Title
Proclamation recognizing Mr. Abe Salem for his spiritual leadership and dedication to the Beth Shalom Congregation and thanking him for enhancing the quality of life in Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, Allegheny County is blessed with individuals, such as Mr. Abe Salem, who are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhood and the community as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Abe Salem, born in Poland, is a survivor of the Holocaust. He was a resident of a work camp in Siberia for nearly 2 years. He left the camp with the clothes on his back and little else. After he was liberated, he married his wife Mina, settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, raised two children, and became a window glazier; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Stephen E. Steindel has led the Beth Shalom Congregation, the largest Conservative Jewish synagogue in Western Pennsylvania, for over 20 years. The synagogue's mission is to recall the love and dedication that has brought members to these crossroads and to affirm a continued stake in creative Jewish survival for generations yet unborn; and
WHEREAS, 17 years ago, at the young age of 69, Mr. Salem began his career at Beth Shalom Congregation in Squirrel Hill. He is fluent in the difficult art of Torah Chanting and through his efforts, has successfully led congregants in daily prayer each and every day, twice a day; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Salem leads prayer service as Minyan Leader and serves as resident Torah Reader, and he has fulfilled both of these important roles on behalf of the Congregation for 17 years, creating a sense of belonging, of community and of family;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize and commend Mr. Abe Salem for his spiritual leadership and dedication to Beth Shalom Congregation. Mr. Salem's impact on this community, and his commitment to Allegheny County and its citizens, serves as an inspiration to us all.