[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16844]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    IN CELEBRATION OF THE OLD BROADWAY SYNAGOGUE'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 7, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate with the 
parishioners of my beloved Old Broadway Synagogue as it marks a century 
of service to the Harlem Jewish community. For 100 years, Old Broadway 
Synagogue has been one of many important components contributing to 
make Harlem a stronger, more peaceful and diverse community.
  The history of the Old Broadway Synagogue is parallel with that of 
the American story. It is the story that shows dedication, passion, 
struggles, which ultimately lead to prosperity. In 1911, when a group 
of businessmen arrived in America, they came together to establish an 
institution in order to exercise and enrich their religious beliefs. 
For thirteen years, early members congregated in a small, available 
space of bars and cafe. Even its lack of sufficient location to 
convene, the group brought together an even closer community. In 1924, 
the institution had transformed into a Synagogue, which has become a 
part of Harlem's rich and diverse history. The Old Broadway Synagogue 
was opened for service as it was situated between Manhattan Street and 
Lawrence.
  The Synagogue's effort to educate the local community is written all 
over the name given by the early Founders. They chose ``Chevra Talmud 
Torah Anshei Marovi'', which means, the ``Society for the Study of the 
Torah for the people of the West''. In the last century, the Synagogue 
has been well-received by the community. Dedicated members have 
continued to contribute to the construction and renovation of the 
Synagogue. Today, Old Broadway consists of seventy dedicating members, 
all who are very devoted to teaching and spreading the spiritual and 
ethical ideals of the Jewish traditions.
  When speak about the long and proud history of this synagogue, one 
cannot forget many great leaders who have brought this worship place 
together and forward. Rabbi Jacob Kret had made tremendous 
contributions in terms of leadership and history of the synagogue. He 
was a native of Ostrow Mazowiecka, a city located in northern Poland. 
After the Second World War broke out, Rabbi Kret left to Lithuania but 
was later captured by Soviet troops. Among many, he was sent to 
Siberia. In 1950, the Krets family arrived in United States; later he 
became a spiritual leader of the Synagogue. After the war ended, 
refugees from Europe arrived in United States. Many were in need of 
shelters. The Krets family generously accommodated and assisted them 
during the new transition process. Mr. Speaker, this kind gesture is 
one of many reasons Old Broadway Synagogue remains so important in my 
community and my heart. I can truly say that Old Broadway is my 
Synagogue. The story of this religious institution reflects, so clear, 
the similar story of the devoted Americans and migrants; that is we 
always reach out to the people who are in need of help.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my remarks today by expressing 
my utmost appreciation for Old Broadway for all it has done for this 
community. Even if Old Broadway Synagogue were, perhaps, a smaller 
religious institution, but it is undeniable that the history of this 
institution is long and rich, where the congregation's action 
positively impacted Harlem. I would like to once again congratulate Old 
Broadway on its 100th anniversary.

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