Senate Resolution No. 1731
BY: Senator MAYER
COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the
Larchmont Temple, Har Chayim on August 17, 2024
WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State is
greatly enriched by its religious institutions and the faithful and
generous service of those who devote themselves to endeavors of family,
faith, and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of such magnanimous conduct and bearing which
demonstrate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Larchmont Temple, Har Chayim on
August 17, 2024; and
WHEREAS, At the time of the Temple's founding, there were very few
Jewish families in Larchmont, New York; the trauma of World War II led
to many Jewish families looking to disaffiliate, to melt into normalcy
and Americanize their names to create an anonymity of a non-Jewish
environment; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the need to educate their children, Jewish
families in Larchmont fostered the idea to start a Jewish Reform
congregation and religious school; the idea was first introduced by the
Larchmont Temple's founder, Pearl Belchetz, who invited interested
Jewish residents in the community to attend a meeting in her home on
June 8, 1948; and
WHEREAS, With 60 residents responding to the initial call to action,
the first official membership meeting was held at the Larchmont Public
Library on August 17, 1948; a constitution was adopted, and officers,
and trustees were elected; and
WHEREAS, Friday evening services were held at the homes of members,
religious school classes in a music school, and the first High Holiday
services at the American Legion Post 347; but soon it became clear that
a larger house was needed, so the large house, designed by Stanford
White in 1892 and now the Blum Building, on Willow Avenue was purchased
to accommodate all Temple functions including Friday evening services,
the religious school, and all meetings; and
WHEREAS, The original Larchmont Temple, Har Chayim (Mountain of
Life), was located in a Victorian mansion, the Blum Building, and the
present establishment was dedicated in 1954; the current sanctuary for
religious services, Social Hall and Garden Room, were dedicated in 2001
to meet the needs of an expanding membership and Temple community; and
WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings with 50 families, the Larchmont
Temple has grown to over 800 families, reaffirming covenant and our
commitment to a vibrant Jewish future; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Larchmont Temple are involved in all aspects
of the community, maintaining strong civic and religious values; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J.
Sirkman, the Larchmont Temple, now stands on the threshold of tomorrow,
prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades, while retaining
that spiritual resolve which has so characterized its glorious past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Larchmont Temple, Har Chayim on
August 17, 2024; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman, Larchmont Temple.
