[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 127 (Friday, July 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL

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                           HON. JOHN J. FASO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 27, 2018

  Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
centennial anniversary of the founding of Congregation B'nai Israel in 
Fleischmanns, New York.
  In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewish immigrants began to 
move into the Catskills region, first to farm and later to enter the 
rapidly developing resort sector. Strong in their faith, a small group 
of Jewish farmers, merchants, and resort owners would meet regularly 
for Torah study. It was these intimate gatherings that laid the strong 
foundations for Congregation B'nai Israel to grow.
  Congregation B'nai Israel was formally incorporated in 1918, and 
ground was broken on their synagogue only a few short years later. The 
synagogue is one of the oldest in the Catskills, and is listed on both 
the National and New York Register of Historic Places. Simple yet 
beautiful, with exposed trusses, a gabled roof, and unique Gothic and 
classical details, the synagogue's modest design serves as a reminder 
of the congregation's humble but inspiring beginnings.
  The congregation has long served the spiritual needs of residents and 
continues to contribute to the area's vibrant societal and cultural 
fabric. This centennial anniversary marks a great milestone in the 
congregation's history and serves as an important time for reflection 
of the past and hope for the future. On behalf of the 19th 
Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I would 
like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Congregation B'nai 
Israel.

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