Senate Resolution No. 1329

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMEMORATING the 95th Anniversary of Congregation
Kol Ami of White Plains, New York

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of Congregation Kol Ami of White
Plains, New York, to be celebrated with a Gala on Monday, May 6, 2019;
and

WHEREAS, Congregation Kol Ami, originally called the Jewish
Community Center, was founded in 1923 with approximately 50 families
holding religious services and Sunday school in a variety of locations;
in just three years, the congregation built a Synagogue and religious
school on Sterling Avenue in White Plains, New York, where they
continued to thrive for the next 20 years; and

WHEREAS, In 1946, Congregation Kol Ami moved to its current location
on Soundview Avenue, where it has grown to approximately 700 families;
and

WHEREAS, In 1994, the Jewish Community Center changed its name to
Congregation Kol Ami, which means "The Voice of My People", as a
reflection of every aspect of its Temple life, from worship to social
action; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, this growing congregation has made many
renovations, including the social hall in 2007, as well as the
auditorium and lobby; additionally, in 2012, renovations were made to
the sanctuary, creating a uniquely spiritual environment for worship and
providing easy access for all members; and

WHEREAS, Today, Congregation Kol Ami is a vibrant and caring Jewish
community whose purpose is to nurture the divine spark within, and to
connect each individual to a meaningful Jewish journey; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Rabbi Shira Milgrom, Rabbi
Tom Weiner, and Cantor David Rosen, Congregation Kol Ami 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 95th Anniversary of Congregation Kol Ami of White
Plains, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rabbi Tom Weiner and Rabbi Shira Milgrom, Congregation
Kol Ami, White Plains, New York.