[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING 100 YEARS AT TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2018

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
an important and longstanding part of the fabric of the 9th 
Congressional District of Illinois: Temple Beth Israel in suburban 
Skokie, north of Chicago. January 31, 2018 marks 100 years since the 
Temple's incorporation in the State of Illinois, and it is considered 
its official birthday.
  Temple Beth Israel was the first Reform congregation in the Albany 
Park neighborhood of Chicago; and while its location may have changed 
over the last century, it has remained a stable presence in the lives 
of its congregants. For 100 years, Temple Beth Israel has allowed 
individuals and families to come together and express their Judaism--
providing comfort in dire times, a place to celebrate in happier times, 
and an opportunity to reflect and pray.
  This congregation has seen success because of the diligent work of 
its rabbis and staff over the years. Three different rabbis have spent 
more than 30 years apiece at this congregation, and each has left their 
mark on this institution.
  Rabbi Michael A. Weinberg has served as the Temple's beloved rabbi 
since 1987 and is a past president of the Chicago Association of Reform 
Rabbis, in addition to serving in other roles of distinction. Rabbi 
Weinberg was preceded by Rabbi Ernest M. Lorge, who served from 1947 
through 1984. Rabbi Lorge worked hard to expand the congregation, was 
very involved in the issues of the day, and met with President John F. 
Kennedy at the White House to discuss civil rights issues. Rabbi Felix 
S. Mendelsohn served as the first full time Rabbi for Temple Beth 
Israel. He began his service in 1919 and is credited with founding both 
the Temple Center, a Jewish social center for young adults, and 
National Jewish Book Week--today known as Jewish Book Month.
  Today, the Temple Beth Israel congregation numbers approximately 400 
families, and remains a vibrant part of the 9th Congressional 
District's diverse community. I offer my sincere congratulations to 
Rabbi Weinberg, the congregation's past and present staff and the many 
congregants who are celebrating this important milestone. I wish them 
all the best in the years ahead and hope for another century of good 
work ahead for Temple Beth Israel.

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