LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rabbi Joel Schwab upon the occasion of
his designation by the Orange County United Way as a recipient of a
Marion S. Murphy Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award on March 19, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rabbi Joel Schwab upon the occasion of his designation by the Orange
County United Way as a recipient of the Marion S. Murphy Neighbors Help-
ing Neighbors Award at its Annual Celebration of Dedication and Service
Dinner, to be held on Thursday, March 19, 2009, at Anthony's Pier 9 in
New Windsor, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award is named in memory of
Marion S. Murphy, former Orange County Clerk and longtime Orange County
United Way Board member; and
WHEREAS, Each year this most prestigious award is bestowed upon an
individual or individuals whose value and concern for mankind is demon-
strated through his or her vision, leadership, services, and commitment
to the people of Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Joel Schwab, spiritual leader of Temple Sinai and Chair
of the Emergency Housing Group's Board of Directors, has been called
upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charita-
ble endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Truly dedicated to helping the less fortunate, Rabbi Joel
Schwab has been a member of the Emergency Housing Group's Board of
Directors for more than 20 years; now serving as its Chair, he is not
only the leader of the Board but is an integral member of most, if not
all, of its committees; and
WHEREAS, Steadfastly committed to helping the homeless in the greater
Middletown community, Rabbi Joel Schwab has been instrumental in secur-
ing the future of the Emergency Housing Group and its relationship with
Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Joel Schwab also led the development of a warming
station in Middletown for those with no place to go on a cold winter
night; and
WHEREAS, Not only did he encourage the local interfaith council to
pursue and bring the idea of a warming station to fruition, he also
eloquently defended it against detractors; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Joel Schwab, in addition, co-founded and served as the
first chair of the Jewish Family Service of Orange County; he has also
served on its Executive Committee and continues to be a valued member of
its Board; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Joel Schwab has brought a wealth of knowledge and
assistance to the people of Orange County, particularly those in need,
in keeping with the mission of the Orange County United Way; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed are the impressive dedication, tireless advocacy
and leadership shown by an individual for the benefit of others which
Rabbi Joel Schwab has displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the
edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rabbi Joel Schwab upon the occasion of his designation by the
Orange County United Way as a recipient of a Marion S. Murphy Neighbors
Helping Neighbors Award on March 19, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Joel Schwab.