[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 8693] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]DANIEL PERLA AND VALERIE ALTMANN ______ HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL of new york in the house of representatives Friday, June 3, 2011 Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, the Bayit, is a cornerstone of the Riverdale community. Today it is honoring Daniel Perla and his wife Valerie Altmann for their involvement In the HIR since they moved to the community in 2000. Danny was elected President of Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in June 2004, shortly after he completed the prestigious Wexner Heritage leadership training program. Under his leadership, the HIR embarked on a major capital campaign and has completed a building expansion and renovation. The campaign has already raised over $5 million, half way to its goal with the rebuilt Bayit now accommodating nine separate Shabbat groups, and six different Shabbat tefillot. The Bayit also houses Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, the preeminent Open Orthodox rabbinical school where Danny is currently studying full-time. Before beginning his Rabbinic studies, Danny worked as an analyst and portfolio manager for a variety of firms, most recently working as a Managing Director of Indian Asset Management, a major institutional money management firm. In addition to his involvement at HIR, Danny serves as a board member of SAR Academy, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and Yeshivat Hadar. Valerie is a full-time faculty member at Long Island Jewish Medical Center where she oversees residents and practices Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is also an assistant professor at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Valerie is a frequent lecturer on medical issues related to health and halakha and recently played an important role in the kallah conference co-sponsored by YCT, JOFA and Yeshivat Maharat. Canadian-born, she is a graduate of McGill University and McGill Medical School. Danny and Valerie are the proud parents of four children: Benjamin, 14, Rebecca, 12, Yoni, 9, and Gabriel 6. They all attend the SAR Academy in Riverdale. I happily join with the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in congratulating my good friend of many years Danny and his wife for their contributions to the HIR and to the community at large. ____________________