Senate Resolution No. 995

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients 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
Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients 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 their extraordinary dedication to Israel
and the local community, Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin's philanthropic
and leadership endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky
enough to know them; and

WHEREAS, Having met in Washington D.C., Jill Goodman and Artie
Malkin quickly found a community in Albany, New York, following their
marriage in 1985; this extraordinary couple worked for NYPIRG prior to
Jill's work with the New York State Senate and Artie co-founding his law
firm, Malkin & Ross; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Artie Malkin over the past
36 years, the firm has had a major impact on life altering issues
including Rockefeller Drug Law Reform, AIDS confidentiality, ending the
state death penalty, educational equity, mental health parity, LBGTQ
rights and banning fracking; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to their
community, Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin began to connect to the Albany
Jewish community following the birth of their sons, Aaron and Joshua;
and

WHEREAS, Jill Goodman taught in the CBE Religious School for several
years and served as a member and president of the Board; she also served
on the North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and
the Board of JFNENY where she worked to build consensus on the creation
of a local Holocaust memorial; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, remaining active on several committees, Jill
Goodman also participates in Federation's Interfaith and Engagement
Committees; and

WHEREAS, Artie Malkin was a founding member of Reform Jewish Voice,
an early member of Federation's Brandeis Baruch Society and served as
Event Chair for former NYC Public Advocate Mark Green's local
presentation to the group; and

WHEREAS, Together, Jill and Artie have served on CBE's Mitzvah Day
Steering Committee and as co-chairs of the congregation's yearlong 180th
Anniversary celebration; they are both actively involved with the
Religious Action Center/NY, the URJ's state-based advocacy arm; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the couple is proud to support the efforts of
a number of local, secular organizations whose values and efforts are of
critical importance to them, including Food Pantries of the Capital
Region, the Regional Food Bank, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Park
Playhouse and ToLife!; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Jill Goodman and Artie
Malkin have displayed throughout their lives; 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
Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin, that future generations may know and
appreciate their admirable character, their many benevolent deeds, and
the respect and esteem in which they are held by their peers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients 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 Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin.