Honor Temple Beth-El Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 489 BY: Senator KAPLAN COMMEMORATING the 90th Anniversary of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck on April 7, 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 commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, to be observed with a Gala on Sunday, April 7, 2019; the celebration will feature Television and Broadway Star Erich Bergen; and WHEREAS, Temple Beth-El, the oldest synagogue in Great Neck, was founded in 1928; Rabbi Jacob Philip Rudin served as spiritual leader for four decades; and WHEREAS, For the next four decades, Rabbi Jerome K. Davidson, an acknowledged leader in matters of social and communal concern, guided the congregation to a place of national recognition as one of the most innovative and dynamic Reform congregations in America; and WHEREAS, Today, under the spiritual leadership of Rabbis Meir and Tara Feldman, Temple Beth-El of Great Neck enjoys a membership of 750 families and is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ); and WHEREAS, This well respected temple is home for more than 2,300 men, women, and children; it is a place where people come to pray, celebrate, and learn; and a place where minds are open, friends are made, tradition is honored, and change is welcome; as well as a place of solace and sanctuary, reflection and rejoicing, song, and study; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Temple Beth-El of Great Neck seeks to meet the spiritual and educational needs of a diverse Jewish community in a caring, innovative, and democratic Reform temple; and WHEREAS, Temple Beth-El 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 commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, to be observed on Sunday, April 7, 2019, 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 Rabbis Meir and Tara Feldman, Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, Great Neck, New York.