LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ohav Sholom of Merrick upon the occasion
of its 50th Anniversary

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 nation to pay tribute
to institutions and individuals who have contributed to the ethical and
spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commending Ohav
Sholom of Merrick upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, In the Spring of 1962, six Merrick, New York Jewish families
joined together to found an Orthodox synagogue in Merrick, renting a
store on Merrick Avenue in which to gather and pray; and
WHEREAS, Half a century later, the synagogue they founded, Congre-
gation Ohav Sholom has 800 member families, is housed in a large brick
building at 143 Merrick Avenue, about a half mile south of its original
site, and is fully integrated into the fabric of the Merrick community's
religious life; and
WHEREAS, In addition to its regular prayer services, Ohav Sholom of
Merrick has a Hebrew School for children and young adults, a Sisterhood
and Men's Club for its respective female and male members, continuing
education classes, youth programming and holiday events and, it also
engages in charitable work and efforts on behalf of Israel and issues of
justice; and
WHEREAS, Having, of necessity, to postpone the celebration of its 50th
Anniversary due to the havoc wreaked by Superstorm Sandy, Ohav Sholom of
Merrick will now mark the milestone of its golden anniversary with
events in the spring and fall of 2013; and
WHEREAS, The first part of the festivities will take place on May 4
and 5, 2013, when Ohav Sholom of Merrick will honor Rabbi Jeremiah Wohl-
berg, its rabbi for 47 of its 50 years, from 1963 to 2010; and
WHEREAS, During its Shabbat service on Saturday, May 4, 2013, Congre-
gation Ohav Sholom will dedicate its sanctuary to Rabbi Wohlberg and the
rabbi will once again speak from its pulpit; Ohav Sholom will pay
further tribute to Rabbi Wohlherg, as well as past synagogue presidents,
at a festive dinner on May 5, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Ira Ebbin, who has led Congregation Ohav Sholom since
Rabbi Wohlberg's retirement in 2010, works diligently to ensure that the
synagogue remains committed to the Orthodox tradition, but one which is
modern, open and welcoming; and
WHEREAS, Ohav Sholom of Merrick, in addition, takes just pride in its
warm and welcoming feeling and its commitment to the Merrick community;
it holds a second Passover seder which is open to everyone from the
community, blood drives, monthly bingo games, and as many community-type
programs as it can; and
WHEREAS, During Superstorm Sandy Ohav Sholom of Merrick opened its
doors to the community, providing food and shelter and a place to charge
their cell phones; and
WHEREAS, Ohav Sholom of Merrick's 50th Anniversary celebration will
continue with two special events in Fall 2013, a reunion of graduates of
Ohav Sholom of Merrick's Hebrew School and a "Women at Ohav" program
featuring a scholar-in-residence weekend and tributes to past presidents
of Ohav Sholom's Sisterhood; and
WHEREAS, Remaining faithful to its mission of serving its congre-
gation, its community and Judaism, Ohav Sholom of Merrick may look with
pride and satisfaction upon its many years of purposeful service; and

WHEREAS, Today Ohav Sholom of Merrick 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, 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 the Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ohav Sholom of Merrick, New York, upon the occasion of its 50th
Anniversary Celebration on May 4th and 5th, 2013, confident that this
tribute reflects its 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 tran-
smitted to Ohav Sholom of Merrick.