Senate Resolution No. 1237

BY: Senator KAPLAN

COMMENDING Temple Israel of Great Neck upon the
occasion of hosting its Journal Dinner Gala on June
1, 2019

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Temple Israel of Great Neck upon the occasion of hosting its
Journal Dinner Gala on Saturday, June 1, 2019; and

WHEREAS, In 1941, 10 families with a shared commitment to creating a
home for Conservative Judaism in Great Neck, New York, purchased a home
at 10 Preston Road; with a little work, bedrooms became classrooms, the
living room became a sanctuary with 225 seats, and Temple Israel was
born; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding, Temple Israel of Great Neck has been a
leading congregation of the Conservative movement in America; and

WHEREAS, A traditional, egalitarian community serving more than 800
member families, Temple Israel of Great Neck is large enough to offer a
full range of religious, chesed (social action), educational, and social
activities yet intimate enough to invite participation and foster
friendship; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Temple Israel of Great Neck has been the
site of extraordinary events, including a performance in 1965 by
internationally-known opera star Richard Tucker and speeches by former
Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush; and

WHEREAS, Today, Temple Israel of Great Neck offers services and
activities which cater to long-standing members, young families, and
children of all ages; and

WHEREAS, With a rich history and an exciting future, Temple Israel
of Great Neck continues to carry out the vision of its original founders
and stands out as one of the premier congregations in the Conservative
movement; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Senior Rabbi Howard A.
Stecker, Temple Israel of Great Neck 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
commend Temple Israel of Great Neck upon the occasion of hosting its
Journal Dinner Gala on June 1, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Senior Rabbi Howard A. Stecker, Temple Israel of Great
Neck.