[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 34 (Monday, March 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING TEMPLE BETH EL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 11, 2013

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor the congregation of Temple 
Beth El and its leadership for 90 years of spiritual and interfaith 
service to the San Pedro, Palos Verdes, and greater South Bay 
community. I am proud to recognize Temple Beth El for the extraordinary 
work it has done in my community, and for the work it will continue to 
do in the years ahead.
  As one of the oldest synagogues in Los Angeles, Temple Beth El has 
long been a vibrant part of the San Pedro, Palos Verdes, and greater 
South Bay community. Through its array of educational, cultural, and 
musical programming, Temple Beth El has built a second home for Jewish 
Los Angelenos, where spiritual fulfillment, interfaith inclusion, and 
social action thrive. The community's spiritual vivacity lies in its 
congregation and its leadership.
  As a community leader, Rabbi Charles Briskin serves his Jewish and 
interfaith communities alike. He nurtures the South Bay Jewish 
community by actively engaging in congregants' lives and facilitating 
dialogue on how to marry Jewish ethos with the trials of everyday life. 
Outside the Temple's walls, he contributes to interfaith understanding 
through his work at the Peninsula Interfaith Fellowship, his service on 
the Board of Directors for Harbor Interfaith Services, and his 
contributions to the Palos Verdes Peninsula News Clergy Viewpoints 
column.
  Serving Temple Beth El for nearly 20 years, Cantor Ilan Davidson 
brightens any Temple gathering with his rich musical heritage. From 
leading congregational worship to preparing B'nai Mitzvah students for 
their big day, Cantor Davidson brings the music of the Jewish people to 
life.
  Debi Rowe dedicates her life to furthering Jewish understanding 
through education. In her career, Debi has authored books on religious 
education, served on the national board of the National Association of 
Temple Educators, and trained countless teachers. Debi was rightfully 
recognized for her work when she received the Lanier Distinguished 
Educator Award for Religious School Educators.
  I commend Temple Beth El for their leadership in fostering the 
spiritual and cultural vitality of my district. What began in 1922 as a 
religious gathering amongst 25 Jewish families in San Pedro has 
blossomed into a multi-facility, region-wide cultural and spiritual 
community. I am tremendously grateful for the profound impact Temple 
Beth El, its congregation, and its leadership have had in shaping my 
community over the last 90 years.

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