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2014 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 454
Commending Congregation Olam Tikvah.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 4, 2014
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2014

 

WHEREAS, Congregation Olam Tikvah was formed on May 24, 1964, by six families in Fairfax County who desired to create a Jewish worship environment for themselves and their young children in the growing community surrounding the Beltway; and

WHEREAS, in its infancy, Congregation Olam Tikvah held services in homes, public schools, and churches; its first religious services were held in the Friendship Room of the Annandale Baptist Church, and the first High Holy Day services in 1964 were held in the chapel at Fort Belvoir; and

WHEREAS, after the new Congregation consolidated Friday night services and Sunday religious school in the Annandale Elementary School, it was assisted in its organization by Rabbi Morris Gordon, whose avocation was helping newly established congregations in the Washington area; and

WHEREAS, with Rabbi Gordon’s guidance a Men’s Club and early morning breakfast meetings were established, and through paper drives and other activities to raise funds, the Men’s Club bought the congregation’s first Torah in 1965; in addition, a committee was formed to seek appropriate permanent facilities for the congregation; and

WHEREAS, Congregation Olam Tikvah, whose membership numbered nearly 100 families in 1966, purchased property for a permanent synagogue, and in 1967 the Congregation hired Rabbi Itzhaq M. Klirs, its first full-time rabbi; the Congregation continued to grow and soon required a larger facility to accommodate the increased membership; and

WHEREAS, Congregation Olam Tikvah welcomed Rabbi David Kalender in 1998; Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon, who served as assistant rabbi from 2003 to 2008; Assistant Rabbi Benjamin Shalva, who served from 2008 to 2010; and Assistant Rabbi Ita Paskind was hired in 2010 and continues to serve the congregation; and

WHEREAS, the growth of Congregation Olam Tikvah is reflected in the diversity of the interests of its members and the activities and organizations of the synagogue, which include various adult education programs: the Sisterhood Club; the Men’s Club; a chorale; “ABBA,” a group for fathers of young children; social action and community service activities; programs for young professionals and families and for members age 55 and over; and

WHEREAS, Jewish learning opportunities, such as Olam Tikvan Preschool School, Olam Tikvah Religious School, Shabbat services, Junior Congregation, and b’nai mitzvah preparation, are provided for children; trips to Israel led by Rabbi David Kalender are offered to the Congregation; and

WHEREAS, opportunities for Congregational fellowship are also provided, including Shabbat services and Shabbat dinners, Congregational and community events, and the celebration of holidays and community worship services on High Holy Days, in which congregants lead prayers and read the Torah; and

WHEREAS, in response to a growing membership and the needs of its congregants, Congregation Olam Tikvah dedicated a new social hall in May 2010, which included a new upper level entrance to the sanctuary, lobby space with an atrium-like appearance, a rabbinic suite and beit midrash, and a Judaica shop; in the fall of 2010, a new Youth Wing was dedicated to the delight of students, teens, and parents, which included new classrooms, office space for the religious school and youth activities staff, a youth lounge and resource room, and a bride’s room; and

WHEREAS, after 50 years, Congregation Olam Tikvah has witnessed the fulfillment of its dreams of a warm and welcoming Jewish worship environment, and the Congregation continues to be an influential force in the community, serving the third generation of its original families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Congregation Olam Tikvah on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Senior Rabbi David Kalender and Harold Belkowitz, president of Congregation Olam Tikvah, as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and best wishes for many years to come of faithful service to the congregants of Congregation Olam Tikvah and the Fairfax community.