LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Seymour and Beverly Hoffnung upon the
occasion of their designation by Madison Jewish Center as its Couple of
the Year at its 78th Anniversary Journal Dinner Celebration on June 14,
2009

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is greatly
enriched by the faithful and generous service of those who devote them-
selves to endeavors of family, faith, and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals of such magnanimous conduct and bearing who demon-
strate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Seymour and Beverly Hoffnung upon the occasion of their desig-
nation by Madison Jewish Center as its Couple of the Year at its 78th
Anniversary Journal Dinner Celebration, to be held at Brooklyn's Temple
Sholom on Sunday, June 14, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1931, Madison Jewish Center, located in the
heart of Brooklyn in the Madison neighborhood, serves the Madison,
Marine Park, Sheepshead Bay and Midwood communities; and
WHEREAS, An Egalitarian Conservative congregation affiliated with The
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Madison Jewish Center offers a
variety of programs for its congregants, including a vibrant Talmud
Torah and Parents Association, Social Club, United Synagogue Youth and
Kadima chapters, a new Minyanaire's Club, and an active Sisterhood and,
in addition, sponsors B'nai B'rith Youth Organization Chapters Ruach AZA
and Ruach BBG; and
WHEREAS, Each year at its Anniversary Journal Dinner, Madison Jewish
Center proudly honors members in recognition of their enduring and
outstanding service to the synagogue; Seymour and Beverly Hoffnung truly
merit that high honor; and
WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn on Columbus Day, Seymour Hoffnung was Bar
Mitzvahed at Temple Nachiath Zion; after graduating from high school, he
enlisted in the United States Army during World War II and served in
various assignments throughout the world; he was stationed at First Army
Headquarters at Governor's Island on his return to the United States and
it was there that he met Beverly; and
WHEREAS, Beverly Hoffnung was born in Manhattan and grew up in the
Bronx; she graduated from James Monroe High School where she was a
member of B'nai B'rith; during World War II she was a U.S.O. volunteer
at Temple Emanuel in Manhattan; Seymour and Beverly had their first date
on March 4, 1956, were engaged on April 27th, and married on June 17th,
and are joyously celebrating their 53rd Anniversary this year; and
WHEREAS, During the second half of Seymour Hoffnung's twenty plus
years of U.S. Army service, Seymour and Beverly had the opportunity to
travel the globe together, sharing the experience of exploring the
Middle East, Turkey, Greece and Africa, and enjoying a Pesach in Rome;
and
WHEREAS, When they returned to the States, they settled down, adopted
three children, all of whom attended Madison's Hebrew School and were
Bat and Bar Mitzvahed at Madison Jewish Center, and bought the house in
which they still live and, in 1971, joined Madison Jewish Center where
Beverly Hoffnung was active in the Parents Association and Sisterhood
and Seymour always attended the morning and evening services, helping to
ensure a minyan; and

WHEREAS, Seymour and Beverly Hoffnung are the proud and loving parents
of Ruth and her husband Jeff, Eliot and his wife Joclyn, and Joseph and
his wife Maria, and have three adored grandchildren, Robert, Melissa,
and Justin; and
WHEREAS, Seymour and Beverly Hoffnung continue to be active, involved
and valued members, as well as generous supporters, of Madison Jewish
Center; they participated in the stained glass window project in the Bet
Hamedrash and were also major supporters of Madison's beautification
program, in addition to always being generously supportive of Madison
Jewish Center in a variety of ways and being willing to help whenever
needed; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to extend its highest commen-
dation to Seymour and Beverly Hoffnung for their dedication and commit-
ment to Madison Jewish Center, their community, and their heritage; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Seymour and Beverly Hoffnung upon the occasion of their desig-
nation by Madison Jewish Center as its Couple of the Year at its 78th
Anniversary Journal Dinner Celebration on June 14, 2009; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Seymour and Beverly Hoffnung.