LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tifereth Yehuda Veyisroel Synagogue of
Kerhonkson, New York, upon the occasion of its placement on the National
and State Registers of Historic Places

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, This Legislative Body is proud to honor Tifereth Yehuda
Veyisroel Synagogue of Kerhonkson, New York, upon the occasion of its
placement on the National and State Registers of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, Tifereth Yehuda Veyisroel, meaning "Beauty of Judah and Isra-
el," is a small nondenominational community serving over 40 families
from a variety of Jewish traditions; and
WHEREAS, This Kerhonkson synagogue was established in 1922, to serve
the Jewish farmers and merchants in the southern Ulster County area;
many of its members trace their roots to Ashkenazi Jews who emigrated
from Eastern Europe to Kerhonkson to escape persecution; and
WHEREAS, In 1923, kosher butcher Louis Spiegel donated land to the
community and the following year, its members erected a beautiful new
structure; it would serve as the spiritual home for Tifereth Yehuda
Veyisroel over the next 90 years; and
WHEREAS, The building is an intimate space, with beautiful stained
glass windows and a large Star of David crowning its facade; its archi-
tecture is unique in combining features characteristic of Eastern Euro-
pean Orthodox synagogues with forms and materials typical of the Cats-
kills area; and
WHEREAS, Tifereth Yehuda Veyisroel is one of only 32 synagogues recog-
nized in the State of New York as worthy for this historic designation;
though facing many challenges in maintaining the 90 year old structure,
its members are proud to continue the traditions of their Jewish fore-
bears in the area; and
WHEREAS, The congregation is ably led by Reb Sally Shore-Wittenberg, a
devoted spiritual leader who has brought much warmth and enthusiasm to
her community; and
WHEREAS, Tifereth Yehuda Veyisroel stands on the threshold of tomor-
row, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retain-
ing that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Tifereth Yehuda Veyisroel Synagogue of Kerhonkson, New York, upon
the occasion of its placement on the National and State Registers of
Historic Places; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reb Sally Shore-Wittenberg, Tifereth Yehuda Veyisroel Syna-
gogue of Kerhonkson, New York.