Senate Resolution No. 4216

BY: Senator MARCELLINO

COMMENDING Lorry and Ira Friedman upon the
occasion of their designation for special
recognition by North Shore Synagogue on April 28,
2018

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 Lorry and Ira Friedman upon the occasion of their designation
for special recognition by North Shore Synagogue to be feted at its 65th
Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 28, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Lorry and Ira Friedman moved into their new house in
Syosset, New York, 60 years ago; the couple was asked to serve as
teachers at a new synagogue which was being formed in their
neighborhood; the Friedmans became one of 35 families who founded North
Shore Synagogue; and

WHEREAS, North Shore Synagogue was established as a Reform
Congregation, which believes in the central tenets of Judaism, God,
Torah and Israel, even as it acknowledges the diversity of Reform Jewish
beliefs and practices; congregants strive to bring peace, freedom, and
justice to all people; and

WHEREAS, The synagogue quickly became an important part of their
lives; they enjoyed spending time with other people who believed it was
their purpose to save the world, and did whatever they could to ensure
the synagogue ran smoothly and was a success; and

WHEREAS, Lorry and Ira Friedman love to sing and soon became members
of the choir; today, Ira continues to sign in the tenor section and
Lorry serves as the choir librarian, in charge of 60 years of synagogue
music; and

WHEREAS, The first religious school classes were held in the stables
of Seymour Cohn and Sylvan Lawrence, and Lorry Friedman taught the
combined third and fourth grades; later, she started the first youth
group; and

WHEREAS, Lorry Friedman was also an active member of the Sisterhood
Board, serving for 18 years, five of which she held the title of Vice
President; and

WHEREAS, Ira Friedman held the position of Religious School
Chairman, and Vice President of the temple board; he also edited the
temple bulletin and wrote an art column for a few years; and

WHEREAS, The temple raised money in many creative ways, through
book, cake and rummage sales, bingo, fashion shows and square dances,

and especially through producing and acting in a series of home-grown
musicals; Ira Friedman played the role of Nathan Detroit in Guys and
Dolls, and Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business; Lorry Friedman
handled publicity, playbills and advertising for the shows; and

WHEREAS, Both Lorry and Ira Friedman enjoy the arts, and proudly
serve on the Art Committee; in this capacity, they interview the artists
and artisans who were chosen to make the ark doors, eternal light and
stained glass windows in the sanctuary, and the art that adorns the
lobby walls; Ira designed and made the frames for the class pictures in
the Religious School wing; 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 Lorry and Ira Friedman, 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 Lorry and Ira Friedman upon the occasion of their designation
for special recognition by North Shore Synagogue, noting their
unremitting commitment, ceaseless devotion and spiritual resolve; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lorry and Ira Friedman.