Honor Albany Synagogue Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 3810 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMEMORATING the 180th Anniversary of Congregation Beth Emeth of Albany, New York WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 180th Anniversary of Congregation Beth Emeth of Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 1838, Beth El was the first synagogue located in upstate New York; in 1850, Anshe Emeth was founded by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise as a break off from Beth El, becoming the 4th Reform congregation in the United States; and WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Rabbi Scott Shpeen, and Cantor Jodi Schectman, Congregation Beth Emeth consists of approximately 800 families from across the Capital District; and WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth is an inclusive Reform synagogue offering spiritual outreach and contemporary approaches to traditional values; it strives to cultivate love and understanding of the Jewish heritage; stimulate fellowship in the Jewish community by strengthening spiritual enrichment and the bonds of loyalty with Israel and Jewish people everywhere; and bring near the teaching of God through the Torah by emphasis on fairness, human responsibility and social justice; and WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth is truly a sanctuary; it is a place where people can study, worship, and assemble; and WHEREAS, The leaders and congregation of Congregation Beth Emeth are always defining, refining, and redefining its short-term goals in light of its larger mission to meet the individual and collective religious, spiritual and emotional needs of its members; and WHEREAS, Through Jewish text and tradition, Beth Emeth strives to deepen the understanding of the Jewish faith and encourage religious commitment of its members; and WHEREAS, For 180 years, Congregation Beth Emeth has carried out the vision of its founders; to be a warm and caring Jewish Community dedicated to perpetuating Reform Judaism and meaningful Jewish expression; and WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 180th Anniversary of Congregation Beth Emeth of Albany, New York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the belief in those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rabbi Scott Shpeen, and Cantor Jodi Schectman, Congregation Beth Emeth.