LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Debbie Gatoff upon the occasion of
receiving the Gemilut Chasadim Award from Congregation Beth Israel

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Debbie Gatoff upon the occasion of receiving the Gemilut Chasadim Award
from Congregation Beth Israel on Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Schenectady,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Gatoff grew up in Congregation Beth Israel and its
Hebrew School; a graduate of Linton High School, she was active in
National Conference of Synagogue Youth; and
WHEREAS, After her second year at the University of Bridgeport in
Connecticut, Debbie Gatoff decided to take a two-week trip to Israel,
fell in love with the country, and stayed for three years; she worked
there as a child care provider in a Children's House on Kibbutz Ein
Hamifratz in northern Israel; and
WHEREAS, Walking in the footsteps of her parents, Debbie Gatoff has
been an extraordinarily active member of Congregation Beth Israel for
many years; she taught Hebrew School, is an active member of the Sister-
hood, and has served as President and long-term Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Gatoff has been an integral part of the catering team
at Congregation Beth Israel for many years; she is a member of the syna-
gogue Board of Trustees and has served as Congregation Financial Secre-
tary, Vice President and President; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Gatoff served on many rabbinical search committees and
has been actively involved in fund-raising; she is currently serving,
once again as a Vice President of the shul and Treasurer of the Sister-
hood; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Gatoff has worked full-time as the Office Manager for
Capital Management Partners for many years, but has found time to be
active in the greater community as well; from 1986-1989, she served on
the Schenectady Board of Education, including one year as its President;
and
WHEREAS, Working as a volunteer usher at Proctor's Theater for many
years, Debbie Gatoff is the granddaughter of Abraham and Jenny Deiber
and the daughter of Jack and Gwen Deiber; she is a third generation
member of Congregation Beth Israel; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Gatoff's children, Jason and Sarah, the fourth gener-
ation, were also raised in the synagogue; Debbie is the proud grandmoth-
er of Jack and Bridget; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Gatoff has demonstrated the true spirit of the Gemilut
Chasadim Award, which means "deeds of loving kindness," through her
tireless dedication to the Synagogue and to the community; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Debbie Gatoff upon the occasion of receiving the Gemilut Chasadim
Award from Congregation Beth Israel; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Debbie Gatoff.