The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join Beth David Reform Congregation of Gladwyne in tribute to Rabbi Henry Cohen on the great occasion of his fiftieth anniversary of service to God and humanity.
WHEREAS, Henry Cohen was born in Texas into a family of Reform rabbis. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Texas and entered the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 1947. He was ordained in 1953; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Cohen was an army chaplain in Louisiana, in Korea and in Texas before “coming East” to be assistant rabbi at Temple Beth-El in Great Neck, New York. He served as the spiritual leader at Sinai Temple in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, earned a Master of Arts Degree in the Philosophy of Education along the way, completed a major study on Jewish life and thought, and came to Beth David Reform Congregation in June, 1964; and
WHEREAS, At Beth David, Rabbi Cohen “hit the ground running,” becoming the conscience of the congregation by closely examining the most complex social issues of the day. He was both an activist and an advocate, and he was fearless in his pursuit of justice. He has been involved in racial justice; was chairman of the Jewish Coalition for Peace; initiated a bi-cultural Black-Jewish nursery school; published numerous books and articles, and in every way inspired deep thought, unity, spiritual commitment, and heartfelt faith among his congregants; and
WHEREAS, Even today, Rabbi Cohen continues to teach, write and inspire. He has always been a strong voice for peace, justice and the law of the Lord, which he lives every day in word and deed. He has brought great goodness to this entire region, and we are appreciative of his commitment and dedication; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Rabbi Henry Cohen on the great occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination. To him, his wife Edna and their two daughters, we offer our congratulations and very best wishes.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Rabbi Henry Cohen as evidence of the sincere admiration and deep respect of this Legislative Body.
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