Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Temple Beth El in Midland, MI

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it is my distinct honor to pay tribute to Temple Beth El on its 50th anniversary, which will continue to be celebrated throughout the year. This small but vibrant Jewish congregation has made an important contribution to the Midland community.

Since the 1890s, when the first Jewish family settled in this area, there has been a strong Jewish community. By 1955, the Jewish community in Midland totaled nearly 50 families. The following year, after having commuted to other cities for religious instruction and observance for many years, the decision was made to establish a local place of worship. After much discussion and with guidance from Rabbi Katz of Saginaw and the leadership of Ralph Cutler and Leonard Bernstein, the congregation’s founding families provided the financial and material support necessary to design and secure a location for both the temple and for a permanent rabbinical residence.

On December 29, 1957, Temple Beth El formally opened its doors at a dedication ceremony led by the congregation’s first spiritual leader, Rabbi Marc Samuels, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary and a Holocaust survivor. In attendance were the fifty-two original member families, the congregation’s officers and many other community leaders. At its inception the congregation chose to affiliate itself with the Conservative Jewish movement. In 2000, in response to the wishes of its members, the Temple decided to become a Reform congregation.

I am sure that my colleagues in the Senate join me in congratulating the leadership, congregants, and the greater Midland community as they continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Temple Beth El. Their rich history and commitment to service has greatly impacted the small, close-knit Jewish community in Midland. We all look forward to at least 50 more years of spiritual guidance and leadership.