Assembly Resolution No. 965

BY: M. of A. Jacobson

COMMEMORATING the 175th Anniversary of Vassar
Temple

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
certain exemplary institutions whose stewardship of faith and commitment
to public service strengthen the fabric of communities across the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Vassar Temple; and

WHEREAS, It is our intent to recognize the work of Vassar Temple in
Poughkeepsie, New York, in gratitude for its dedication to the Jewish
faith and support for Jewish heritage; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding as The Congregation Brethren of Israel
in 1848, Vassar Temple has served as the spiritual home for generations
of Jewish members; and

WHEREAS, Opening with sixteen families at its founding, Vassar
Temple is now the oldest continuously functioning Jewish congregation
between New York City and Albany; and

WHEREAS, In 1951, Vassar Temple joined the Union of American Hebrew
Congregations, now the Union for Reform Judaism; and

WHEREAS, In 1953, the current home of Vassar Temple on Hooker Avenue
at Cherry Street in Poughkeepsie was dedicated; and

WHEREAS, Vassar Temple has served as a center of fellowship to
support and guide congregants through life events, spiritual needs, and
religious education; and

WHEREAS, Vassar Temple has supported outreach to both Jewish and
non-Jewish residents, including through its work on the Dutchess County
Interfaith Council; and

WHEREAS, Vassar Temple has been a local pillar in its work toward
tikkun olam (the repair of the world), serving the community through
blood drives with the Red Cross, helping unhoused individuals with
Hudson River Housing, supporting domestic violence victims at Grace
Smith House, and fighting hunger with monthly food donations to Dutchess
Outreach; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Vassar Temple; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Vassar Temple.