[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 25084]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      WELCOME TO RABBI RUBINSTEIN

  (Mrs. MALONEY of New York asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to welcome to this 
Chamber Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein, senior Rabbi at Manhattan's Central 
Synagogue.
  Built in 1872, Central Synagogue is a national and city landmark that 
was nearly destroyed by fire in 1998. But thanks to Rabbi Rubinstein 
and others, the Central Synagogue rose from the ashes not only 
restored, but improved.
  New York would do well to follow its example.
  On September 9, along with thousands of New Yorkers, I was pleased to 
attend a glorious celebration when the synagogue reopened. But the joy 
was shortlived. Just days later, Central Synagogue was hosting memorial 
services for World Trade Center victims. In retrospect, the renovations 
were completed just in time.
  The Central Synagogue and Rabbi Rubinstein have been there for New 
Yorkers in times of joy and sorrow alike, and the synagogue was ready 
for the most sorrowful day in our city's history.
  It gives me great pleasure that a man who has meant so much to so 
many was able to lead us in prayer today.

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