LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Congre-
gation Berith Sholom of Troy, New York, on May 1, 2016

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, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
150th Anniversary of Congregation Berith Sholom of Troy, New York, feted
with several events held throughout the year, including a Community Day
on Sunday, May 1, 2016; the year-long celebration will culminate with a
Gala Dinner on November 10, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone was celebrated with a myriad of
events including tours of the oldest building in continuous use as a
synagogue in New York State, and an exhibit on its storied history; in
addition, there were various activities for children, craft vendors,
food, and a concert by Ruth Pelham of the Music Mobile; and
WHEREAS, In 1866, a year after the Civil War, "all male persons of
full age" were gathered together "in their rooms in the Wotkyns'
Block...for the purpose of incorporating themselves as the religious
Society and Congregation of Baris Sholem."; previously, this group held
worship services in their homes and created a burial society; and
WHEREAS, By 1870, land was purchased at the present site on Third and
Division Streets in Troy, New York; the cornerstone was laid in June,
and the building was completed in time for the High Holy Days in Septem-
ber of that year; and
WHEREAS, From its inception, the congregation exhibited its liberal
tendencies; men and women were seated together, the choir was mixed, and
an organ was played; reform ritual was adopted around 1890, and in 1920,
during its 50th Anniversary year, the congregation joined the Union of
American Hebrew Congregations; and
WHEREAS, A few interesting features of the Congregation are the elabo-
rately carved ark, which resembles a boat, was donated after the build-
ing was completed, in memory of a young man who died in a boating acci-
dent on the Hudson River; the ner tamid (eternal light) is unusual in
that it is a gas flame, not an electric bulb, and the lovely stained
glass windows were completed in 1965; and
WHEREAS, Congregation Berith Sholom stands on the threshold of tomor-
row, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retain-
ing that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; 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
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Congregation Berith Sholom observed
on May 1, 2016, fully confident that this commemoration 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 Congregation Berith Sholom, Troy, New York.