LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rabbi Alan and Alexis Berkowitz upon
the occasion of their designation as Guests of Honor at the 60th Anni-
versary Dinner of the Hebrew Institute of White Plains on March 21, 2010

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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Rabbi Alan and Alexis Berkowitz upon the occasion of their designation
as Guests of Honor at the 60th Anniversary Dinner of the Hebrew Insti-
tute of White Plains, to be held at Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White
Plains on Sunday, March 21, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In honoring Alan and Alexis Berkowitz for their leadership,
service and commitment, the Hebrew Institute of White Plains recognizes
a couple who have a long association with the synagogue and pays fitting
tribute to them for their tireless efforts on behalf of the shul and the
community; and
WHEREAS, Alan and Alexis Berkowitz met during Pesach 1996 over lunch
at Ratner's with their dear friends Beth and Ari Hait; and
WHEREAS, After marrying in June 1997, they moved to Atlanta where Alan
became the Assistant Headmaster of the Greenfield Hebrew Academy and
Alexis worked for Jewish Family and Career Services as a clinical social
worker with a focus on work with Jewish battered women; and
WHEREAS, During their four years in Atlanta, their children Aleeza and
Noa were born and Alan and Alexis Berkowitz became active members of
Young Israel of Toco Hills, where Alan served as Gabbi, as Chair of the
Ritual Committee, and as a Board member; and
WHEREAS, In August 2001, Rabbi Berkowitz accepted a position as Head
of the Ramaz Lower School and the family moved to White Plains; for Alan
this was a return home and an opportunity to be closer to his three
older children, Ricki, Tali and Matan; and
WHEREAS, Almost immediately, Alan and Alexis Berkowitz became involved
in the Hebrew Institute of White Plains; Aleeza and Noa were thrilled
with their perceived status as the granddaughters of "the candy man";
and Alan truly enjoyed sitting with his father in shul; and
WHEREAS, After a few years, Rabbi Alan and Alexis Berkowitz's third
child, Maayan, was born and, shortly thereafter, the family was able to
move out of Alan's parents' home, into which they had been so generously
welcomed upon their return from Atlanta, and into their own; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Alexis Berkowitz has been involved in Hebrew
Institute of White Plains youth activities, in the coordination of baby
meals for shul members, and in efforts relating to Purim and mishaloach
manot, while Alan Berkowitz has served as a back-up Gabbi and as Chair
of the synagogue's Religious Services Committee; and
WHEREAS, Alan and Alexis Berkowitz have, in addition, often opened
their warm and welcoming home to prospective shul members who come for a
Shabbat visit; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to extend its highest commen-
dation to Alan and Alexis Berkowitz for their dedication and commitment
to their community, faith and heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rabbi Alan and Alexis Berkowitz upon the occasion of their

designation as Guests of Honor at the 60th Anniversary Dinner of the
Hebrew Institute of White Plains on March 21, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Alan and Alexis Berkowitz.