LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rabbi David Mark Eligberg upon the occa-
sion of his installation as the Rabbi and spiritual leader at Temple
Israel, Albany, New York

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rabbi David Mark Eligberg upon the occasion of his installation as the
Rabbi and spiritual leader at Temple Israel, Albany, New York, on May
2-3, 2014 (2 lyar 5774); and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Rabbi David Mark
Eligberg was ordained in 1985 by the Jewish Theological Seminary in New
York City; he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from
Columbia University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Talmud from The Semi-
nary College of Jewish Studies, and a Master of Arts degree in Jewish
Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi David Mark Eligberg is known as a teacher, guide, and
role model for all who wish to explore meaningful lives according to
Jewish tradition; and
WHEREAS, Along with his family, Rabbi David Mark Eligberg has routine-
ly opened his home to congregants, creating opportunities to experience
the warmth of Shabbat and the joy of festivals; he has enriched his
congregation's celebration of holidays through creative programs, multi-
media presentations, storytelling, theatre arts, and puppetry; and
WHEREAS, Most recently, Rabbi David Mark Eligberg served as the Rabbi
and principal of the Beit Rayim Synagogue and Hebrew School in Thorn-
hill, Ontario, Canada; there, he developed a dialogue series with syna-
gogue youth known as "Rumble With the Rabbi," and focused on engaging
upcoming B'nai Mitzvah and their families in serious study in prepara-
tion for this important life cycle event; and
WHEREAS, Together with his wife, Jodi, Rabbi David Mark Eligberg
introduced a song-filled monthly Kabbalat Shabbat service, as well as a
monthly Shabbat morning program for children under six, and their
parents or grandparents, entitled Shabbat Shorashim; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi David Mark Eligberg's previous experiences include
serving as the Rabbi at Congregation B'nai Tikvah, North Brunswick, New
Jersey, and Congregation Beth El, Levittown, Pennsylvania; in 2005, he
and his wife were honored by B'nai Tikvah and State of Israel Bonds; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Rabbi David Mark Eligberg has served on the
board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, and acted as
the rabbinic co-chair of its Israel Task Force; and
WHEREAS, Today, Rabbi David Mark Eligberg serves as president of the
Ontario Region of the Rabbinical Assembly, and previously served as
president of the New Jersey Rabbinical Assembly; he is treasurer of the
South Brunswick Area Clergy Association, and was an active member of the
South Brunswick Community Resource Team; and
WHEREAS, This multi-talented man of faith is the author of several
Halachic articles, a short story, several plays, and has developed three
board games as instructional tools; he is currently working on several
projects including a children's book about Jewish mitzvah heroes, a

collection of material for adults as a guidebook through the Yamim
Noraim, and a revision of a musical retelling of the Purim narrative;
and
WHEREAS, Spiritual guidance and nurturing are of great import to the
vitality and wellbeing of all people and every community of this great
State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Instrumental in the provision of such care are those men and
women of religious commitment who accept the responsibility of moral
leadership and render the wisdom of human understanding; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rabbi David Mark Eligberg upon the occasion of his installation as
the Rabbi and spiritual leader at Temple Israel, Albany, New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi David Mark Eligberg.