[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 75 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It 
is an honor to highlight their continued commitment to the spiritual 
and cultural life of the Washtenaw County community.
  In 1916, The Beth Israel Congregation was established, and for many 
years was the only Jewish congregation in Ann Arbor. At its inception, 
the congregation celebrated the Jewish High Holidays in the home of 
Osias Zwerdling who served as the President of the congregation for 
forty years. The congregation was without a Rabbi until Joshua Sperka 
who served from 1932-1934. For many years, the Beth Israel congregation 
occasionally had a Rabbi, but made the community work through a 
wonderful spirit of volunteerism and faith. Today, the congregation is 
blessed to have the leadership of Rabbi Robert Dobrusin and Rabbi Kim 
Blumenthal.
  The Beth Israel Congregation has had an important influence on Jewish 
life in Washtenaw County. In fact, Beth Israel was one of the first 
conservative congregations in southeast Michigan to become an 
egalitarian congregation. For the Beth Israel congregation, 
participation in, leading, or chanting the service is an important 
aspect of the congregation and they have fully welcomed LGBT 
individuals into this congregational life. Beth Israel Congregation's 
services reflect Ann Arbor's rich diversity; making it one of the 
leading advocates for the ordinations of LGBT rabbis in the Jewish 
diaspora. Beth Israel is a faithful, forward looking congregation that 
is growing, welcoming new members, and staying positively involved in 
the community, in the finest tradition.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to celebrate the 
100th anniversary of the Beth Israel Congregation and wish them many 
more years of faithful service.

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