LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the East Midwood Jewish Center upon
the occasion of hosting its 91st Annual Journal Dinner Dance on June 14,
2015

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the East Midwood Jewish Center upon the occasion of hosting its 91st
Annual Journal Dinner Dance on Sunday, June 14, 2015; and
WHEREAS, For over nine decades, the East Midwood Jewish Center has
been a house of worship, a place for Judaic discovery and action, and a
haven for learners, seekers, and questioners; and
WHEREAS, East Midwood Jewish Center was founded in 1924, when its
section of Flatbush was largely an area of widely spaced one-family
homes and extensive stretches of open fields; Jewish families who began
to settle there were deeply concerned that there was no Hebrew school
nearby; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization was created out of the commitment of
a small group of individuals who came together to establish an institu-
tion to provide for the Jewish educational, spiritual, and social needs
of the area in which they lived; and
WHEREAS, On June 13, 1926, the cornerstone of the building was laid; a
few months later, the building was fully enclosed, and High Holy Day
services were held within the building, officiated by Rabbi Reuben Kauf-
man, the Center's First Rabbi, and Cantor Jacob Schraeter; and
WHEREAS, The building was completed in 1929, and Rabbi Harry Halpern
accepted the call to serve as our Rabbi in February of 1929, a position
he held for many fruitful years; and
WHEREAS, During the Great Depression, financial trouble assailed the
growing East Midwood Jewish Center; as the economy improved, membership
began to slowly climb; in 1934, there were 300 members, and 10 years
later, the membership had risen to 1100 individuals; and
WHEREAS, Adult classes became part of the East Midwood Jewish Center's
educational program, with courses offered in Hebrew, religious customs
and ceremonies, the Bible and Zionism; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, the men and women of the East Midwood
Jewish Center participated actively in war efforts and drives, including
the sale of War Bonds; many members contributed to the Blood Banks, and
women volunteered to serve with the Jewish Welfare Board, Red Cross and
U.S.O., and the boys served in all branches of the country's military
forces; and
WHEREAS, In November 1950, the new school building was dedicated for
the use of the Talmud Torah and Youth Activities; enrollment reached a
peak of close to 1000 students; and
WHEREAS, The East Midwood Hebrew Day School was established in accord-
ance with conservative ideology, and was comprised of only three grades;
currently, it includes a full eight year program where both Hebrew and
secular subjects are taught; and
WHEREAS, The East Midwood Jewish Center also manages Room J, a place
for children to develop their connections to Judaism by fusing ancient
traditions with contemporary learning and openness; youth and family
programs provide a stimulating foundation for discovering and interpret-

ing Jewish ideas, nurturing Jewish identity, acting compassionately, and
encouraging spiritual discovery; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Room J offers Hebrew school, bar/bat mitzvah
preparation, Shabbat gatherings for prayer and learning, holiday cele-
brations, new-learners opportunities, social events, and community
service/social action activities, as well as a gym and pool; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Rabbi Matt Carl, East
Midwood Jewish Center's task today, as it was in 1924, is to transmit to
new generations and the public at large the relevance and beauty of our
religious traditions, and the Jewish emphasis on education, social
justice, and our mutual responsibilities to each other; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the East Midwood Jewish Center upon the occasion of hosting its
91st Annual Journal Dinner Dance, fully confident that this commem-
oration reflects the belief in those values which enhance the dignity
and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Rabbi Matt Carl, East Midwood Jewish Center.