[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15163]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE 119TH ANNIVERSARY OF PARK EAST SYNAGOGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to pay tribute to Park 
East Synagogue on its 119th anniversary, to honor the contributions of 
Rabbi Arthur Schneier and to recognize the achievements of the 
remarkable individuals the Synagogue is honoring at its annual gala.
  Park East Synagogue was established in 1890 to serve the Jewish 
community of the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The Synagogue was 
originally called Congregation Zichron Ephraim in memory of the father 
of its first President, Jonas Weil. Today, Park East Synagogue is one 
of the nation's leading modern Orthodox congregations and an invaluable 
asset to New York City. Park East Synagogue plays a vital role in the 
cultural, civic and spiritual life of New York City, thanks to the 
dynamism of its congregants and its remarkable Rabbi, Arthur Schneier. 
Park East Synagogue provides the opportunity for spiritual growth, 
Jewish education and spiritual comfort for individuals, families, and 
the surrounding community, and fulfills its commitment to providing 
inspiring Jewish and general studies education to both children and 
adults.
  The building in which the Synagogue is housed is an architectural 
jewel. Its Byzantine architectural style with dome-like cupolas, 
elaborately designed arched portico and large stained-glass windows 
make the building a beautiful historical landmark.
  The Leon and Gina Fromer Park East Religious School and The Rabbi 
Arthur Schneier Park East Day School offer children an introduction to 
Jewish life in a nurturing and encouraging setting. The Day School, 
which Rabbi Schneier founded more than 25 years ago, offers children 
from early childhood through 8th grade a combined general academic and 
Jewish studies curriculum, with a decidedly global focus.
  Rabbi Arthur Schneier is the heart and soul of Park East Synagogue, 
where he has been the Senior Rabbi since 1962. A Holocaust survivor, he 
is founder and president of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, which 
is dedicated to promoting religious tolerance and freedom throughout 
the world. He has been honored repeatedly for his efforts, including 
the U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal. Under his leadership, Park East 
Synagogue has expanded significantly and gained both national and 
international recognition. Most recently he has revitalized a tradition 
of cantorial music by bringing renowned Cantor Yitzhak Meir Helfgot of 
Jerusalem to Park East Synagogue as its Chief Cantor.
  At tonight's Gala, Park East Synagogue is honoring several 
extraordinary individuals who have displayed their exceptional 
commitment and dedication to the Park East community.
  Harry Lis is being honored as Patron of Education. Born in Munich and 
the son of Holocaust survivors, Harry has demonstrated his commitment 
to the Jewish communities in Germany, Israel, and the United States. He 
is a great supporter of education, and a dedicated member of Park East 
Synagogue. He serves on the Board of Trustees and is a patron of Park 
East Day School.
  Barbara and Barry Zimmerman are receiving the Community Leadership 
Award for their involvement in the daily life of the Synagogue. Both 
have leadership roles in the Synagogue's organizations. Barbara is a 
Vice-President and a Director of Park East Sisterhood, and has been 
named ``Woman of Achievement'' by the Sisterhood. Barry is currently 
the President of the Park East Men's Club and has previously been 
honored as Men's Club Man of the Year and as a Chatan Torah of Park 
East.
  Alla and Phil Weisberg are receiving the Parent Leadership Award for 
their dedication to Park East Day School. With two children at the Day 
School, the Weisbergs are an extremely involved family. Phil serves on 
the Day School Board of Education and Alla is a past co-President of 
the Parents Association. Their desire to make education accessible to 
all is visible through their generosity to the Day School Scholarship 
Fund.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the 119th anniversary of Park East Synagogue and in paying 
tribute to these outstanding individuals for their extraordinary 
commitment to the community of Park East Synagogue.

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