[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 79 (Friday, June 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    DANIEL PERLA AND VALERIE ALTMANN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 3, 2011

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, the Bayit, 
is a cornerstone of the Riverdale community. Today it is honoring 
Daniel Perla and his wife Valerie Altmann for their involvement In the 
HIR since they moved to the community in 2000.
  Danny was elected President of Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in June 
2004, shortly after he completed the prestigious Wexner Heritage 
leadership training program. Under his leadership, the HIR embarked on 
a major capital campaign and has completed a building expansion and 
renovation. The campaign has already raised over $5 million, half way 
to its goal with the rebuilt Bayit now accommodating nine separate 
Shabbat groups, and six different Shabbat tefillot.
  The Bayit also houses Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, the preeminent Open 
Orthodox rabbinical school where Danny is currently studying full-time. 
Before beginning his Rabbinic studies, Danny worked as an analyst and 
portfolio manager for a variety of firms, most recently working as a 
Managing Director of Indian Asset Management, a major institutional 
money management firm. In addition to his involvement at HIR, Danny 
serves as a board member of SAR Academy, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and 
Yeshivat Hadar.
  Valerie is a full-time faculty member at Long Island Jewish Medical 
Center where she oversees residents and practices Obstetrics and 
Gynecology. She is also an assistant professor at the Albert Einstein 
School of Medicine. Valerie is a frequent lecturer on medical issues 
related to health and halakha and recently played an important role in 
the kallah conference co-sponsored by YCT, JOFA and Yeshivat Maharat. 
Canadian-born, she is a graduate of McGill University and McGill 
Medical School.
  Danny and Valerie are the proud parents of four children: Benjamin, 
14, Rebecca, 12, Yoni, 9, and Gabriel 6. They all attend the SAR 
Academy in Riverdale. I happily join with the Hebrew Institute of 
Riverdale in congratulating my good friend of many years Danny and his 
wife for their contributions to the HIR and to the community at large.

                          ____________________