[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 9033-9034] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING LILA STERN ______ HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL of new york in the house of representatives Monday, June 13, 2011 Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, Hebrew School teacher and long-time community volunteer Lila Stern of Rockland County, is being honored by Congregation Shaaray Israel at their annual Journal Dinner Dance on June 12, 2011. For her numerous contributions to her community, Lila will receive the congregation's prestigious ``Woman of Valor'' award. Lila has served as a leader of the Rockland Jewish community since 1953. As her husband Jules rose to the head of their congregation in the 1970s, Lila sought to encourage women's involvement in the Jewish issues as Chairwoman of Rockland County Israel Bonds Women's Division, President of Sisterhood at the Jewish Community Center, and a lifelong member of Hadassah. In addition to her work in the Jewish community, Lila pursued a career as a ``Professional Volunteer.'' While raising three children, she took the time to work as a Pink Lady at Good Samaritan Hospital and as a literacy volunteer. Lila now works as an adult teacher at Shaaray Israel where she teaches a class on Jewish appreciation. Every Wednesday she leads a discussion on Jewish issues ranging from religious issues to Israeli politics. As a grandmother of 11, Lila has instilled in her family a respect for Jewish tradition as well as a sense of gratitude and support for the state of Israel, which she and her husband travel to frequently. Her visits to Israel began in 1950, when she first went with her parents lugging suitcases of clothing as well as money for the needy of the fledgling new country. Through her charity and tireless dedication to her community, Lila has certainly earned [[Page 9034]] her title as a ``Woman of Valor,'' and I congratulate her on this honor. ____________________