LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring outgoing president Leslie Abrams upon
the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Temple Beth-
El of Great Neck, New York, on April 26, 2013

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons and
organizations that provide exemplary service, whether through partic-
ipation in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in
their profession or other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of
good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
outgoing president Leslie Abrams upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition by Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, New York, on
April 26, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Leslie Abrams grew up in Bayside, Queens; after her education
in the New York City schools, she attended Long Island University and
later studied special education in graduate school at Hofstra Universi-
ty; and
WHEREAS, Before becoming president of Temple Beth-El, Leslie Abrams
devoted over 30 years of significant and successful work to the Temple;
she and her husband, Franklin Abrams, joined the Temple during the mid-
1970s, shortly after moving to Great Neck from Bayside; and
WHEREAS, Leslie and Franklin Abrams settled in promptly, joining the
Couples Club, and becoming its co-presidents; they then became co-chairs
of the Youth Activities Committee; and
WHEREAS, Leslie Abrams then became co-President of Sisterhood, and
went on to chair the Nursery School Committee, the Development Commit-
tee, and the Board of Jewish Education; she was an active member of the
Board of Trustees, and served on the Executive Committee as Secretary of
the Congregation; and
WHEREAS, The tenure of Leslie Abrams's presidency has been unique in
many important ways; throughout her great leadership, the Temple has
achieved the following: stronger financial stability; a successful
rabbinic succession; a new generation of leadership; and an increase in
new membership; and
WHEREAS, Among Leslie Abrams's outstanding achievements was overseeing
the retirement of a significant reconstruction debt to where now the
Temple is debt-free; and
WHEREAS, Leslie Abrams has encouraged a new generation of Temple lead-
ership, with committees headed by energetic young people who are creat-
ing their own goals with intelligence and a vibrancy that assures the
real future of the Temple; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Franklin, their
children Jason and Courtney, daughter-in-law, Ewa, their grandchildren,
Eli, Zoe, and Theo, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life
and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Leslie Abrams has displayed through-
out her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor outgoing president Leslie Abrams upon the occasion of her desig-
nation for special recognition by Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Leslie Abrams.