Honor Debbie Cohen's Service

Senate Resolution No. 3151 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Debbie Cohen upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Congregation Ohav Shalom on December 10, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who give of their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to benefit the community at large; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend Debbie Cohen upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Congregation Ohav Shalom to be celebrated at its event, Shomrei Habayit, at a Gala Brunch, on Sunday, December 10, 2017; and WHEREAS, Shomrei Habayit can be loosely translated into "guardians of the house"; Debbie Cohen is truly a guardian of Ohav Shalom, having served as a go-to volunteer and organizer of this past summer's Maccabee Games; Ohav Shalom proudly recognizes her for her tireless commitment to the synagogue and Jewish life as a whole in the Capital District; and WHEREAS, Ohav Shalom is a traditional synagogue, deeply rooted in the laws and practices of the past, while not afraid to see change as an authentic part of its tradition; as an egalitarian congregation, men and women participate equally in all aspects of congregational worship; the name Ohav Shalom means "Lover of Peace"; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Congregation Ohav Shalom meets the diverse spiritual, religious, educational and social needs of its members within the framework of Conservative Judaism; and to further the causes of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and build unity with its fellow Jews of all persuasions and affiliations and the community at large, in a spirit of love and respect; and WHEREAS, Congregation Ohav Shalom strives to unite its members in a common commitment to tzedakah (philanthropy) and chesed (kindness) in keeping with the Jewish imperative to serve as God's partner in tikun olam (repairing our world through acts of goodness); it is also committed to increased awareness of practices which cause damage to the environment and which violate the Jewish principle of bal tash-chit (do not waste); and WHEREAS, Throughout its rich historical past and up to the present day, Congregation Ohav Shalom has been sustained by the beneficent efforts of countless congregants, such as Debbie Cohen, who have generously supported their synagogue with abundant kindness and good deeds; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Debbie Cohen upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Congregation Ohav Shalom; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Debbie Cohen.