Senate Resolution No. 1152

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

HONORING Rabbi Jennifer Jaech upon the occasion of
her retirement after more than 20 years of
distinguished service to the Jewish community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the 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
honoring Rabbi Jennifer Jaech upon the occasion of her retirement after
more than 20 years of distinguished service to the Jewish community; and

WHEREAS, For the more than 20 years, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Jewish community;
and

WHEREAS, Upon receiving a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from
Evergreen State College in 1985, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech started her career
working in higher education administration and government relations; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech received a Master of Arts in
Hebrew Literature from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of
Religion; she also earned thirteen academic prizes in disciplines that
included history, liturgy, human relations and Hebrew; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech was ordained as a rabbi in 2003 and
began working at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, a vibrant Reform
Jewish congregation in Croton-on-Hudson, New York that serves hundreds
of families from across the surrounding communities; she served as a
Rabbinic Intern, Temple Educator and Assistant Rabbi, before becoming
Senior Rabbi in 2006, a position she has held for almost two decades;
and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as a spiritual leader, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech
served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, Interpreting the complexities of modern life through the
perspective of Jewish religious traditions, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech
provides the congregation with thoughtful guidance and inspiration,
while serving as a mentor to both children and adults; and

WHEREAS, Guided by compassion and dedication to building a stronger
community, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech is committed to advancing social justice
and interfaith dialogue; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech is a former Co-Chair of Reform Jewish
Voice of New York State and served on the Union for Reform Judaism's
Commission on Social Action and the Central Conference of American
Rabbis' Committee on Justice, Peace and Civil Liberties; and

WHEREAS, In her official acts, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech was governed by
a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems;
and

WHEREAS, Eager to share her insights and expertise, Rabbi Jaech
co-authored the book "He's All I Have: Nurturing a Young Child through
the Loss of a Loved One" and the children's book "An Accidental Angel";
and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech regularly contributes to a blog
addressing contemporary issues though a Jewish lens, and her writings
have been published in the "Reform Jewish Quarterly" and "The Forward";
and

WHEREAS, After decades of service to Temple Israel of Northern
Westchester, Rabbi Jaech plans to return to the Pacific Northwest with
her husband to be closer to family; and

WHEREAS, During her tenure with Temple Israel of Northern
Westchester, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech earned the admiration, esteem and
affection of her colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rabbi Jennifer Jaech upon the occasion of her retirement after
more than 20 years of distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rabbi Jennifer Jaech.