J 1152: Honoring Rabbi Jennifer Jaech upon the occasion of her retirement after more than 20 years of distinguished service to the Jewish community

 Senate Resolution No. 1152 BY: Senator HARCKHAM HONORING Rabbi Jennifer Jaech upon the occasion of her retirement after more than 20 years of distinguished service to the Jewish community WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honoring Rabbi Jennifer Jaech upon the occasion of her retirement after more than 20 years of distinguished service to the Jewish community; and WHEREAS, For the more than 20 years, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Jewish community; and WHEREAS, Upon receiving a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Evergreen State College in 1985, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech started her career working in higher education administration and government relations; and WHEREAS, In 2002, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech received a Master of Arts in Hebrew Literature from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion; she also earned thirteen academic prizes in disciplines that included history, liturgy, human relations and Hebrew; and WHEREAS, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech was ordained as a rabbi in 2003 and began working at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, a vibrant Reform Jewish congregation in Croton-on-Hudson, New York that serves hundreds of families from across the surrounding communities; she served as a Rabbinic Intern, Temple Educator and Assistant Rabbi, before becoming Senior Rabbi in 2006, a position she has held for almost two decades; and WHEREAS, In her capacity as a spiritual leader, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and WHEREAS, Interpreting the complexities of modern life through the perspective of Jewish religious traditions, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech provides the congregation with thoughtful guidance and inspiration, while serving as a mentor to both children and adults; and WHEREAS, Guided by compassion and dedication to building a stronger community, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech is committed to advancing social justice and interfaith dialogue; and WHEREAS, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech is a former Co-Chair of Reform Jewish Voice of New York State and served on the Union for Reform Judaism's Commission on Social Action and the Central Conference of American Rabbis' Committee on Justice, Peace and Civil Liberties; and WHEREAS, In her official acts, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and WHEREAS, Eager to share her insights and expertise, Rabbi Jaech co-authored the book "He's All I Have: Nurturing a Young Child through the Loss of a Loved One" and the children's book "An Accidental Angel"; and WHEREAS, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech regularly contributes to a blog addressing contemporary issues though a Jewish lens, and her writings have been published in the "Reform Jewish Quarterly" and "The Forward"; and WHEREAS, After decades of service to Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, Rabbi Jaech plans to return to the Pacific Northwest with her husband to be closer to family; and WHEREAS, During her tenure with Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, Rabbi Jennifer Jaech earned the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Rabbi Jennifer Jaech upon the occasion of her retirement after more than 20 years of distinguished service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rabbi Jennifer Jaech.