11-R026

2011 -- H 5108

Enacted 01/20/11

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE EMERGENCE OF THE JEWISH ALLIANCE

OF GREATER RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Fox, JP O`Neill, Ajello, Watson, and Mattiello

Date Introduced: January 20, 2011

     WHEREAS, Three merging agencies, the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, the Bureau

of Jewish Education of Rhode Island (BJE), and the Jewish Community Center of Rhode Island

(JCC), have formed the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island (Alliance); and

     WHEREAS, Envisioning a “vibrant and flourishing Jewish community that engages and

inspires through inclusion, participation and respect” the mission of the newly formed Alliance is

to “build and sustain” a “local and global Jewish community by maximizing philanthropic

resources, volunteer efforts and social, cultural, and educational opportunities”; and

     WHEREAS, There are currently more than 16,000 members of the Jewish faith living in

Rhode Island; and  

     WHEREAS, In 2005, there were six Jewish congregations in Providence and eleven

located elsewhere around the state. Members of the Jewish faith have served in the state

legislature since the 1890s and have been elected to every statewide office.  There have been two

Jewish governors, Frank Licht, first elected in 1968, and Bruce Sundlun, first elected in 1991; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s Jewish community has actively participated in the state’s

cultural life, especially during the past half century. The state's major theatrical company, Trinity

Repertory, originated at the Jewish Community Center.  Daniel Robbins, the first Jewish Director

of Rhode Island School of Design's Museum of Art, helped create its core collection of modern

art, the gift of Selma Pilavin; and

     WHEREAS, Active in civic affairs, the Jewish community has also helped lead the

United Way, the Rhode Island Foundation, and the ACLU; and

     WHEREAS, Jewish Rhode Islanders have made immense contributions to the quality of

life and the overall vitality of our state, and we are certain that the newly formed Jewish Alliance

of Greater Rhode Island will not only further the proud heritage of our Jewish population, but will

also continue to work to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for all Rhode Islanders;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes and celebrates the emergence of the Jewish Alliance of

Greater Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Board Chair, the Jewish Alliance of Greater

Rhode Island.

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LC00435

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