[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 10604] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING CONGREGATION KODIMOH ON ITS 90TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. RICHARD E. NEAL of massachusetts in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 7, 2006 Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to the Congregation Kodimoh of Springfield, Massachusetts as it celebrates its 90 Year Anniversary this year. It is my honor to represent a congregation whose contributions to Springfield and its Jewish community have been so significant over the years. On this special anniversary, I include in the Congressional Record Congregation Kodimoh's complete chronological history and extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rabbi Alex and Dr. Bella Weisfogel who will be honored for their accomplishments at a dinner on June 11, 2006. Congregation Kodimoh in Springfield, Massachusetts, is proud of its history as a prominent Orthodox synagogue, which has made important contributions to the strength and vitality of the Jewish and general communities. Kodimoh's story reflects the common immigrant's success story and parallels the growth of the city of Springfield. Kodimoh which means ``forward'' or ``progress'' in Hebrew was founded in 1916 by a segment of the Jewish community with a spirit of optimism caught up in the success of the first generation of Jewish immigrants and the boom of Springfield as an important economic urban center. The name further suggests the desire of the founding members for the congregation to fit in to the American way of life. The Jewish community formed in Springfield primarily in the North End section of the city in the mass immigration from Eastern Europe in the last decades of the 19th century and early 20th century. When the first generation of Jewish immigrants prospered and achieved economic success, a segment desired to provide for itself a better standard of living. The move to the beautiful new neighborhood of Forest Park began, and a synagogue was needed. The first meeting of Kodimoh took place in the home of Moses Ehrlich, the first president of the congregation. Kodimoh was founded to maintain Orthodox standards and practices in modern America. English rather than Yiddish would be the language of sermons, while the synagogue and its members would participate in civic affairs. Tradition would feel at home in a new world. The first building was completed in 1923 on Oakland St. and an adjacent school building was built in 1937. Through the '50s, as more Jews moved to the Park, Kodimoh took its place as a prominent institution in the Jewish community and in the city. The congregation maintained traditional Jewish practice and effectively educated the new generation. The membership required more space for the burgeoning program of services and activities, and the current modern facility was built in 1963, a short distance away on Sumner Ave. While a large segment of the Jewish community and several synagogues moved to Longmeadow, an adjacent suburb, the leadership of Kodimoh decided to keep the synagogue in Forest Park. The new building witnessed extensive growth through the '70s as Kodimoh continued to follow its mission of maintaining Orthodox Judaism, involvement in the broader Jewish community, and local affairs. As the economic opportunities in Springfield declined, the synagogue also saw many young people seek jobs elsewhere. However, Kodimoh remains a vibrant and important religious center which makes a vital contribution to the community. We have faith that Springfield will continue to strengthen itself and the synagogue will benefit. Many important rabbis have served the congregation. Rabbi Isaac Klein continued his prominent career in Buffalo, while Rabbi Norman Lamm became the President of Yeshiva University. Rabbi Alex Weisfogel from 1959-1982 led the synagogue during the construction of the Sumner Avenue building and oversaw the congregation's growth. As Rabbi Emeritus, he has remained in the community with his wife, Dr. Bella Weisfogel. Together they continue their involvement in synagogue and community activities. Not only did Bella support her husband's endeavors, in her own right she contributed in significant ways to the educational and social programming of the synagogue. For all of their accomplishments, Kodimoh honors Rabbi Alex and Dr. Bella Weisfogel at a dinner celebrating the 90th anniversary on June 11, 2006. ____________________