WHEREAS, Rabbi Solomon Isaacson, a ninth-generation continuous descendant of the prestigious rabbinic leaders of the Nadvordna Chasidic sect, was born in Romania, the second of four children in his family, and immigrated to New York when he was five years old, and after a year moved to South Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, After marrying his beloved life partner Rebbetzin Susan, Rabbi Isaacson purchased a home in Northeast Philadelphia, where he founded Congregation Beth Solomon in his basement; from these humble beginnings, Beth Solomon has grown to serve a community numbering in the tens of thousands; and
WHEREAS, Congregation Beth Solomon has flourished under Rabbi Isaacson’s leadership, serving Northeast Philadelphia as well as the surrounding areas of Huntingdon Valley, Bucks County, and Montgomery County; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Solomon Isaacson was deeply committed to helping those in need, regularly providing assistance with food, clothing, and rent to individuals in his community, ensuring that no one was left behind; and
WHEREAS, He believed that the shul was not only a place of worship, but a cultural and community center that could address the many needs of its constituents; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his local community, Rabbi Isaacson earned the respect and admiration of Philadelphia’s civic leaders, building strong relationships with decision-makers and public figures; and
WHEREAS, Former Mayor John Street recognized Rabbi Isaacson as a unique individual that visited City Hall to offer prayer and words of support for the City’s elected officials; and
WHERES, Former Governor Ed Rendell recalled that Rabbi Isaacson “never asked me for anything for himself, but he never hesitated to advocate for his congregation, and that’s the way it should be”; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Isaacson was widely known for his kindness, intelligence, hard work, dedication, and deep piety, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Isaacson, may his memory be for a blessing, will be remembered as a major figure in the greater Philadelphia’s Jewish communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby celebrates the life, legacy, and unwavering commitment of Rabbi Solomon Isaacson, leader of Congregation Beth Solomon and dedicated advocate for Jewish communities.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Congregation Beth Solomon as a token of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
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