RESOLUTION
Whereas, Chicago Sinai Congregation was founded on April 7, 1861 as the first reform synagogue in the City of Chicago; and
Whereas, Sinai's first Rabbi Bernhard Felsenthal conducted the first service on June 21, 1861 in a Protestant Church on Monroe Street between Clark and LaSalle;
Whereas, From its inception, Chicago Sinai Congregation has been at the forefront of racial equality, labor equity, women's rights, and universal education, working arm-in-arm with activists such as Jane Addams, so that the proud history of social progressivism in Chicago cannot properly be told without reference to Sinai and its leaders; and
Whereas, Chicago Sinai Congregation has received the Irving Fain Award for Outstanding Social Action, one of the highest honors for Reform Jewish Synagogues; and
Whereas, Chicago Sinai Congregation members continue to provide their time and resources for students in inner city schools in need of personal and financial assistance; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this fourth day of May, 2011, do hereby congratulate Chicago Sinai Congregation on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary as a leading reform synagogue in the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Chicago Sinai Congregation. *
Alderman - 14th Ward