Senate Resolution No. 2474

BY: Senator MARTINS

COMMEMORATING the 90th Anniversary of Temple Beth
Israel

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is
greatly enriched by its religious institutions and the faithful and
generous service of those who devote themselves to endeavors of family,
faith, and community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of such magnanimous conduct and bearing which
demonstrate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; 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 Israel, to be celebrated
at their annual Gala on Sunday, June 9, 2024; and

WHEREAS, The first Jewish congregation in Port Washington, New York,
Temple Beth Israel was incorporated in 1933; and

WHEREAS, Coming from humble beginnings, the Jewish community in Port
Washington was meeting in a small space on the third floor of the Bayles
Building in 1915; in 1928, the group moved to the Plaza Building before
the incorporation of Temple Beth Israel; and

WHEREAS, A building at 138 Bayview Avenue was purchased when the
congregation reached about 30 families and there was a need for a larger
space; in 1960, a new space to hold Temple Beth Israel was purchased and
Percival Goodman, a famed synagogue architect, was hired to design the
new Temple; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, Temple Beth Israel held 241 families and about 725
people in their congregation; the Temple went through another expansion
and moved into their present sanctuary in 2000, with a myriad of
beautiful renovations in the years since; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, Temple Beth Israel held a vote and decided to
become Egalitarian; and

WHEREAS, Growing to a vast community of devoted members, Temple Beth
Israel now holds more than 265 families and about 900 people of all
ages; and

WHEREAS, Members of Temple Beth Israel are involved in all aspects
of the community, maintaining strong civic and religious values; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Senior Rabbi Michael Mishkin,
Temple Beth Israel, now stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to
meet the challenges of the coming decades, while retaining that
spiritual resolve which has so characterized its glorious 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 Israel; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rita Shumsky, Temple Beth Israel.