LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Benjamin and Ruth Facher Mendel upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of the Pillars of the Commu-
nity Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Benjamin and Ruth Facher Mendel upon the occasion of their designation
as recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center; this auspicious occasion will be cele-
brated at the Center's 14th Annual Pillars of the Community Awards
Brunch to be held on Sunday, April 6, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Proud members of Congregation Beth Emeth, Benjamin and Ruth
Mendel have made significant contributions that have left a lasting
impression on both the Jewish community and the organizations which they
have served; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Mendel, Jr. is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute with a degree in architecture, and also attended graduate
school at the University of Southern California and the United Jewish
Federation's Melton Jewish Adult Education program; as a young man, he
served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict and as a
public works officer in the Navy Seabees; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man is an accomplished architect, leading many
noteworthy projects throughout the Capital District, including the
design of the original Jewish Community Center building on Whitehall
Road; and
WHEREAS, He has also served on the boards of WAMC National Public
Radio, B'Nai Brith Housing Corp, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and the
Commission on the Restoration of the New York State Capitol, among many
others; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Mendel, Jr.'s leadership and volunteer efforts have
earned him numerous accolades such as the Jewish Family Services' Volun-
teer of the Year Award, the Jewish War Veterans Post 105's Four
Chaplains Award, and the Interfaith Alliance of New York State Humanita-
rian Award; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Facher Mendel received a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Hunter College and has also attended UJF's Melton Adult Jewish Education
program; she has achieved a notable public relations career with the
Voorheesville Central School District and has been the author of many
articles for the Helderbarker Community News; and
WHEREAS, This illustrious woman's contributions to her community
include serving as a Bethlehem Central School District PTO member, vice
president and president; she is a Girl Scout leader, member of the local
Red Cross Committee and the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue committee; further-
more, she speaks at schools and other interested organizations about her
family's experience during World War II at the request of Holocaust
Survivors and Friends Education Center; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Facher Mendel is the creator of a program called Person
to Person in Bethlehem, bringing high school students to the Delmar
Elementary School to help with reading; she is also a member of the
boards of UJF's Women's Philanthropy, B'Nai Brith Housing, Beth Emeth

and the Beth Emeth Sisterhood; her good works have earned her recogni-
tion from the Albany City Schools PTA and Life Member status from the
Girl Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin and Ruth Facher Mendel are the joint recipients of
Congregation Beth Emeth's Sisterhood Youth, Education and Service Award,
the Scroll of Honor, and the Dr. Morton Berger Memorial Award from Maim-
onides Hebrew Day School; and
WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of two daughters, Lisa (Bruce) and
Naomi (Tom), as well as five grandchildren, Benjamin, Brianna, Evan,
Shoshana, and Aubrey; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their professional and commu-
nity service, a period of constructive involvement, Benjamin and Ruth
Facher Mendel have stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and
have earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues, family and
friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Benjamin and Ruth Facher Mendel have
displayed throughout their lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Benjamin and Ruth Mendel upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Benjamin and Ruth Facher Mendel.