Senate Resolution No. 993

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Rabbi Dan Ornstein upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Pillars of the
Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rabbi Dan Ornstein upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center to be celebrated virtually on Sunday, April 18, 2021;
and

WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes
individuals for their contributions to the Center and the Jewish
community-at-large by acting as moral pillars and dispensers of wisdom
and advice, providing continued service and leadership, and acting
generously in the spirit of Tzedakah; and

WHEREAS, Widely known for his extraordinary dedication to Israel and
the local community, Rabbi Dan Ornstein's philanthropic and leadership
endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky enough to know
him; and

WHEREAS, Since 1994, Dan Ornstein has served as Rabbi at
Congregation Ohav Shalom in Albany, New York, where he lives with his
family and teaches Judaic Studies at the Hebrew Academy of the Capital
District; and

WHEREAS, A member of the Capital District Board of Rabbis, Rabbi Dan
Ornstein has served on the Board of the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center and is currently a member of the capital region Board
of the Jewish National Fund; he is also a task force member of ALERT:
The Albany Law Enforcement Resolution Team; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Rabbi Dan Ornstein is the author of Cain v
Abel: A Jewish Courtroom Drama (Jewish Publication Society 2020); he has
contributed essays to several books and journals and is a regular
blogger at the Times of Israel; he also writes and airs essays at WAMC:
Northeast Public Radio; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marian Alexander,
and their three children, Joseph, Shulamit and Vered, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Rabbi Dan Ornstein has
displayed throughout his life; and


WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Rabbi Dan Ornstein, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rabbi Dan Ornstein upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rabbi Dan Ornstein.