Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO CONGRATULATE THE MEMBERS OF BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE IN COLUMBIA AS THEY CELEBRATE THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SYNAGOGUE THIS YEAR AND TO COMMEND THIS WONDERFUL PLACE OF WORSHIP AND PEACE FOR ITS SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF ITS MEMBERS AND FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF COLUMBIA AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, Beth Shalom Synagogue was established in 1905 with only nine families and has grown to over three hundred forty families and is now housed in its third synagogue building; and
Whereas, the site of the first synagogue was affectionately known throughout Columbia as the "Big Apple", and will be the site of the reception following the final centennial event; and
Whereas, for a century, Beth Shalom Synagogue has been a cornerstone for Jewish life in Columbia. It has seen generations of families that have shared both joy and sorrow in the comfort of this great "House of Peace"; and
Whereas, Beth Shalom Synagogue also has been an integral part of the greater Columbia community and the State of South Carolina, with many of its members holding positions of leadership in the City of Columbia and the South Carolina General Assembly including former state Senator and Columbia Mayor Pro Tempore Hyman Rubin, the late state Senator Isadore E. Lourie, and current state Senator Joel Lourie; and
Whereas, this synagogue has become more than a Jewish place of worship. It has a well-earned interdominational reputation for tolerance and friendship. When visitors come to Beth Shalom, they are welcomed with compassion and an outstretched arm, and when they leave, they take with them a deep appreciation of the heritage and faith of its congregation; and
Whereas, when people talk about this special place of worship they are speaking about much more than just the beautiful building that was constructed on Trenholm Road over thirty years ago; they are referring to its congregation, which has grown in size but has never lost its warmth, character, and principles; and
Whereas, to honor its one hundredth anniversary, Beth Shalom Synagogue will be hosting several events throughout the year: A Shabbat Centennial was held during the weekend of February 4-5, and a Centennial Gala Celebration will be held on March 12, a meeting of the South Carolina Jewish Historical Society on September 9-10, and a Time Capsule Dedication on November 6; and
Whereas, the members of the Senate, by this resolution, would like to recognize and honor the members of Beth Shalom Synagogue as they celebrate the synagogue's one hundredth anniversary this year. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, congratulate the members of Beth Shalom Synagogue in Columbia as they celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the synagogue this year and commend this wonderful place of worship and peace for its significant impact on the lives of its members and for its contributions to the City of Columbia and the State of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the congregation of Beth Shalom Synagogue.
This web page was last updated on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 2:49 P.M.