LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Madison Jewish Center upon the occa-
sion of its 81st Anniversary Journal Dinner Celebration on May 20, 2012
and applauding the honorees of the evening

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is greatly
enriched by its religious institutions and the faithful and generous
service of those who devote themselves to endeavors of family, faith,
and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions and individuals of such magnanimous conduct and
bearing who demonstrate 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 Madison Jewish Center upon the occasion of its 81st Anniversary
Journal Dinner Celebration, to be held on Sunday, May 20, 2012 and to
applaud the honorees of the evening; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1931, Madison Jewish Center, located in the
heart of Brooklyn in the Madison neighborhood, serves the Madison,
Marine Park, Sheepshead Bay and Midwood communities; and
WHEREAS, An Egalitarian Conservative congregation affiliated with The
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Madison Jewish Center offers a
variety of programs for its congregants; and
WHEREAS, Each year at its Anniversary Journal Dinner, Madison Jewish
Center proudly honors members in recognition of their enduring and
outstanding service to the synagogue; Bunny and Brian Bender and Marlene
and Paul Podell truly merit that high honor; and
WHEREAS, Bunny and Brian Bender have been active members of the Madi-
son Jewish Center congregation for 20 years; they both serve on the
Congregational Board and the Journal Committee; and
WHEREAS, Bunny Bender is, in addition, a member of the choir; she
served on the Message Committee, was in charge of the Sisterhood's
Judaica, and co-chaired both the Journal Committee and the Social Club's
Chocolate Ball with Marlene Podell; she is also one of a small group of
women who chant the Yom Kippur morning Torah portion; and
WHEREAS, Brian Bender was Vice President of the congregation for six
years and is on the House Committee where his fix-it man skills are well
utilized, Brian is also one of the Temple's computer consultants; and
WHEREAS, Marlene and Paul Podell are also active members of Madison
Jewish Center; and
WHEREAS, Marlene Podell serves on Madison's Administrative Board and
is Sisterhood's Vice President for the Torah Fund, coordinating the
annual brunch which raises funds for the Jewish Theology Seminary; she
also does the annual Sisterhood book review and has worked on the Israe-
li Independence Day celebration, the fashion show, and numerous Sister-
hood and Temple events; she attends morning minyon on a regular basis
and co-chaired the Journal Committee and the Social Club's Chocolate
Ball with Bunny Bender; and
WHEREAS, Paul Podell twice served as President of the Temple and
Chairman of the Board; he has held the position of Treasurer for the
past 15 years and also co-chairs the High Holiday Committee and works on
a number of other committees including the House, Beautification and
Journal Committees and has been a regular at the morning minyon for more
than 35 years; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to extend its highest commen-
dation to Madison Jewish Center and to Bunny and Brian Bender and
Marlene and Paul Podell for their dedication and commitment to Madison

Jewish Center, their community, and their heritage; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Madison Jewish Center upon the occasion of its 81st Anniversary
Journal Dinner Celebration on May 20, 2012 and to applaud, Bunny and
Brian Bender and Marlene and Paul Podell, the honorees of the evening;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Madison Jewish Center and to the honorees of the evening,
Bunny and Brian Bender and Marlene and Paul Podell.