LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Cantor Rich Pilatsky upon the occasion
of his induction into North Shore Synagogue's Hall of Fame on May 16,
2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who give of
their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to
benefit the community-at-large; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Cantor Rich Pilatsky upon the occasion of his induction into North Shore
Synagogue's Hall of Fame, to be celebrated at a ceremony held in his
honor on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the North Shore Synagogue, Syosset,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Rich Pilatsky
attended Freeport High School where he was very active in the musical
program; he then went on to earn his degree from Bowling Green State
University, Bowling Green, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from college, Rich Pilatsky began his profes-
sional career teaching music, both instrumental and vocal, at P.S. 69
in Jackson Heights, New York; following the death of his father, he left
teaching to run the family business; and
WHEREAS, At this time, Rich Pilatsky became an active member of his
temple, Congregation B'nai Israel, Freeport, New York; he served eight
years in various Vice-Presidential positions before attaining the title
of Chairman of the Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, Rich Pilatsky became interested in becoming a
Cantor; subsequently he entered the Academy for Jewish Religion, Yonk-
ers, New York; in 1989, he was appointed Cantor of Congregation B'nai
Israel, in this capacity he assisted in training the b'nai mitzvah
students; and
WHEREAS, Seven years later, Rich Pilatsky held the title of Cantor at
Congregation Mt. Sinai in Brooklyn Heights, New York; he then went on to
serve as Cantor at Temple Beth Elohim in Old Bethpage, New York, a role
he held for 14 years; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, Temple Beth Elohim merged with North Shore Syna-
gogue; today, Rich Pilatsky continues to serve as Cantor; and
WHEREAS, Cantor Rich Pilatsky furthered his religious education by
graduating from the Jewish Family Educators Training Institute at
Suffolk Association for Jewish Educational Services; and
WHEREAS, An avid musician and composer, Cantor Rich Pilatsky has
lectured and given several seminars focusing on Jewish music; in addi-
tion, he has composed many musical works, such as a Chassidic Friday
Evening Service and a Wedding Service as well as many solo pieces for
the Friday evening service; and
WHEREAS, Cantor Rich Pilatsky serves as President of the Long Island
Cantors Association, and Musical Director of the Long Island Cantors
Ensemble; in addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the
Lend A Hand Project; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man has been the recipient of numerous awards
and accolades, including recognition by Lend A Hand Project, Hadassah,
the Long Island Jewish War Veterans, as well as other community organ-
izations; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Cantor Sandy Sherry,
his son, Chad (Kristin), and three step-sons, Adam, David (Laura), and
Jason (Melissa), as well as their seven grandchildren, Matthew, Tyler,

Brooke, Benjamin, Layla, Alden and Deborah, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its rich historical past and up to the present
day, the North Shore Synagogue has been sustained by the beneficent
efforts of countless congregants such as Cantor Rich Pilatsky, who have
generously supported their temple with abundant kindness and good deeds;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Cantor Rich Pilatsky upon the occasion of his induction into
North Shore Synagogue's Hall of Fame on May 16, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Cantor Rich Pilatsky.