[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 84 (Monday, June 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1067-E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

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                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2011

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration and 
recognition of 60 years of unrivaled spiritual leadership and unequaled 
community service by Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, New York.
  In the summer of 1951, approximately 70 Jewish families gathered with 
the hopes of establishing a place of worship for the Jewish community 
in Roslyn and the surrounding area. They could have hardly hoped or 
anticipated that these humble beginnings would

[[Page E1068]]

grow into such a vibrant and vital temple--renowned for its excellent 
religious school, its benevolent activism, and its strong commitment to 
the Jewish faith and Jewish values.
  In 1957, the still nascent congregation came together to raise funds 
to construct a new school wing, an atrium, offices, and a synagogue and 
sanctuary--facilities they still use today. Since then, the 
congregation has only continued to grow in both reach and mission. 
Temple Beth Sholom has been recognized for its extraordinary 
educational program--from nursery school to adult education. The 
Temple's Rabbi Ario S. and Tess Hyams Judaica Museum, founded in 1968, 
houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts important to Jews 
and the Jewish faith. The generous congregation has donated and raised 
funds to continually improve the function and facilities of the Temple. 
Moving forward, the congregation will continue to expand and improve 
its positive influence on both their membership and the community.
  For decades, the Temple has maintained an unwavering fidelity to the 
values of the Conservative Jewish movement while encouraging both open-
mindedness and innovative practices. Emblematic of this, Temple Beth 
Sholom elected its first woman president in 1972 and, in subsequent 
years, became one of the first egalitarian congregations in the 
Conservative movement. The Temple was also one of the first to collect 
congregational contributions according to a sliding scale based on 
income--recognizing diverse capabilities to give within their 
membership. Through innovation and creativity, Temple Beth Sholom has 
remained faithful to its Conservative tradition while embracing new and 
pioneering practices.
  Under the current direction of Rabbi Alan B. Lucas, Temple Beth 
Sholom is continuing in its great tradition of faith, family, and 
community. His spiritual guidance is an invaluable asset to the 
congregation and the surrounding community, and his leadership and 
commitment will allow the Temple to continue its good works for years 
to come.
  On June 12, 2011, Temple Beth Sholom will celebrate its 60th 
anniversary. Since 1951, it has been an essential element of the Roslyn 
Heights community. I am proud to recognize the synagogue's 
extraordinary accomplishments. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
expressing my gratitude and congratulations to Temple Beth Sholom for 
its six decades of service to the Jewish community of Roslyn.

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