[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 100 (Monday, June 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E611-E612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CONGREGATION KNESETH ISRAEL OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS ON THEIR 
                           130TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2022

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 
Congregation Kneseth Israel (CKI) of Elgin, Illinois for their 130th 
anniversary. The Congregation provides spiritual support to a diverse 
and growing Jewish population throughout areas in and around my 
district, including Kane, McHenry, DuPage, DeKalb, and Northwest Cook 
Counties. Marking CKI's 130th anniversary is a fitting way to honor the 
lasting impact of its exemplary efforts to build and strengthen 
community, foster inclusive environments, and give back to those in 
need.
  CKI has been a spiritual anchor for the community since 1892 when a 
small group of Jewish residents organized the first Illinois synagogue 
west of Chicago. However, the roots of the Jewish community in 
Chicagoland go back even further. In making Illinois their home, Jewish 
settlers were a critical part of the group of farmers, merchants, and 
tradesmen that laid the groundwork for the region we are so proud of 
today. CKI is an important part of this history, and I am honored to 
stand here in recognition of the Congregation's continued efforts to 
meet the needs of the surrounding community.
  Since its founding 130 years ago, CKI has demonstrated a commitment 
to serving others that stands as an example to all of us. Through 
education initiatives for adults and children, youth and senior 
interest groups, and through its worship services, CKI positively

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shapes the lives of its members and all those who are touched by the 
Congregation. Moreover, through a series of social action projects, 
including canned food drives, blood drives, organized volunteering to 
advance local causes, and other forms of service, CKI goes beyond 
worship to serve the most vulnerable among us.
  I know I speak for many constituents in Illinois' 8th District when I 
say that I am thankful for the tremendous work that the Congregation 
Kneseth Israel has done in the last 130 years. This remarkable 
anniversary is worth commemorating, and we all look forward to what the 
next 130 years will bring for CKI as it continues to be a cultural and 
religious hub for the Jewish community in the area surrounding Elgin.

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