Senate Resolution No. 3153

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Jeff Cohen upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Congregation
Ohav Shalom on December 10, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who give of
their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to
benefit the community at large; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
commend Jeff Cohen upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Congregation Ohav Shalom to be celebrated at its event,
Shomrei Habayit, at a Gala Brunch, on Sunday, December 10, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Shomrei Habayit can be loosely translated into "guardians
of the house"; Jeff Cohen is truly a guardian of Ohav Shalom, having
served as President of the Congregation; Ohav Shalom proudly recognizes
him for his tireless commitment to the synagogue and Jewish life as a
whole in the Capital District; and

WHEREAS, Ohav Shalom is a traditional synagogue, deeply rooted in
the laws and practices of the past, while not afraid to see change as an
authentic part of its tradition; as an egalitarian congregation, men and
women participate equally in all aspects of congregational worship; the
name Ohav Shalom means "Lover of Peace"; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Congregation Ohav Shalom
meets the diverse spiritual, religious, educational and social needs of
its members within the framework of Conservative Judaism; and to further
the causes of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and build unity
with its fellow Jews of all persuasions and affiliations and the
community at large, in a spirit of love and respect; and

WHEREAS, Congregation Ohav Shalom strives to unite its members in a
common commitment to tzedakah (philanthropy) and chesed (kindness) in
keeping with the Jewish imperative to serve as God's partner in tikun
olam (repairing our world through acts of goodness); it is also
committed to increased awareness of practices which cause damage to the
environment and which violate the Jewish principle of bal tash-chit (do
not waste); and

WHEREAS, Throughout its rich historical past and up to the present
day, Congregation Ohav Shalom has been sustained by the beneficent
efforts of countless congregants, such as Jeff Cohen, who have
generously supported their synagogue with abundant kindness and good
deeds; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jeff Cohen upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Congregation Ohav Shalom; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jeff Cohen.