[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13564]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONGREGATION B'NAI ABRAHAM

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                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2003

  Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
100th anniversary of the founding of Congregation B'nai Abraham in 
Butler, Pennsylvania. Such a landmark event exemplifies a foundation 
based on both strength and unity. I wish the B'nai Abraham Congregation 
growth and prosperity.
  In the year 1903, 25 Jewish families residing in the Butler community 
elected Abraham H. Goodman to serve as their spiritual leader and guide 
them in the Jewish traditions. That same year, the first service was 
held to commemorate the first Jewish High Holiday, Rosh Hashona, at the 
Knights of Pythias Hall, now the Reiber Building in Butler.
  The congregation was officially deemed Congregation B'nai Abraham 
after obtaining a charter from the Common Pleas Judge James M. 
Galbreath in 1906. Over time Butler's Jewish community flourished and 
eventually established a large sanction and school facilities on 
Butler's North Main Street, which remains its home today.
  During the 4th of July weekend, Congregation B'nai Abraham will 
celebrate its 100th anniversary and renew the relationships of both 
past and present members.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the 
Congregation B'nai Abraham on their 100th anniversary. And as they 
often say in the opening prayer of a Jewish mass, ``Ma Tovu Ohalecha, 
Mishknotecha'' or ``How goodly are thy tents, thy dwelling places.''

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