[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23660]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE CONGREGATION GEMILUTH CHASSODIM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2009

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim of Alexandria, LA, originally known as 
the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Rapides. Chartered on October 2, 1859, 
the congregation recently celebrated its 150th anniversary of 
distinguished service to the Jewish community, as well as to providing 
faithful dedication to the Alexandria area.
  The congregation first held religious services in various private 
homes with lay leadership. The initial Jewish sanctuary was built in 
1870, and the first rabbi, Marx Klein, came in 1873. On October 14, 
1873, the young congregation became one of the original charter members 
of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, presently known as the 
Union for Reform Judaism, which today represents 900 affiliate 
congregations in the United States and abroad. The present sanctuary 
was constructed in 1952.
  The congregation has been served by 23 rabbis and 33 board 
presidents. It grew to a peak of nearly 300 families during the mid-
twentieth century.
  Many members of the Temple have held various leadership roles in 
civic and charitable organizations throughout Central Louisiana. In 
addition, they have made significant contributions in the fields of 
medicine, law, government, social services, education and the cultural 
life of the region.
  The Temple, the Rabbi and individual members continue to play an 
integral part in achieving better interfaith understanding, working to 
strengthen the quality of life for all citizens in the communities of 
the region.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending the 
Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim.

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