Assembly Resolution No. 741

BY: M. of A. McMahon

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of Hillel of
Buffalo, and paying tribute to this year's honorees

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 75th Anniversary of Hillel of Buffalo, and to pay
tribute to this year's honorees; and

WHEREAS, On Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the University at Buffalo's
Center for the Arts, Hillel of Buffalo will celebrate 75 years of its
Jewish community on campus, and will recognize this year's distinguished
honorees who are leading and supporting this growing organization: Dr.
Jeffrey M. Lackner, Exceptional Leadership Award; Steven J. and Ellen R.
Weiss, Distinguished Alumni Award; and Abby Feldman, Feurstein Family
Tzedakah Award; and

WHEREAS, Since 1946, Hillel of Buffalo has been a center for Jewish
life on campus at the University at Buffalo (UB) and Buffalo State
College, serving as a nurturing community for generations of Jewish
students; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, Hillel has diversified its programmatic
offerings, to touch the lives of students with a variety of personal and
academic interests; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization connects students with each other,
and in times of need offers resources and the support of a caring,
dedicated staff; and

WHEREAS, Deeply invested in the Western New York (WNY) region,
Hillel seeks to retain students in Buffalo post-graduation by connecting
them to WNY's warm Jewish community and to internships in its thriving
local business community and non-profit sector; and

WHEREAS, Based in the UB Commons on the University at Buffalo North
Campus, Hillel of Buffalo has made a positive impact on thousands of
students over the decades and each of its members have all been enriched
by the countless alumni, faculty, and staff who serve as professional
leaders and volunteers in the community; and

WHEREAS, After more than seven decades of service to its beloved
community, Hillel of Buffalo remains an exciting, accessible,
multi-faceted hub of Jewish student life which enhances students'
success with opportunities to gain professional life skills, to learn,
grow, and make a difference in ways they find meaningful, all within a

culture of acceptance and inclusivity that celebrates the cultural,
religious and social aspects of Judaism; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Hillel students in Buffalo have participated
in social welfare projects, special event opportunities, internships,
fellowships, community service trips and Birthright Israel travels, as
well as an array of Shabbat, High Holy days and Jewish festivals; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President Marc A. Adler
and its Executive Director Rabbi Sara L. Rich, Hillel of Buffalo now
stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of
the coming decades, while retaining that spiritual resolve which has so
characterized its glorious past; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 75-year history, Hillel of Buffalo
has demonstrated continuous service to the students and communities
which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Hillel of Buffalo is in direct correlation
to the efforts of its dedicated members and staff, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
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 75th Anniversary of Hillel of Buffalo, and to pay
tribute to this year's honorees; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Hillel of Buffalo; Dr. Jeffrey Lackner; Steven and Ellen
Weiss; and Abby Feldman.