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2010 SESSION

10105086D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 336
Offered February 23, 2010
Commending Rabbi Amy M. Schwartzman.
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Patrons-- Scott, J.M., Comstock and Ebbin; Senator: Howell
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WHEREAS, Rabbi Amy M. Schwartzman is celebrating her 20th anniversary as a clergy member at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, the largest Jewish congregation in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Schwartzman has been Senior Rabbi of Temple Rodef Shalom since 1998, and under her leadership, the congregation has grown to include 1,470 households; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Schwartzman has successfully led a vibrant Jewish community at Temple Rodef Shalom and has made life-cycle events for members personal and profound; and

WHEREAS, through her compassionate guidance, Rabbi Schwartzman has led Temple Rodef Shalom to be a congregation that continues to deepen its commitment to improving the lives of those in need locally and beyond; and

WHEREAS, the broader Northern Virginia community has benefited from Rabbi Schwartzman's outstanding qualities and commitment to social justice, as she has provided leadership and support for such organizations as SHARE; Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry; Lazarus at the Gate, now Food for Others; the local FEMA chapter; McLean Clergy Association; Habitat for Humanity; Rebuilding Together; and all the local high schools; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Schwartzman has long engaged actively in the Reform Jewish movement, including leadership in the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Women's Rabbinic Network, the Washington Board of Rabbis, and several Union for Reform Judaism task forces on social justice issues; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Schwartzman has been recognized nationally for her stellar work, in 2008 by Newsweek magazine as one of the top 25 pulpit rabbis in America, and in recent years, she was honored as one of the "Forward 50," a list of prominent Jewish leaders published annually by the Forward, as well as being named one of the ten Jewish "Women to Watch" by Jewish Women International; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Rabbi Amy M. Schwartzman of Temple Rodef Shalom on the occasion of her 20th anniversary with the congregation; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Rabbi Amy M. Schwartzman as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation for guiding an exceptional community, the largest Jewish congregation in the Commonwealth.