[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 40 (Monday, March 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING THE MEMORY OF RABBI GORDON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2016

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend and leader 
in the Jewish community, Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon, who passed away on 
February 8, 2016.
   Rabbi Gordon and his wife Deborah came to the San Fernando Valley in 
1973 as emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel 
Schneerson, leader of the worldwide Chabad movement of Judaism. In his 
more than 40 years of leadership, Rabbi Gordon oversaw the growth of 
Chabad of the Valley to 26 centers that provide religious education, 
spiritual inspiration and charitable services to thousands. In fact, 
Rabbi Gordon's reach was worldwide through his popular audio and video 
Torah classes that continue to educate people online.
   I had the privilege of learning directly from Rabbi Gordon as a 
congregant of his spiritual home, Chabad of Encino, where I would often 
attend High Holiday services. The highlight of each Rosh Hashanah was 
to listen to Rabbi Gordon's stories and parables.
   I extend my sincerest condolences to Rabbi Gordon's wife, Rebbetzin 
Deborah Gordon, and children, Rabbi Yossi Gordon, Yochanon Gordon, 
Faygie Herzog, Rabbi Eli Gordon, Dena Rabin and Chaya Mushka Drizin; as 
well as his siblings and 21 grandchildren. A man with 21 grandchildren 
is truly blessed.
   It is Rabbi Gordon's enduring legacy that future generations of 
Valley residents will learn, grow and come together as a community.

                          ____________________