Honor Synagogue's 100th Anniversary

Assembly Resolution No. 1272 BY: M. of A. Tague COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns to be celebrated on July 29, 2018 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 takes pleasure in commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns, to be celebrated on Sunday, July 29, 2018, with a concert by local artists followed by a wine and cheese reception; and WHEREAS, Between the 1880s and World War I, Jews began to move into the Catskills, first to farm and later to enter into the growing vacation/resort trade; and WHEREAS, A small group of these farmers in the Fleischmanns area, who had been meeting for Torah study in one another's homes, formally incorporated as Congregation Bnai Israel in 1918, and then purchased the land for the planned synagogue for $1; and WHEREAS, Over the course of the next year, this group was able to raise the money needed for construction, and ground was broken for the building in 1920; and WHEREAS, The simple yet beautiful structure that resulted from these efforts is listed in both the National and New York Register of Historic Places; the aron kodesh, in which the Torah is housed, is carved of golden oak, and the exposed truss ceiling is apparently the only one of its kind in a synagogue in the Catskills; and WHEREAS, The building also features stained-glass stars of David in the windows, gabled roofs, and Gothic and classical detailing; the sanctuary was later partitioned to create the social hall, kitchen, and entryway; and WHEREAS, Originally Orthodox, Congregation Bnai Israel is now an egalitarian synagogue affiliated with the Conservative movement; and WHEREAS, During the last 100 years of continuous religious and community service, Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns has always had a strong relationship with the Village of Fleischmanns and the surrounding area; the members have been and continue to be a part of the Interfaith Council, and have participated in numerous community events including Thanksgiving and Baccalaureate services; and WHEREAS, Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns 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 100th Anniversary of Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns to be observed on July 29, 2018, 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 a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns.