Senate Resolution No. 992

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Rabbi Paul Silton upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Pillars of the
Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rabbi Paul Silton upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center to be celebrated virtually on Sunday, April 18, 2021;
and

WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes
individuals for their contributions to the Center and the Jewish
community-at-large by acting as moral pillars and dispensers of wisdom
and advice, providing continued service and leadership, and acting
generously in the spirit of Tzedakah; and

WHEREAS, Widely known for his extraordinary dedication to Israel and
the local community, Rabbi Paul Silton's philanthropic and leadership
endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky enough to know
him; and

WHEREAS, In 1974, Rabbi Paul Silton was recruited by Temple Israel
to be its education, camp and youth director; he also served as
co-director of the communal high school, retiring as Rabbi Emeritus of
the synagogue in 2008; and

WHEREAS, During his years at Temple Israel, Rabbi Paul Silton
expanded the Herman and Libby Michelson nursery school to the Herman and
Libby Michelson Early Childhood Center; in addition to increasing the
center's hours and establishing the Toddler Program to assist working
families, he introduced the Hebrew Immersion Program into both the Early
Childhood Center and the religious school; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, to accommodate the longer hours and increased
attendance in the Early Childhood Center, he enlarged, enhanced and
beautified the playground, encouraged the ultimate certification of the
center, and found a new location for the library on the St. Peter side
of the building; and

WHEREAS, One of the most outstanding and inspiring of the Rabbi Paul
Silton's achievement was the Yorn Kippur Shofar of Freedom Award
ceremony; for more than 18 years, he brought world famous Righteous
Gentiles to Temple Israel, including Heroes and Heroines of the
Holocaust and post-Holocaust who risked their lives to save Jewish
lives; in their honor, he adorned the entrance to the synagogue with
their names; and


WHEREAS, Deeply involved in social action, Rabbi Paul Silton was an
active participant in the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue and housed the second
interfaith service at Temple Israel; in reaction to the hearing of
accused war criminal Viles Hazner in 1979, he founded Holocaust
Survivors and Friends in Pursuit of Justice; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Paul Silton expanded Temple Israel's dance program,
opening up the Israeli dance experience for all; to enhance the High
Holiday religious experience, he reintroduced the choir under the
professional leadership of Anna Dubrova who had won many awards for her
choral work in the former Soviet Union; to further improve the quality
of the choir, he brought in professional voices from the Albany
Promusica and arranged for an annual concert; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Paul Silton has been written up in several books,
including The Outraged Conscience by Rochelle Saide! Wolk; Out of Passau
by Anna Rasmus; A Day Apart by Christopher Ringwald; and Temple of
Diamonds by Chaim Picker; in his retirement, he completed the study of
the entire Talmud and recently completed his own first book NITZHUNI
BANAI, Laughing with God, Perpetuating Tora Through Humor and Learning;
and

WHEREAS, As Director of Camp Givah for many years, Rabbi Paul Silton
was responsible for the construction of the Camp Givah Lake (Yam Sarah),
where he was instrumental in the addition of the Kibbutz Program, a Red
Cross certified course in canoeing, sailing, fishing, computers,
gymnastics, horseback riding and pony rides; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Faye, and their
seven children, as well as 27 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Rabbi Paul Silton has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Rabbi Paul Silton, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rabbi Paul Silton upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rabbi Paul Silton.