[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING TEMPLE BETH EL

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                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2023

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Temple 
Beth El, a religious organization in Bakersfield, as they celebrate 
their 75th anniversary.
  Founded in 1947, Temple Beth El was created to help Central Valley 
residents embrace a lifetime of Jewish fulfillment--through faith, 
culture, and community. That same year, they inaugurated their first 
Rabbi and installed a religious school for children. Since its 
founding, Temple Beth El has been an inclusive and welcoming space for 
people of all backgrounds to explore and maintain their spiritual and 
emotional connection to Judaism.
  Temple Beth El is a place where all are welcomed--whether they were 
born Jewish or found Judaism later in life. The teachings provided can 
open the door to a lifetime of Jewish fulfillment and commitment. The 
members of Temple Beth El have dedicated their lives to promoting 
Jewish ideas and beliefs through education and community. In December 
2007, Temple Beth El opened its Torah Learning Center, which offered 8 
new classrooms to teach students about Judaism and Jewish heritage. In 
addition to its wide range of classes, the Temple Beth El Beginning 
Learning Center serves as a preschool and daycare for its members and 
their children.
  For decades, Temple Beth El has played a vital role in the Jewish 
community throughout the Central Valley, particularly in Bakersfield. 
Through their religious services and education centers, they have 
created a safe environment for the Bakersfield Jewish community to come 
together.
  I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me 
in honoring Temple Beth El as it celebrates its 75-year anniversary.

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