Senate Resolution No. 5425

BY: Senator SEWARD

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of
Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns to be
celebrated on July 29, 2018

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
100th Anniversary of Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns, to be
celebrated on Sunday, July 29, 2018, with a concert by local artists
followed by a wine and cheese reception; and

WHEREAS, Between the 1880s and World War I, Jews began to move into
the Catskills, first to farm and later to enter into the growing
vacation/resort trade; and

WHEREAS, A small group of these farmers in the Fleischmanns area,
who had been meeting for Torah study in one another's homes, formally
incorporated as Congregation Bnai Israel in 1918, and then purchased the
land for the planned synagogue for $1; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of the next year, this group was able to
raise the money needed for construction, and ground was broken for the
building in 1920; and

WHEREAS, The simple yet beautiful structure that resulted from these
efforts is listed in both the National and New York Register of Historic
Places; the aron kodesh, in which the Torah is housed, is carved of
golden oak, and the exposed truss ceiling is apparently the only one of
its kind in a synagogue in the Catskills; and

WHEREAS, The building also features stained-glass stars of David in
the windows, gabled roofs, and Gothic and classical detailing; the
sanctuary was later partitioned to create the social hall, kitchen, and
entryway; and

WHEREAS, Originally Orthodox, Congregation Bnai Israel is now an
egalitarian synagogue affiliated with the Conservative movement; and

WHEREAS, During the last 100 years of continuous religious and
community service, Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns has always
had a strong relationship with the Village of Fleischmanns and the
surrounding area; the members have been and continue to be a part of the
Interfaith Council, and have participated in numerous community events
including Thanksgiving and Baccalaureate services; and

WHEREAS, Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns stands on the
threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming

decades while retaining 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 100th Anniversary of Congregation Bnai Israel of
Fleischmanns to be observed on July 29, 2018, 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
transmitted to Congregation Bnai Israel of Fleischmanns.