E1052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 8, 2006 Congregation Kodimoh in Springfield, Mas- and community activities. Not only did Bella TRIBUTE TO BUDDY CANNON sachusetts, is proud of its history as a promi- support her husband’s endeavors, in her own nent Orthodox synagogue, which has made right she contributed in significant ways to the HON. JIM COOPER important contributions to the strength and vi- educational and social programming of the OF TENNESSEE tality of the Jewish and general communities. synagogue. For all of their accomplishments, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Kodimoh honors Rabbi Alex and Dr. Bella Kodimoh’s story reflects the common immi- Wednesday, June 7, 2006 grant’s success story and parallels the growth Weisfogel at a dinner celebrating the 90th an- of the city of Springfield. niversary on June 11, 2006. Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Kodimoh which means ‘‘forward’’ or f recognize the outstanding achievements of ‘‘progress’’ in Hebrew was founded in 1916 by one of Nashville’s most respected music pro- a segment of the Jewish community with a TRIBUTE TO JUDGE LEONARD fessionals, Buddy Cannon. Just two nights spirit of optimism caught up in the success of PERRY EDWARDS II ago, Buddy was named by his peers as the the first generation of Jewish immigrants and Producer of the Year at the Academy of Coun- the boom of Springfield as an important eco- HON. ANNA G. ESHOO try Music Awards in Las Vegas. nomic urban center. The name further sug- OF CALIFORNIA Buddy has worked with a long-list of chart- gests the desire of the founding members for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES topping recording artists during his years in the congregation to fit in to the American way Wednesday, June 7, 2006 Nashville. Kenny Chesney, Chely Wright, Reba McEntire, John Michael Montgomery, of life. The Jewish community formed in Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I join my col- Sara Evans and George Jones have all bene- Springfield primarily in the North End section leagues Mr. HONDA and Mr. FARR today to of the city in the mass immigration from East- honor a distinguished American, Judge Leon- fited from his work as a producer. In addition, ern Europe in the last decades of the 19th ard Perry Edwards II, who is retiring after he helped launch the careers of stars such as century and early 20th century. When the first nearly 25 years as a Judge of the Santa Clara Shania Twain, Sammy Kershaw and Billy Ray generation of Jewish immigrants prospered County, California, Superior Court, and who Cyrus while a recording company executive. and achieved economic success, a segment served as Supervising Judge of the Juvenile While his award this week honors him for his desired to provide for itself a better standard Dependency Court from 1993 to 2005. work as a producer, he is also well known and of living. Judge Edwards’ excellence in public service celebrated as a songwriter with songs re- The move to the beautiful new neighbor- mirrors that of his father, Congressman Don corded by artists from Mel Tillis to Alabama, hood of Forest Park began, and a synagogue Edwards. He was born in Michigan, earned his George Strait and Vern Gosdin. was needed. The first meeting of Kodimoh B.A. from Wesleyan University and his J.D. According to those who have worked with took place in the home of Moses Ehrlich, the from the University of Chicago. Before becom- Buddy, his gifts extend beyond the world of first president of the congregation. Kodimoh ing a Judge he registered black voters in Mis- music. Buddy is known throughout the music was founded to maintain Orthodox standards sissippi during the Civil Rights movement, community for his generous spirit and his will- and practices in modern America. English served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia, taught ingness to spend time with young artists who rather than Yiddish would be the language of law in Norway, served as a Public Defender are still in search of their own sound. Kenny sermons, while the synagogue and its mem- and practiced law. In 1981, he was appointed Chesney, honored by the ACM as Entertainer bers would participate in civic affairs. Tradition Superior Court Judge of the Santa Clara of the Year, said recently that ‘‘Back before I would feel at home in a new world. County Court by Governor Jerry Brown. even had a record deal, Buddy was writing The first building was completed in 1923 on Judge Edwards founded Child Advocates of songs with me at Acuff-Rose and he gave me Oakland St. and an adjacent school building Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Kids in a lot of respect as someone trying to find their was built in 1937. Through the ’50s, as more Common, Juvenile Court Judges of California, way, and he taught me a lot about respecting Jews moved to the Park, Kodimoh took its Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Coun- songs—even before he was part of my team.’’ place as a prominent institution in the Jewish cil, the Greenbook Project and the Forensic Buddy Cannon’s passion for music and re- community and in the city. The congregation Human Services Certificate Program. He has spect for musicians is well known in Nashville maintained traditional Jewish practice and ef- held office in more than 25 professional orga- and the music world. I join with so many oth- fectively educated the new generation. The nizations, and most recently served as Presi- ers in congratulating Buddy on his latest membership required more space for the bur- dent of the National Council of Juvenile and achievement—being named Producer of the geoning program of services and activities, Family Court Judges. He has received more Year. But I also join with so many others in and the current modern facility was built in than 40 national, state and local awards for thanking Buddy for his many important con- 1963, a short distance away on Sumner Ave. his excellence and service, including the Wil- tributions to the global music community and While a large segment of the Jewish commu- liam H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excel- to my hometown of Nashville. nity and several synagogues moved to Long- lence, given by the National Center for State f meadow, an adjacent suburb, the leadership Courts. He has published more than 40 arti- PERSONAL EXPLANATION of Kodimoh decided to keep the synagogue in cles and written two books, one with his wife, Forest Park. Inger J. Sagatun-Edwards. Judge Edwards The new building witnessed extensive has lectured in 43 states and eight foreign HON. CANDICE S. MILLER growth through the ’70s as Kodimoh continued countries. His next career will be as a consult- OF MICHIGAN to follow its mission of maintaining Orthodox ant for California’s judicial system which will IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Judaism, involvement in the broader Jewish enable him to teach his innovative methods to Wednesday, June 7, 2006 community, and local affairs. As the economic judges around the State. Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, had opportunities in Springfield declined, the syna- Judge Edwards has earned the esteem of I been present for votes on June 6, 2006, I gogue also saw many young people seek jobs his colleagues and the admiration of the fami- would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on roll call votes num- elsewhere. However, Kodimoh remains a vi- lies to whom he has devoted his career. Be- bered 223, 224, 225, and 226. brant and important religious center which cause of his tenacity, his creativity, his com- makes a vital contribution to the community. passion and his belief in others, thousands of f We have faith that Springfield will continue to families are now rehabilitated and functioning TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JAMIE L. strengthen itself and the synagogue will ben- well. ADAMS, USAF efit. It is a special privilege for us to honor Judge Many important rabbis have served the con- Leonard Edwards and his extraordinary ca- HON. BOB INGLIS gregation. Rabbi Isaac Klein continued his reer, and we are proud to call him our friend. OF SOUTH CAROLINA prominent career in Buffalo, while Rabbi Nor- Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES man Lamm became the President of Yeshiva in honoring this great American who exempli- University. Rabbi Alex Weisfogel from 1959– fies the best in citizenship and whose career Wednesday, June 7, 2006 1982 led the synagogue during the construc- in jurisprudence sets the gold standard for our Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tion of the Sumner Avenue building and country. As Judge Leonard Edwards retires, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Jamie L. oversaw the congregation’s growth. As Rabbi he has the gratitude and respect of the entire Adams on the occasion of his retirement from Emeritus, he has remained in the community House of Representatives. He has made our the United States Air Force after more than 30 with his wife, Dr. Bella Weisfogel. Together community and our country stronger and bet- years of distinguished service to the Depart- they continue their involvement in synagogue ter through his leadership and public service. ment of Defense and his country.

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