Senate Resolution No. 279

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMEMORATING the 80th Anniversary of Westchester
Jewish Community Services

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, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
80th Anniversary of Westchester Jewish Community Services to be
celebrated with a Gala on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Purchase, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) 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, The mission of Westchester Jewish Community Services is to
help people of all ages and backgrounds overcome emotional, educational,
vocational, disability-related, and spiritual challenges so they can
lead their lives with strength, resilience, and confidence; and

WHEREAS, For the past 80 years, WJCS has carried out a long and
proud tradition of "Tikkun Olam," defined as acts of kindness performed
to perfect or repair the world; the organization works to uphold this
pillar by providing an array of meaningful services to its surrounding
community; and

WHEREAS, The services WJCS provides include evidence-based mental
health and trauma treatment, 24/7 care for disabled adults, supportive
programming for LGBTQ+ youth and families, geriatric care and resources,
early childhood development enrichment education, advocacy, supportive
services, and social activities for individuals with disabilities, and
cultural, educational, counseling, and spiritual programming for the
Jewish community; and

WHEREAS, Westchester Jewish Community Services is dedicated to
ensuring dignity and respect for all employees in an inclusive and safe
environment that values diversity, experience, and merit; the
organization is committed to racial justice and equal opportunity,
regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, class, ability, sexual
orientation, and gender identity differences for employment,
professional development, and advancement for qualified individuals; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions which act of great service to their
community, 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 80th Anniversary of Westchester Jewish Community
Services to be celebrated on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 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 Westchester Jewish Community Services.