[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 47 (Monday, April 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E624-E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO RUTH AND STEPHEN HENDEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 4, 2011

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ruth and 
Stephen Hendel of Larchmont, New York, recipients of the Jewish 
Theological Seminary's 2011 Louis B. Marshall Award. This award 
recognizes their commitment to principles to which Louis Marshall 
adhered as the Chairman of the Board of JTS from 1904 to 1929: 
exemplary ethics and communal commitment.
  In addition to helping strengthen our community and economy through 
their demanding careers--Stephen in business and law and Ruth in 
theatre production--the Hendels have worked to ensure equal opportunity 
for all.
  Their contributions have enhanced education programs, including at 
JTS, where both are actively involved. Stephen takes a unique interest 
in supporting rabbinical students while Ruth takes an active role on 
Chancellor Arnold M. Eisen's Arts Roundtable and on the Advisory Board 
of the Library to help expand students' access to cultural and literary 
works.
  The Hendels' contributions to the New York arts community extend far 
beyond professional commitment. With a long list of production credits 
on and off Broadway, the Hendels co-conceived and co-produced the 
critically acclaimed musical Fela!, which was nominated for eleven Tony 
awards. The Hendels sought to highlight continued oppression and civil 
rights struggles around the world in their production, which chronicles 
the life of a legendary Nigerian musician who inspired a generation in 
his pursuit of human rights and freedom.

[[Page E625]]

  They also serve on boards of several important arts organizations. 
Mr. Hendel is on the boards of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, New 
Group, Culture Project, St. Ann's Warehouse, Afropop.org, and the 
African Museum for Art, and serves on various advisory committees at 
Yale University. Ms. Hendel serves on the boards of the Eugene O'Neill 
Theater Center, LAByrinth Theater, The Play Company, and the Yale 
School of Drama Advisory Board.
  In addition to their substantial contributions of their time and 
talents to JTS, Ms. Hendel received a Very Important Parent Award from 
the Board of Jewish Education and together they have been honored by 
Westchester/Fairfield County's Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and the 
Westchester Jewish Center of Mamaroneck.
  Married for thirty-three years, the Hendels have three adult children 
and a son-in-law--Abby and Guy, Sam, and Joe--and one grandson.
  The Hendels' commitment to community service and investment in the 
arts is greatly appreciated and extolled. I urge you to join me today 
in recognizing their outstanding achievements.

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