[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22923]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            TRIBUTE TO TEMPLE B'NAI SHOLOM IN HUNTSVILLE, AL

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 27, 1999

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
institution in my district that has contributed substantially to the 
cultural, intellectual and religious enrichment of North Alabama, 
Temple B'nai Sholom. On November 12, the Congregation B'nai Sholom will 
commemorate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of its historic 
synagogue with a special Shabbat (Sabbath) service.
  Thirty-two families came together in 1876 in Huntsville to form the 
Congregation and mobilized, dedicating their synagogue in 1899. I am 
proud to relay that Temple B'nai Sholom is the oldest synagogue in 
Alabama in continuous use. The Temple is also the only congregation 
affiliated with the Reform Movement in North Alabama and South Central 
Tennessee.
  B'nai Sholom (``Sons of Peace''), the chosen name of the Temple, 
communicates the congregation's commitment to harmony and 
reconciliation. Temple B'nai Sholom has given to their community in 
countless ways. As members of the Interfaith Mission Service, the 
Temple contributes to the cause of religious tolerance in North 
Alabama. The Sisterhood of Temple B'nai Sholom should be commended for 
their efforts to raise money for breast cancer awareness and health 
initiatives through their design and sale of the L'Chaim pins. The 
Sisterhood designed the L'Chaim pin to symbolize Jewish support for 
breast cancer victims and survivors.
  For a century, the Temple B'nai Sholom's commitment to the reform 
tradition has bolstered the religious community of North Alabama. Their 
established presence in downtown Huntsville is a testament to their 
perseverance and good will. I congratulate the Temple B'nai Sholom, and 
wish the Congregation a special centennial commemoration.

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