Bill Text: NY J00862 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Congratulating Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen upon the occasion of his retirement after 38 years of distinguished service to the Congregation Beth Emeth
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-05-02 - ADOPTED [J00862 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J00862-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 862
BY: Senator BRESLIN
CONGRATULATING Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen upon the
occasion of his retirement after 38 years of
distinguished service to the Congregation Beth Emeth
WHEREAS, It is with great admiration and deepest respect that this
Legislative Body is moved to pay tribute to an eminent gentleman of
indomitable spirit and dedication, whose purposeful life and
accomplishments will forever stand as an inspiration to others; and
WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Rabbi
Scott L. Shpeen upon the occasion of his retirement after 38 years of
distinguished service as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Emeth; and
WHEREAS, Since 1985, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen has served the
Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, New York; during that time he has
forged enduring connections and relationships with congregants, the
Jewish community, and the broader Capital District community; and
WHEREAS, Committed to Judaism from a young age, Rabbi Scott L.
Shpeen spent many summers at Jewish summer camps with teachings from the
Reform Movement and participated in the Eisendrath International
Exchange Program, where the Rabbi was able to spend a semester at the
Leo Baeck High School in Haifa, Israel; and
WHEREAS, Following his high school studies, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen
was awarded a Certificate in Jewish Education from Gratz College in
Philadelphia, New York, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Judaic Studies from
the University of Michigan in 1979, and a Masters of Arts Degree in
Hebrew Letters in 1983 from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of
Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen was ordained in 1984 by the Hebrew
Union College; one year later, he joined Congregation Beth Emeth as
Assistant Rabbi and became the Senior Rabbi in 1992; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen completed the St. Peter's
Hospital Program in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in Albany NY; in
May of 2009, in recognition of the Rabbi's 25th anniversary of rabbinic
ordination, Rabbi Scott L. Spheen was awarded an honorary Doctor of
Divinity degree from HUC-JIR; and
WHEREAS, As a compassionate leader, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen has made
life cycle events a cornerstone of the congregational experience,
allowing members to share their joys together and comfort each other in
sorrow; and
WHEREAS, Working collaboratively with clergy, lay leaders, and
professional staff, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen guided Congregation Beth Emeth
through the COVID-19 pandemic by making services and educational
opportunities available on the internet to those unable to attend in
person due to social distancing; this effort enabled the Congregation to
maintain strong connections during this difficult time; and
WHEREAS, The Religious School, Torah Study and life-long learning at
Congregation Beth Emeth have all been enhanced under Rabbi Scott L.
Shpeen's devoted leadership; he has strengthened connections to members
in Florida, led 10 congregational trips to Israel, Eastern Europe, and
Spain, beautified the building of the Congregation and strengthened the
connection to history by bringing a Holocaust Torah Scroll for members;
and
WHEREAS, Amply demonstrating his commitment to the broader Jewish
community, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen has served in many positions of
leadership including as a member of the board of the Sidney Albert
Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services, the Daughters of Sarah
Nursing Center, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Park
Playhouse, The Martin Luther & Coretta Scott King Lecture at Siena
College, the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, Jewish Family
Services of Northeastern New York, the Sidney and Beatrice Albert
Lecture Board of the College of Saint Rose and the Admissions Committee
of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), and for many years,
was Jewish Chaplain at the Parsons School in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen served as President of the Capital
District Board of Rabbis and Cantors for two terms in both 1990 and
2008; he is also the past President of the Rabbinic Alumni Association
of HUC-JIR, of B'nai B'rith Gideon Lodge No. 140, and the Buckingham
Mews Homeowners Association; and
WHEREAS, With his unwavering dedication to his community, Rabbi
Scott L. Shpeen served on the Albany County Ethics Commission and on
the Human Rights Commission for the City of Albany; he offered the
invocations at both the 2016 meeting of the New York State Electoral
College and the 2017 State of the State; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen has participated in
numerous cultural and civic venues, including, the Albany Symphony,
Capital Reparatory Theatre and Park Playhouse; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen's tireless work on interfaith
programs for the Capital Region was recognized with the 2016 Rev. Dr.
Carlyle Adams Ecumenical/Interfaith Award by the Capital Area Council of
Churches; and
WHEREAS, Supporting his successful endeavors throughout the years,
have been his wife Susan Balan of 31 years, who was the Executive
Director of the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, their
children Hilary and Adam, and five grandchildren, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen's life and rejoice in
his achievements; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen has brought to his ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and Rabbi Scott L.
Shpeen is truly an eminent gentlemen of indomitable spirit and
dedication; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen upon the occasion of his retirement,
and to note the significance of his unremitted dedication and sagacious
leadership on behalf of Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, New York
after 38 years of distinguished service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen.
