[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 100 (Thursday, July 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF TEMPLE EMANU-EL'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Temple Emanu-El 
of Edison, New Jersey, as its members gather to celebrate its 50th 
Anniversary. Under the leadership of Rabbi Emeritus Alfred Landsberg 
and Rabbi Deborah Bravo, Temple Emanu-El is a respected educational and 
religious institution for many families whose members remain committed 
to various community service activities. Their hard work and dedication 
are worthy of this body's recognition.
  Since its founding in 1961, Temple Emanu-El's membership remains open 
to persons of any race, sex, ethnic background, physical capability, 
sexual orientation, national origin or marital status. The synagogue is 
a sanctuary for interfaith families, gay and lesbian groups as well as 
numerous organizations and religious communities interested in pursuing 
the Jewish faith. Its rich diversity ensures the organization's ability 
to provide various religious programs for all ages. The synagogue is 
proud to be the first religious school within the region to offer 
special education programs to its members. Pre-school students have the 
opportunity to celebrate Shabbat through song and craft programs. Teens 
also get together at Temple Emanu-El to study Judaism with their 
friends while community members remain engaged in the sacred work of 
`tikkun olam', the repair of the world, through various social action 
programs.
  The worshipers of Temple Emanu-El are committed to participating in 
various community programs and service endeavors. Food and monetary 
funds are collected by the worshipers and delivered to the members of 
the community. The members also partake in the weekend meals-on-wheels 
delivery program as they continue to reach out to members of their 
community in need.
  The synagogue also maintains a commitment to provide various 
educational opportunities. Temple Emanu-El provides programs for the 
children to learn Hebrew and various Jewish traditions while adults are 
given the opportunity to study with Scholars-in-Resident and 
participate in Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs. Many congregants also join 
together on a weekly basis to study Torah. In addition to the plethora 
of activities offered at Temple Emanu-El, the synagogue remains a 
serene house of worship for its members to congregate and reflect.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Temple Emanu-El on its 50th 
Anniversary and thanking the members for their continued contribution 
to the Jewish community.

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