Senate Resolution No. 489

BY: Senator KAPLAN

COMMEMORATING the 90th Anniversary of Temple
Beth-El of Great Neck on April 7, 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
commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, to be
observed with a Gala on Sunday, April 7, 2019; the celebration will
feature Television and Broadway Star Erich Bergen; and

WHEREAS, Temple Beth-El, the oldest synagogue in Great Neck, was
founded in 1928; Rabbi Jacob Philip Rudin served as spiritual leader for
four decades; and

WHEREAS, For the next four decades, Rabbi Jerome K. Davidson, an
acknowledged leader in matters of social and communal concern, guided
the congregation to a place of national recognition as one of the most
innovative and dynamic Reform congregations in America; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the spiritual leadership of Rabbis Meir and
Tara Feldman, Temple Beth-El of Great Neck enjoys a membership of 750
families and is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ); and

WHEREAS, This well respected temple is home for more than 2,300 men,
women, and children; it is a place where people come to pray, celebrate,
and learn; and a place where minds are open, friends are made, tradition
is honored, and change is welcome; as well as a place of solace and
sanctuary, reflection and rejoicing, song, and study; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Temple Beth-El of Great Neck
seeks to meet the spiritual and educational needs of a diverse Jewish
community in a caring, innovative, and democratic Reform temple; and

WHEREAS, Temple Beth-El 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
commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, to be
observed on Sunday, April 7, 2019, 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 Rabbis Meir and Tara Feldman, Temple Beth-El of Great
Neck, Great Neck, New York.