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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF TEMPLE SHOLOM OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, The spiritual, social and educational benefits conferred by religious institutions play a vital role in developing the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, it is the tradition of the County of Cook to pay tribute to enduring religious institutions that contribute to the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Temple Sholom has been among the County’s largest and most influential congregations of Reform Judaism; and
WHEREAS, by means of its resilience and commitment to spiritual, educational and universal values, Temple Sholom has been a safe haven and spiritual home for thousands of Jewish immigrants and their descendants to remain grounded in their traditions while becoming integral components of the wider community; and
WHEREAS, September 27, 1867, was the founding date of the congregation originally named North Chicago Hebrew Congregation; and
WHEREAS, in 1868, a building at the corner of Wells and Superior was purchased to house the Congregation; and
WHEREAS, North Chicago Hebrew Congregation changed its name to Temple Sholom (Sanctuary of Peace) in 1909 and in April 1928 Temple Sholom broke ground for its present historic home on Lake Shore Drive and Stratford Street dedicated on April 1930; and
WHEREAS, Temple Sholom has and continues to work closely with several churches and other religious groups, fighting for the freedoms of people of color, and famously providing a platform for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak to Chicago and the world on October 21, 1964 which filled the Sholom Sanctuary with members and non-members, Jews and non-Jews; and
WHEREAS, Temple Sholom has been a leader promoting community harmony, social justice and interfaith relations that extend beyond religious, racial and cultural borders; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED, by the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners to commemorate Temple Sholom of Chicago on its 150th Anniversary as it celebrates a year of community events ending in September 2018, including a Gala on May 12, 2018.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commemoration reflects the belief in those enduring values that enhance the dignity and purpose of life, and that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Temple Sholom of Chicago, Illinois.
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