The Installation of Rabbi Michael Pont as the New Leader of the Temple Beth Ahm in Aberdeen, NJ

THE INSTALLATION OF RABBI MICHEAL PONT AS THE NEW LEADER OF THE TEMPLE BETH AHM IN ABERDEEN, NJ -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 04, 2004)

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to welcome the installation of Rabbi Michael Pont as the new leader of the Temple Beth Ahm in Aberdeen, New Jersey. Rabbi Pont has served his previous community with a great deal of capability and we are delighted to have him join our district.

Prior to joining the Aberdeen community, Rabbi Pont served on the Greensboro Jewish Federation Board of Trustees, Blumenthal Jewish Home Board, and Family Life Council Board. Rabbi Pont was also a participant of the March of the Living Seminar to Poland and Israel, Greensboro Jewish Federation Mission to Moldova, Greensboro Jewish Federation young Leadership Program.

Rabbi Pont served as the Assistant Rabbi at the Beth David Synagogue in Greensboro, NC. Among his many accomplishments, Rabbi Pont directed the religious school, oversaw programming for families and youth, led worship, and served as pastor.

Rabbi Pont has taught several educational courses to youth, young adults, and adults including classes on Jewish holidays, Jewish values, Shabbat, and kashrut. While in Greensboro, Rabbi Pont initiated educational and cultural programs for families of the entire Jewish community, and also initiated a community service project in which Jewish Family Services would assist new immigrants.

Rabbi Pont studied at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, CA and the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem, Israel for his Rabbinical Ordination. He received his Masters Degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, and his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Rabbi Pont is currently a member of the Rabbinical Assembly and MERCAZ USA.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud and honored to welcome a man of Rabbi Michael Pont's experience and dedication to our community. Once again, I ask that you join me in congratulating Rabbi Michael Pont, and extend him good wishes and the best of luck in his new position.