A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING RABBI LEONARD A. HELMAN FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE SANTA FE COMMUNITY, THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE AND THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, Rabbi Leonard A. Helman was ordained as a rabbi in 1955 from the Hebrew Union college in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Beit Tikva in Santa Fe since its formation in 1995; and

     WHEREAS, Rabbi Helman has been a cherished member of the Santa Fe community for over thirty years and is known for joking around with local residents, answering their legal questions and playing in local bridge tournaments; and

     WHEREAS, Rabbi Helman is an attorney, tap dancer, teacher and champion bridge player who has dedicated his life to entertaining, assisting and comforting people of all cultures; and

     WHEREAS, he has officiated for important occasions in the lives of the members of his community, including bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, funerals and memorial services; and

     WHEREAS, since 1975, he has delivered several prayers and invocations for the legislature while serving as chaplain; and

     WHEREAS, Rabbi Helman was designated in 2004 as one of Santa Fe's living treasures for his participation in the life, heart and spirit of the community; and

     WHEREAS, he is a poised cleric who inspires legislators, staff and citizens with his uplifting sermons, pearls of wisdom and understated dignity;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that recognition be extended to Rabbi Leonard A. Helman for his dedicated service to the Santa Fe community, the New Mexico legislature and the state of New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Rabbi Leonard A. Helman.