LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bernard Catcher, Guest of Honor at
Temple Sholom of Flatbush's Shabbat Across America Dinner on March 20,
2009

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is greatly
enriched by the faithful and generous service of those who distinguish
themselves in their profession and in service to their faith, and commu-
nity; 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, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Bernard Catcher, Guest of Honor at Temple Sholom of Flatbush's
Shabbat Across America Dinner on March 20, 2009; and
WHEREAS, For more than 50 years Temple Shalom of Flatbush has served
the Mill Basin-Bergen Beach area and surrounding Brooklyn communities
with a friendly, family oriented synagogue environment, offering tradi-
tional religious services, an afternoon Hebrew School, adult education,
youth activities, holiday celebrations, and a variety of religious and
social programs, including its Shabbat Across America Dinner; and
WHEREAS, Shabbat Across America, a National Jewish Outreach Program,
has, since 1997, brought together hundreds of thousands of Jews for an
annual fun-filled Friday night event; in an unrivaled display of Jewish
unity, approximately 700 synagogues across the continent simultaneously
open their doors to practicing and non-practicing Jews alike, so they
may join together to experience and rejoice in a traditional Shabbat
service and festive meal; and
WHEREAS, Temple Sholom of Flatbush has been greatly enriched and reli-
ably served by the good works and purposeful endeavors of Bernard Catch-
er over the course of many years; and
WHEREAS, This year Temple Sholom of Flatbush proudly and fittingly
pays tribute to Bernard Catcher, recognizing him as the Guest of Honor
at its 2009 Shabbat Across America Dinner; and
WHEREAS, An involved and valued lifelong resident of Brooklyn, Bernard
Catcher is a well-known and highly respected accountant by profession;
he has also served as the Government Relations Director for a Coney
Island Hospital physicians group; and
WHEREAS, A man of great benevolence and dedication to his faith,
Bernard Catcher is a generous supporter of many Jewish causes, insti-
tutions, and organizations; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Catcher has been an esteemed member of Temple Sholom
of Flatbush for many years and has served it ably as a member of its
Board of Directors and a multitude of other capacities and truly merits
recognition of his many contributions to the shul; he is, in addition, a
founder of the B'nai B'rith Rambam Lodge and has an extensive collection
of Judaica; and
WHEREAS, A community activist and concerned citizen, Bernard Catcher
has been active as well in numerous local, New York City, New York
State, and national civic, political and community organizations; and
WHEREAS, He was the first District Manager of New York City Community
Board 18, contributing significantly to the establishment of the early
policies and procedures under which these important groups function; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Catcher has also served with great distinction as a
Presidential Convention Delegate, District Leader and State Committee-
man, Special Assistant to former Speaker of the New York State Assembly

Stanley Fink, advisor to the late Assemblyman Anthony Genovesi and the
Commission on Economy and Efficiency in Government, and as a respected
consultant and mentor to countless officials, including The Honorable
Charles Schumer, United States Senator; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Catcher has a long and distinguished record of commu-
nity service; he has been honored by countless civic organizations and
community groups in appreciation of his enduring and tireless efforts on
behalf of his beloved Brooklyn community and has justly earned the admi-
ration, esteem, respect and affection of the many community, government
and organization leaders and citizens with whom and for whom he has
worked throughout the years; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his illustrious service, this Legislative
Body is proud to honor Bernard Catcher for his commitment, dedication
and accomplishment and to extend to him its highest commendation for his
devotion and loyal service to his community, his faith and his heritage;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Bernard Catcher upon the occasion of his designation as Guest of
Honor at Temple Sholom of Flatbush's Shabbat Across America Dinner on
March 20, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bernard Catcher.