[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 97 (Friday, June 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING KAREN WALANKA'S OUTSTANDING CAREER AND SERVICE WITH MORIAH 
                              CONGREGATION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2014

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special 
woman on the occasion of her retirement. Karen Walanka is stepping down 
as the Executive Director of Moriah Congregation in Deerfield, a 
synagogue in the Illinois district I represent, and of which I am also 
a proud member.
   Karen is completing this chapter of her life, leaving a legacy of 
accomplishments too long to mention in full, having touched the lives 
of countless people.
   From her parents, Karen learned a deep love for her heritage and 
community, and she developed a great passion for ``Tikkun Olam'', for 
making her immediate world, and the entire world, a better place.
   As the Executive Director of Moriah, Karen has been responsible for 
many achievements and had a tremendous impact in our community. In her 
first week in the position, she began the Shabbat Bulletin to better 
engage the community and keep the congregation informed. She later 
started the Moriah All-Judaic Art and Jewelry Fair that is a celebrated 
community event. And Karen created the widely anticipated weekly Moriah 
Shabbat lunch, or ``kiddush.''
   But perhaps Karen's most lasting legacy will be the establishment of 
the Moriah Congregation Endowment Fund, which will ensure the long-term 
financial future of the congregation as well as support its continued 
expansion and deeper engagement with the community. This contribution 
will truly define her legacy for years to come, leaving the Moriah 
Community vibrant and strong.
   Karen is a Moriah Congregation institution, a true leader and 
visionary, a dear friend and a beloved member of our community. Her 
constant presence and leadership will be missed, but her professional 
legacy will leave a permanent mark, and her friendships will continue 
to flourish. I want to personally thank Karen for everything she has 
done for me, my family and our community, and wish her the absolute 
best in her future.

                          ____________________