LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rabbi Uri Goren upon the occasion of
his 25th Anniversary of his Ordination to be celebrated on June 15, 2012

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Rabbi Uri
Goren upon the occasion of his 25th Anniversary of his Ordination to be
celebrated at a Journal Dinner on Friday, June 15, 2012, at Temple
Avodah in Oceanside, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Chile, Rabbi Uri Goren is a graduate of
the University of Chile, where he studied and received his major degree
in Occupational Therapy; and
WHEREAS, In 1981, Uri Goren attended Hebrew Union College; following
his ordination, he relocated to Brazil, where he helped create the first
Reform congregation in the country; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Uri Goren came to the United States in 1991, when he
became the Rabbi of Temple Beth Israel in Macon, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, In 1997, Rabbi Uri Goren became Rabbi of Temple Avodah of
Oceanside, New York; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Uri Goren's services and sermons at Temple Avodah,
whether traditional or eclectic, always speaks to the hearts of those in
his community; and
WHEREAS, He is known for his emotionally charged sermons that exude
his spiritual strength; and
WHEREAS, A teacher of both Temple Avodah's Religious School children
and its Adult Education programs, Rabbi Uri Goren shares his knowledge
and vast experience through the services that he leads, in the class-
rooms that he teaches in, and in his informal conversations at Temple;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to leading services and teaching classes at
Temple Avodah, Rabbi Uri Goren is active in facilitating the growth of
Reform Judaism throughout his community; and
WHEREAS, Through his work with the Jewish Hospice of New, York, Rabbi
Uri Goren makes himself available to those in dire need of spiritual
comfort and relief, and his devotion to the community is evident in his
work with the Interfaith Council where he explores ways in which to
strengthen the Oceanside community as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Uri Goren has brought to his ministry an overwhelming
spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment
in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always
displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity
and dedication; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Peppy, and their two
sons, Gaddi and Avi, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is

appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rabbi Uri Goren upon the occasion of his 25th Anniversary of his
Ordination, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exem-
plary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him the
heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purpose-
ful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Uri Goren.