Honor Kol Ami’s 95th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1329 BY: Senator MAYER COMMEMORATING the 95th Anniversary of Congregation Kol Ami of White Plains, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of Congregation Kol Ami of White Plains, New York, to be celebrated with a Gala on Monday, May 6, 2019; and WHEREAS, Congregation Kol Ami, originally called the Jewish Community Center, was founded in 1923 with approximately 50 families holding religious services and Sunday school in a variety of locations; in just three years, the congregation built a Synagogue and religious school on Sterling Avenue in White Plains, New York, where they continued to thrive for the next 20 years; and WHEREAS, In 1946, Congregation Kol Ami moved to its current location on Soundview Avenue, where it has grown to approximately 700 families; and WHEREAS, In 1994, the Jewish Community Center changed its name to Congregation Kol Ami, which means "The Voice of My People", as a reflection of every aspect of its Temple life, from worship to social action; and WHEREAS, Over the years, this growing congregation has made many renovations, including the social hall in 2007, as well as the auditorium and lobby; additionally, in 2012, renovations were made to the sanctuary, creating a uniquely spiritual environment for worship and providing easy access for all members; and WHEREAS, Today, Congregation Kol Ami is a vibrant and caring Jewish community whose purpose is to nurture the divine spark within, and to connect each individual to a meaningful Jewish journey; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Rabbi Shira Milgrom, Rabbi Tom Weiner, and Cantor David Rosen, Congregation Kol Ami 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 95th Anniversary of Congregation Kol Ami of White Plains, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rabbi Tom Weiner and Rabbi Shira Milgrom, Congregation Kol Ami, White Plains, New York.