Commend Temple Israel Dinner

1, 2019 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Temple Israel of Great Neck upon the occasion of hosting its Journal Dinner Gala on Saturday, June 1, 2019; and WHEREAS, In 1941, 10 families with a shared commitment to creating a home for Conservative Judaism in Great Neck, New York, purchased a home at 10 Preston Road; with a little work, bedrooms became classrooms, the living room became a sanctuary with 225 seats, and Temple Israel was born; and WHEREAS, Since its founding, Temple Israel of Great Neck has been a leading congregation of the Conservative movement in America; and WHEREAS, A traditional, egalitarian community serving more than 800 member families, Temple Israel of Great Neck is large enough to offer a full range of religious, chesed (social action), educational, and social activities yet intimate enough to invite participation and foster friendship; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Temple Israel of Great Neck has been the site of extraordinary events, including a performance in 1965 by internationally-known opera star Richard Tucker and speeches by former Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush; and WHEREAS, Today, Temple Israel of Great Neck offers services and activities which cater to long-standing members, young families, and children of all ages; and WHEREAS, With a rich history and an exciting future, Temple Israel of Great Neck continues to carry out the vision of its original founders and stands out as one of the premier congregations in the Conservative movement; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Senior Rabbi Howard A. Stecker, Temple Israel of Great Neck 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 commend Temple Israel of Great Neck upon the occasion of hosting its Journal Dinner Gala on June 1, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Senior Rabbi Howard A. Stecker, Temple Israel of Great Neck.