LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 160th Anniversary of Temple
Beth Zion in Buffalo, New York, May 14, 2010

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
160th Anniversary of Temple Beth Zion, in Buffalo, New York, on Friday,
May 14, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1850, Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo, New York, is
one of the oldest and largest Reform congregations in the Nation; from
its beginning, the congregation has been synonymous with both excellence
in programming and the magnificence of its houses of worship; and
WHEREAS, Temple Beth Zion strives to remain Western New York's all-in-
clusive Temple Community; its members include those of all ages, walks
of life and those of unique family make-up; and
WHEREAS, The main sanctuary of Temple Beth Zion is located at 805
Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, New York; the architecture of its magnif-
icent building is world renowned and features two enormous original
stained glass windows designed by Ben Shahn; in addition, one of the
largest pipe organs ever made sits in the balcony of the sanctuary and
the engineering involved in the structure is an awe-inspiring backdrop
to its religious services; and
WHEREAS, Temple Beth Zion is a growing and exciting congregation with
programs and services second to none; consisting of more than 1,000
families, it remains by far the largest Jewish Congregation in Western
New York; and
WHEREAS, Imbued with the core values of Reform Judaism, members of
Temple Beth Zion Community aspire: to welcome openly all who seek to
join in Jewish spirit and congregation as they experience and share the
changing stages of life; to lead, through personal and public experi-
ence, toward a basic sense of oneness with God, oneness with their
extended Temple family, and oneness with the community at large; to
foster through the dream of Israel an ever-deepening affiliation with
Jews across the boundaries of territory, time and tradition; to nurture
inwardness and transcendence through study, song and silence, and spoken
prayer; and to teach mindfulness, caring, ethical judgement, and the
meaning of being Jewish through Torah and Mitzvot; and accordingly, to
encourage the fulfillment of the role Tikkun Olam, in healing the world;
and
WHEREAS, In September 2000, Rabbi Rosenfeld was installed as the ninth
Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Zion; during his tenure, the Temple estab-
lished its signature social action program, Mitzvah Day (an interfaith
community-wide day of service to non-profit agencies), an active Caring
Community, and the Rabbi Joseph and Janice Fink Legacy Society; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld, Temple Beth
Zion in Buffalo, New York is standing on the threshold of tomorrow and
is prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining
that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 160th Anniversary of Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo, New

York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the belief in
those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld, Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Avenue,
Buffalo, New York.