HR0425 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0425 LRB104 14412 ECR 27549 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Rabbi Ellen Dreyfus on the occasion of her retirement; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Dreyfus has dedicated more than four decades of her life to spiritual leadership, community service, and trailblazing advocacy, culminating in 42 years of service in Park Forest and Homewood; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Dreyfus became one of the first 20 women in the world, and the first in Illinois, to be ordained as a rabbi in 1979, breaking historic barriers and opening doors for future generations of women in religious leadership; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Dreyfus first served congregations in Michigan and Kankakee, Illinois before joining Congregation Beth Sholom in Park Forest in 1987, later leading its mergers with B'nai Yehuda and Am Echad to form Shir Tikvah, where she continued to serve with warmth, wisdom, and grace; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Dreyfus' career has included service as a hospital chaplain, congregational leader, and community advocate, all while taking on the responsibilities of a working mother who balanced professional leadership with devoted family care; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Dreyfus, a native of Chicago's South Side, has been a steadfast advocate for inclusion, equity, and family, often drawing inspiration from her own role models and never shying away from naming the challenges of gender discrimination she faced and overcame with courage and clarity; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Dreyfus' legacy includes not only her leadership within the synagogue but also her advocacy for justice, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement across the South Suburbs and the greater Chicagoland area; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Dreyfus's trailblazing leadership, tireless service, and, most importantly, her extraordinary impact on her congregation and community will continue to have a positive impact on all the lives she has touched; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Rabbi Ellen Dreyfus on her retirement, thank her for her dedicated service to her congregation and community, and wish her the best at the close of her distinguished career; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Rabbi Dreyfus as a symbol of our esteem and respect.