Men's 
Club, a Sisterhood and a senior social group.

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  In addition to religious education and development, Congregation Olam 
Tikvah supports involvement by its members in a number of organizations 
and projects dedicated to the betterment of the secular community. 
These efforts include aid to victims of domestic violence, providing 
support to our military families, blood, food and clothing drives, 
elementary school mentoring programs and Sukkot in April which performs 
needed home repairs to our elderly, disabled and low-income neighbors.
  On May 23, 2010, Olam Tikvah will celebrate the Dedication Ceremony 
for their most recent expansion. This expansion will provide a new 
library/learning center, a new social hall and new kitchen and support 
areas for the social hall. I am confident that these new facilities 
will provide the resources that will allow Congregation Olam Tikvah to 
continue its growth.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Congregation Olam Tikvah on the occasion of this Dedication Ceremony as 
well as in thanking Rabbi Kalender, Rabbi Shalva and the entire 
congregation for their commitment to Judaism, their synagogue and the 
residents of Northern Virginia.

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