LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rabbi Garry Loeb upon the occasion of
his retirement after 31 years of distinguished service as Teacher and
Spiritual Leader of Monroe Temple Beth-El on June 30, 2016

WHEREAS, It is with great admiration and deepest respect that this
Legislative Body is moved to pay tribute to an eminent gentleman of
indomitable spirit and dedication, whose purposeful life and accomplish-
ments will forever stand as an inspiration to others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Rabbi Garry
Loeb upon the occasion of his retirement after 31 years of distinguished
service as Teacher and Spiritual Leader of Monroe Temple Beth-El; he
will officially retire on Thursday, June 30, 2016; and
WHEREAS, As leader of Monroe Temple Beth-El, Rabbi Garry Loeb brought
an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Since 1985, Rabbi Garry Loeb has served as the Rabbi of
Monroe Temple Beth-El in Monroe, New York; he is the longest serving
Rabbi in the 72-year history of the congregation; and
WHEREAS, A native of Toronto, Canada, Garry Loeb became an ordained
Rabbi in 1981 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion;
and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Garry Loeb and his wife came to Monroe Temple Beth-El
in the summer of 1985, and for 15 years, he served as both the Rabbi and
Cantor; in this capacity, he encouraged the congregation to participate
in all services, including Tot Shabbat and Young People's Congregation;
and
WHEREAS, During his faithful leadership at Monroe Temple Beth-El,
Rabbi Garry Loeb concentrated on imparting the Jewish heritage to the
members of the congregation and guiding them in the conduct of worship
services and life cycle events; and
WHEREAS, As the primary teaching resource, Rabbi Garry Loeb was always
available to every congregant, providing counseling and guidance on
religious matters and other issues; and
WHEREAS, A progressive spiritual leader, Rabbi Garry Loeb, affection-
ately known as Rabbi Raffi, will always be admired and remembered for
playing music on his trusty Martin guitar and leading highly intellectu-
al education and Torah study sessions; and
WHEREAS, An adventurous man committed to serenity and heritage, Rabbi
Garry Loeb often organized weekly nature hikes and congregational trips
to Israel; and
WHEREAS, As Reform Judaism changed and grew, Rabbi Garry Loeb kept the
congregation at the forefront of the Reform movement's re-embracement of
tradition for over three decades; this wise man encouraged his members
to develop a thoughtful balance between Reform philosophy and tradi-
tional custom and ritual; and
WHEREAS, Realizing the importance of his staff, Rabbi Garry Loeb
worked closely with Cantor Goldmann, Temple leadership and committees,
Auxiliary groups, the office team, Torah School principal, and the
Mentsch Makers pre-school; and
WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his syna-
gogue, Rabbi Garry Loeb was honored by the congregation with a gala
weekend celebration in recognition of his Chai Anniversary in 2003;
seven years later, he was once again feted with another gala weekend
celebrating his 25th or Silver Anniversary with his Temple; and

WHEREAS, Well-liked and respected by many within the Jewish community,
Rabbi Garry Loeb was elected President of the Regional Rabbinic Associ-
ation and to a seat on the Board of Trustees of the Central Conference
of American Rabbis; and
WHEREAS, After his much deserved retirement, Rabbi Garry Loeb plans on
visiting family in Toronto, before touring the American West in a Recre-
ational Vehicle; he also plans on continuing to serve Monroe Temple
Beth-El as Rabbi Emeritus; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Sorel Goldberg Loeb,
and his son and daughter, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Garry Loeb lives his life with great dignity and genu-
ine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing concern for
others; rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual
for the benefit of others which he has displayed throughout his life and
throughout his leadership of the Monroe Temple Beth-El for 31 years;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor an eminent gentleman and unparalleled spiritual leader, Rabbi
Garry Loeb, noting the significance of his unremitting dedication and
sagacious leadership on behalf of the Monroe Temple Beth-El, the Monroe
community, and the countless individuals who were sustained through his
caring benevolence throughout his life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Garry Loeb.