[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETH JACOB CONGREGATION

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2010

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of 
Beth Jacob Congregation, a Jewish congregation in Mendota Heights, 
Minnesota, who will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their faith 
community on June 27th.
  Beth Jacob was formed in 1985 when two Twin Cities synagogues, Sons 
of Jacob and New Conservative Congregation, merged. Founded as an 
orthodox synagogue in the early 1870s, Sons of Jacob was one of the 
oldest Jewish congregations in the Twin Cities, while New Conservative 
Congregation was one of the area's youngest congregations. Seemingly 
very different faith communities, the members of the two synagogues 
found that they possessed similar values and needs. The new faith 
community they formed adopted the name Beth Jacob Congregation. In 
1986, the congregation selected Rabbi Morris J. Allen as its religious 
and educational leader, and in 1987 they broke ground to build their 
synagogue. Since then, Beth Jacob has steadily grown in size and 
influence thanks to the dedication and leadership of Rabbi Allen and 
the involvement and commitment of its members.
  Beth Jacob is not simply a synagogue or a place of worship--it is a 
community. Its members are engaged in studying their faith and 
participating in Shabbat service. Additionally, members are active 
participants in their neighborhoods and cities. Beth Jacob is well 
known for its involvement in our community through interfaith dialogue 
programs, food shelf donations, assistance to immigrant workers, 
affordable housing initiatives, and disaster relief efforts. Its 
contributions to the Jewish community as well as the Twin Cities at 
large are unparalleled, and I am proud to say that such an active and 
dedicated Jewish Congregation is located in the Fourth Congressional 
District of Minnesota.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the 25th anniversary 
of Beth Jacob Congregation, a faith community rich with tradition that 
is committed to serving the needs of its members and giving back to our 
community.

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