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WHEREAS, Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation is a traditional, progressive and egalitarian Jewish congregation located in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Tree of Life was founded more than 150 years ago and was the founding member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the largest network of Conservative Jewish congregations in the world. Or L’Simcha Congregation was founded in 2005 as a traditional, egalitarian congregation providing religious services and family programming to its congregants. In 2010, the two congregations merged to form Tree of Life* Or L’Simcha; and,
WHEREAS, in August of 2017, Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha welcomed Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Meyers as their Spiritual Leaders, Rabbi and Hazzan, to lead the congregation. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, married to his wife, Janice and father to Rachel and Aaron, Rabbi Hazzan Meyers holds a BA from Rutgers, a BS in Jewish Music from the JTS, an MA in Jewish Education from JTS and a Rabbinic Ordination; and,
WHEREAS, rich in experience and passion , Rabbi Hazzan Meyers brings a renewed energy to the diverse and multigenerational congregation which strives to remain true to traditional teachings, yet be progressive and relevant to present day life. He organized the June 1998 gathering of 1000 children in Central Park to celebrate Israel’s 50th Anniversary in Central Park, is a trustee on the Executive Board of the Jewish Educators Assembly and has also served on National Boards and Committees as well receiving awards for his groundbreaking work; and,
WHEREAS, Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha will hold a Rabbinical Installation Weekend on June 8, 9 and 10, 2018 with Friday night services preceded by Shabbat on the Rocks, Saturday’s services with a Kiddush Luncheon and a Sunday Cocktail Reception, Installation Ceremony and the Divas on the Bima Concert, all to formally install and officially welcome Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Meyers to his Pittsburgh pulpit and family; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and commend Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha for its rich history and contributions to the Pittsburgh community and welcomes and congratulates Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Meyers for assuming the leadership of this historic congregation; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Sunday, June 10, 2018, to be “RABBI HAZZAN JEFFREY MEYERS DAY” in the City of Pittsburgh.