LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ruthie Simon upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2015 Academy Award by the Bet Shraga
Hebrew Academy of the Capital District

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ruthie Simon upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2015 Academy Award by the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capital
District to be celebrated at a dinner on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at
Congregation Agudat Achim, Niskayuna, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is bestowed upon individuals who exem-
plify the mission of the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capital
District through intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and love of
learning while celebrating the richness of their Jewish traditions; and
WHEREAS, Ruthie Simon has shone brightly in her respective field,
while maintaining a sense of community, service, and integrity, as well
as an ongoing commitment to the Jewish foundation instilled in her by
the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy; and
WHEREAS, A 1990 graduate of the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capi-
tal District, Ruthie Simon earned her Bachelor's degree in Spanish and
Russian Languages from Union College, Schenectady, New York; she then
went on to obtain her Master's degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew
College, Newton Centre, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Ruthie Simon held numerous positions in
Jewish communal service, including Director of School Age Programs at
the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, and Director of the
middle school at Prozdor, the supplemental Hebrew High School Program of
Hebrew College; and
WHEREAS, Today, Ruthie Simon is employed in the administration depart-
ment of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, a Modern Orthodox Rabbinical School, a
position she has held for the last 11 years; in this capacity, she has
contributed in several areas such as student services, recruitment,
placement, and alumni relations; and
WHEREAS, Ruthie Simon has been called upon to contribute her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Ruthie Simon is an active member
of The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale--The Bayit, where she serves as the
Chair of the Youth Committee; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Ruthie Simon has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Joel, and their
two children, Hattie and Avery, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Ruthie Simon has displayed through-
out her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ruthie Simon upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2015 Academy Award by the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capital
District; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ruthie Simon.