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Congresswoman McCollum's Statement on Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Beth Jacob Congregation

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of Beth Jacob Congregation, a Jewish congregation in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, who will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their faith community on June 27th.

Beth Jacob was formed in 1985 when two Twin Cities synagogues, Sons of Jacob and New Conservative Congregation merged. Founded as an orthodox synagogue in the early 1870s, Sons of Jacob was one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the Twin Cities, while New Conservative Congregation was one of the area's youngest congregations. Seemingly very different faith communities, the members of the two synagogues found that they possessed similar values and needs. The new faith community they formed adopted the name Beth Jacob Congregation. In 1986, the congregation selected Rabbi Morris J. Allen as its religious and educational leader, and in 1987 they broke ground to build their synagogue. Since then, Beth Jacob has steadily grown in size and influence thanks to the dedication and leadership of Rabbi Allen and the involvement and commitment of its members.

Beth Jacob is not simply a synagogue or a place of worship - it is a community. Its members are engaged in studying their faith and participating in Shabbat service. Additionally, members are active participants in their neighborhoods and cities. Beth Jacob is well known for its involvement in our community through interfaith dialogue programs, food shelf donations, assistance to immigrant workers, affordable housing initiatives, and disaster relief efforts. Its contributions to the Jewish community as well as the Twin Cities at large are unparalleled, and I am proud to say that such an active and dedicated Jewish Congregation is located in the Fourth Congressional District of Minnesota.

Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the 25th Anniversary of Beth Jacob Congregation, a faith community rich with tradition that is committed to serving the needs of its members and giving back to our community.

Issues:Arts & Humanities