LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish upon the occa-
sion of his 50th Anniversary in the rabbinate

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Rabbi Solo-
mon B. Acrish upon the occasion of his 50th Anniversary in the rabbi-
nate; and
WHEREAS, The eldest of six children, Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish grew up
in a one-room home in a Jewish ghetto in Tetuan, Morocco, where Jews
were discriminated against and treated as second-class citizens; and
WHEREAS, Growing up in an orthodox community where religion was an
important part of his life, Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish met a Rabbi whom he
admired very much and wanted to follow in his footsteps; and
WHEREAS, His hopes were answered when Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish was 15
and the Anglo-Jewish Association awarded him a scholarship to study in
London; the decision to pursue studies in England proved rewarding and
he enjoyed the newfound freedoms and comfort; and
WHEREAS, After completing his studies, Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish
accepted an assignment to lead his first congregation in a Sephardic
community in Montgomery, Alabama; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish remained in Alabama for five years
before deciding to go back to school to become a Reform Rabbi; he
completed his studies in New York City and became an Assistant Rabbi in
Newburgh, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish was hired as a part-time
Rabbi at Temple Beth Elohim in Brewster, New York, which has grown from
a membership of 25 families to 264 families and 213 children in the
religious school; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his rabbinical duties, Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish
worked as a language teacher for the Brewster Central School District
and later as a school psychologist; and
WHEREAS, With Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish throughout have been his wife,
Terri, and his children and grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish has brought to his ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention, it
is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish upon the occasion of his 50th Anniver-
sary in the rabbinate, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith

and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending
to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future
of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Solomon B. Acrish.