81R14022 MMS-D
By: Cohen H.R. No. 1033
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas Historical Commission has recognized the
Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery in Houston as a Historic Texas
Cemetery, and the membership is celebrating this honor with the
dedication of a historical marker on April 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The cemetery was established in 1844, and a decade
later, 22 local citizens founded Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel,
the first Jewish congregation in Texas; the Jewish population of
Houston grew dramatically, along with the city, in the 20th
century, and in order to meet the needs of its burgeoning
membership, Beth Israel constructed new synagogues in 1908, 1925,
and 1967; the latter facility, renovated and expanded in the early
21st century, continues to serve the congregation today; and
WHEREAS, Beth Israel marked a special milestone in 2004 with
the celebration of its sesquicentennial; the synagogue currently
serves more than 1,700 families and is led by Senior Rabbi David
Lyon; and
WHEREAS, The Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery is the resting
place for individuals who shaped the city in ways both great and
small, and the volunteers who have researched and documented this
burial ground and those who have supported them in that effort have
performed a truly valuable service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of a Historic Texas
Cemetery marker at the Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery and extend
to all those involved with this project sincere appreciation for
their commitment to preserving the heritage of the Lone Star State;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Congregation Beth Israel as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.