LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rabbi Claudio J. Kupchik upon the occa-
sion of his installation as the spiritual leader of Temple Beth El of
Manhattan Beach

WHEREAS, Spiritual guidance and nurturing are of great import to the
vitality and well-being of all people and every community of this great
State and nation; and
WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
New York State are nourished and fulfilled through the concern and self-
less devotion of those, such as, Rabbi Claudio J. Kupchik, who dedicate
their purposeful lives in service to their faith and to the enhancement
of the quality of life of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rabbi Claudio J. Kupchik upon the occasion of his installation as the
spiritual leader of the esteemed Temple Beth El of Manhattan Beach
located on West End Avenue in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Claudio J. Kupchik will be welcomed by the congregation
and installed as its Rabbi in a moving ceremony to be held in the
synagogue's Main Sanctuary on Wednesday, March 24, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Kupchik brings to Temple Beth El a wide range of expe-
rience, knowledge, energy and a beautiful singing voice; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his affiliation with Temple Beth El, he served
congregations in Leonia, New Jersey and Peekskill, New York, and the
Brandeis School in Lawrence, New York; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Kupchik was ordained at the Seminario Rabinico Lati-
noamericano in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was born; he also
earned an M.D. degree from the University of Buenos Aires Medical
School; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Kupchik, in addition, studied at the Jewish Theological
Seminary of America in New York City, where he earned a Master of Arts
degree in Talmud and Rabbinic Literature and was awarded the Saul
Lieberman Graduate Fellowship in Talmudic Studies; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Claudio J. Kupchik is married to Ann-Rebecca Laschever
and they are the proud parents of two children, Jacob and Simon; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his rabbinical career, Rabbi Kupchik has initiated
many innovative programs including Rabbi's Rovers, a group which
combined prayer and singing with nature walks; Project Dialogue, an
interfaith and interracial group promoting friendship and cooperation;
and Shabbateeny, a Shabbat experience geared to nursery school age chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Kupchik also instituted Spark-Heartaction, a program
which included teenagers and adults in Jewish learning at the synagogue
in combination with visits to residents of the nearby New York State
Veterans Nursing Home, where he also generously and ably served as
Chaplain; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Kupchik has, in addition, always been very involved in
interfaith dialogue and community affairs having served as both Vice
President and President of the Peekskill Area Pastors' Association
(PAPA) and as Co-chair of the Task Force on Diversity established by the
Town of Cortlandt Manor, New York; and
WHEREAS, The true architects of society and community are those whose
faith and unremitting commitment serve to sustain and enhance the spir-
itual and cultural values of life; Rabbi Claudio J. Kupchik has distin-
guished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and
substantial contribution to the congregations and communities he has
served; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his worthy endeavors, this Legislative Body
is pleased to commend the distinguished accomplishments of Rabbi Claudio
J. Kupchik and to join with Temple Beth El in welcoming him, and his
family, to Manhattan Beach and Brooklyn; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rabbi Claudio J. Kupchik upon the occasion of his installation as
the spiritual leader of Temple Beth El of Manhattan Beach on March 24,
2010, and to extend to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative
Body for a future of continued purposeful success and well-being; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Claudio J. Kupchik.