LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Havurat
Yisrael to be celebrated June 22, 2011

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
30th Anniversary of Havurat Yisrael to be celebrated June 22, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Havurat Yisrael is proud to honor its founding members, Ruth
and David Better, Shuli and Jack Goldhaber, Miriam and Bruce Jacobs, and
Judy and Stuart Rosen; in addition, Tova and Rafi Katz will be the
recipients of the Amud Hatorah Award and Arelene Ross will receive the
Eshet Chayil Award; and
WHEREAS, Since 1981, Havurat Yisrael has been a warm and welcoming
place for all people, creating a strong Jewish community and providing
emotional and spiritual support to its congregation; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi David L. Algaze founded the shul as a welcoming, hospi-
table synagogue that quickly became a haven for the Jewish people,
brought together by spirituality, a love of learning and respect for
diversity; and
WHEREAS, Havurat Yisrael offers a warm, joyous, and inspiring atmos-
phere for worship, friendship and creating a home for the Jewish commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Havurat Yisrael is not simply a house of worship, it is a
community dedicated to the Jewish ideal of tikkun olam, perfecting the
world; and
WHEREAS, Havurat Yisrael is a dynamic center of Torah Judaism and
Jewish culture within one of the most diverse Jewish communities in the
world, looking to bring together those of different cultural backgrounds
and serves as a resource for all Jews in a spirit of unity; and
WHEREAS, Havurat Yisrael stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared
to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining that spir-
itual 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 30th Anniversary of Havurat Yisrael to be observed on
June 22, 2011, 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi David Algaze, Rabbi Meir Havazelet, Rabbi Mordechai
Kraft, Rabbi Gary Morkowitz, and the aforementioned honorees.