[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ON THE OCCASION OF CONGREGATION B'NAI MOSHE'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY SERVING 
               THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

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                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today to 
recognize Congregation B'nai Moshe on the occasion of its 100th 
anniversary of service to the Jewish community of southeast Michigan.
  The history of Congregation B'nai Moshe is an excellent example and 
chapter of the American story. The congregation was founded on 
September 2, 1911, by nine Hungarian immigrants who came to America to 
seek new opportunities and to freely practice their beliefs. An 
integral part of their journey was to form a congregation that allowed 
them and the 25-30 Hungarian-Jewish families of Detroit to fully 
practice their traditions and customs. In 1915, after just 4 short 
years, the Congregation was able to purchase its first shul on Elliot 
Street near Hastings which served as a house for worship to over 70 
families.
  Much as America met the call to face unparalleled challenges of the 
1930s and 1940s, so did Congregation B'nai Moshe. Shortly after moving 
to its new home in the Dexter building in 1929, the congregation was 
faced with the challenge of overcoming the Great Depression. Not only 
did the congregation survive those economically tumultuous years, it 
prospered and by 1944 it had paid off the new synagogue's mortgage. 
Just as the country rose to answer the call to service during World War 
II, so did the members of B'nai Moshe. Many served in World War II and 
fought to protect our freedom and liberty.
  As the Jewish community in southeast Michigan grew and evolved so did 
B'nai Moshe; first moving with its members to Oak Park and later to its 
current home in West Bloomfield. During this period, members of the 
congregation ensured that the story of the Jewish community in 
southeast Michigan would forever be set in stone, founding the 
beginnings of the Jewish Museum of Detroit. Since its arrival at its 
present location, the congregation has celebrated the construction of 
many new resources which have enriched the lives of both its members 
and the greater community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the 100th anniversary of 
Congregation B'nai Moshe with its members and it is my hope that the 
congregation, just as our great country, will continue to endure into 
the next 100 years and beyond.

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