Assembly Resolution No. 855

BY: M. of A. Fahy

COMMEMORATING the 180th Anniversary of
Congregation Beth Emeth of Albany, 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 is justly proud to commemorate the
180th Anniversary of Congregation Beth Emeth of Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1838, Beth El was the first synagogue
located in upstate New York; in 1850, Anshe Emeth was founded by Rabbi
Isaac Mayer Wise as a break off from Beth El, becoming the 4th Reform
congregation in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Rabbi Scott Shpeen,
and Cantor Jodi Schectman, Congregation Beth Emeth consists of
approximately 800 families from across the Capital District; and

WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth is an inclusive Reform synagogue
offering spiritual outreach and contemporary approaches to traditional
values; it strives to cultivate love and understanding of the Jewish
heritage; stimulate fellowship in the Jewish community by strengthening
spiritual enrichment and the bonds of loyalty with Israel and Jewish
people everywhere; and bring near the teaching of God through the Torah
by emphasis on fairness, human responsibility and social justice; and

WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth is truly a sanctuary; it is a place
where people can study, worship, and assemble; and

WHEREAS, The leaders and congregation of Congregation Beth Emeth are
always defining, refining, and redefining its short-term goals in light
of its larger mission to meet the individual and collective religious,
spiritual and emotional needs of its members; and

WHEREAS, Through Jewish text and tradition, Beth Emeth strives to
deepen the understanding of the Jewish faith and encourage religious
commitment of its members; and

WHEREAS, For 180 years, Congregation Beth Emeth has carried out the
vision of its founders; to be a warm and caring Jewish Community
dedicated to perpetuating Reform Judaism and meaningful Jewish
expression; and

WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Emeth 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 180th Anniversary of Congregation Beth Emeth of Albany,
New York, 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rabbi Scott Shpeen, and Cantor Jodi Schectman,
Congregation Beth Emeth.