LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the found-
ing of Congregation Beth Emeth of Albany, New York, to be celebrated on
June 15, 2013

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 Legislative Body to pay tribute
to those enduring places of worship within the State of New York whose
spiritual mission and longevity have formed a bedrock of faith and
inspiration for generations of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in commemorating
the 175th Anniversary of the founding of Congregation Beth Emeth of
Albany, New York, which marks another milestone in the long and proud
history of the fourth oldest Reform congregation in the United States;
and
WHEREAS, To honor this extraordinary Anniversary, Congregation Beth
Emeth has hosted a variety of symposia, gatherings and special events;
the festivities will culminate with the Celebrate! Anniversary Dinner
and Show on Saturday, June 15, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth was established on December 1, 1885;
the result of the merger of two congregations, Beth El, which came into
being March 25, 1838, and Anshe Emeth, which was organized October 11,
1850, this lasting body has, for 175 years, truly lived up to the mean-
ing of its name, House of Truth; and
WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth's mission is to worship God in
accordance with the faith of Reform Judaism; to cultivate love and
understanding of the Jewish heritage; to stimulate fellowships in the
Jewish Community, to strengthen spiritual enrichment and the bonds of
loyalty with the Jewish people everywhere; and to bring near the kingdom
of God on earth through an emphasis on fairness, human responsibility
and social justice in society at large; and
WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth ministers abundantly to the spiritual
and corporeal needs of its members and community, providing innovative
and relevant opportunities for social connection, engagement and
support; child, youth, adult and family education; and diverse modes of
spiritual expression; and
WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth has stood fast through nearly two
centuries of tremendous cultural and social change, maintaining a
hallowed yet dynamic space for Jewish community, faith and tradition;
and
WHEREAS, With the faithful leadership of Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen, Rabbi
Dennis S. Ross, Cantor Glenn Groper, and Executive Director Gail
Kendall, Congregation Beth Emeth stands on the threshold of tomorrow,
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 175th Anniversary of the founding of Congregation Beth
Emeth of Albany, 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 Congregation Beth Emeth, Albany, New York.