LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Temple Beth El upon the occasion of
closing its doors after 51 years of service to the Jewish community of
Spring Valley, New York

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 commending Temple
Beth El upon the occasion of closing its doors after 51 years of service
to the Jewish community of Spring Valley, New York; and
WHEREAS, After decades of service to the Spring Valley community,
Temple Beth El will be closing its doors and its congregates will be
joining with Rabbi Benjamin Sharff of Temple Beth Torah in Upper Nyack,
New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1947, Temple Beth El was founded when 75 people held its
first congregational meeting at the Finkelstein Memorial Library in
Spring Valley, New York; and
WHEREAS, The First Temple was officially constructed four years later,
and nearly 1,000 families became part of the congregation; and
WHEREAS, As the years passed and the number of Jewish residents
increased in the area, a second Temple was built in 1965; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed religious institution has truly devoted itself
to serving the Spring Valley community, and although it will no longer
be in service, the community will always remember the land that Temple
Beth El stands on as a community center for worship and inclusion; 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 in
commending Temple Beth El upon the occasion of closing its doors after
51 years of service to the Jewish community of Spring Valley, New York,
fully confident that this commendation 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 Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Temple Beth Torah, Upper Nyack, New
York.