LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jacob Sernick upon the occasion of his
Bar Mitzvah

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, the youth of today, and leaders of
tomorrow, whose character and dedicated purpose exemplify the ideals and
values cherished by this great State and nation; and
WHEREAS, America has achieved her greatest heights of glory through
the dedication, determination and tireless efforts of the outstanding
citizens of this nation; and
WHEREAS, To sustain the opportunity for such achievement, a strong
foundation of education, faith, and the blessing of a nurturing family
are required; and
WHEREAS, In the 13th year of the life of every Jewish young man these
ideals - education, heritage, and family - come together in one of the
most significant and dramatic days of his life - the day of his Bar
Mitzvah; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Sernick of Great Neck, New York, will reach this cross-
road of his life and will become a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emmanuel in
Great Neck, New York, on June 11, 2011; and
WHEREAS, It has been said that so long as one can hear Jewish children
studying and chanting, it is not possible to subdue or overcome the
Jewish people; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Sernick has studied for many years to prepare for his
Bar Mitzvah, a rite of passage to manhood which is emblematic of the
heart of Jewish heritage; and
WHEREAS, On the day of his Bar Mitzvah, Jacob Sernick, like Jewish
youth for centuries past and centuries to come, becomes responsible for
himself and for his own actions; in so doing he assumes not only indi-
vidual responsibility, but religious and community obligations as well,
and accepts the mantle of the unbroken chain of a magnificent tradition
and culture; and
WHEREAS, Bar Mitzvah is not an ending, but a beginning; it is an inau-
guration, an initiation into responsible Jewish citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Sernick stands ready to accept this responsibility; and
WHEREAS, As he celebrates his Bar Mitzvah, his family is proud to yet
again share the joy and pride of this day with family, friends, and
teachers and gives thanks for the day, for the years of growth and
learning which led to it, and for the blessing of sharing this simcha
with those who mean so much to them; and
WHEREAS, As Jacob Sernick affirms his commitment to the ideals of his
Jewish faith and heritage on the day of his Bar Mitzvah, it is the sense
of this Legislative Body that this day will long echo in his heart, that
he will be even more firmly dedicated to the study of Torah, to deeds of
justice and kindness, and to faithful membership in the household of
Israel; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Jacob Sernick on his Bar Mitzvah, to commend him on this
achievement, and to extend to him the best wishes of this Legislative
Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being, fully confident
of his response to the challenge of a promising future and appreciative
of the model he presents for all young people of the Empire State; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jacob Sernick.