In a week marked by tragedy and hate, the congregation of Temple Sinai in Cranston found plenty of reasons to celebrate and be joyful as they honored their 60th anniversary on Saturday, November 3 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.

Planning for the past nine months the committee chaired by Norman Goodman included Irene Fordon Abbott, Helene Chase, Joel Chase, Karen Deluty, Sherry Feldman, Judith Goodman, Stanley Horovitz, Maureen Krasnow, Sandy Maldavir, Susan Oclassen, Dottie Swajian, Susan Vederman and Ellie Wasser.

With 200 people in attendance, they acknowledged the founding members, six of them were in attendance and the members who had 50 plus years.

With their rich history, comes the clergy who helped shape the congregation. Joining current Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser and cantor Deborah Johnson were former rabbis George Astrachan who came from Pennsylvania, Peter Stein who traveled from Rochester, N.Y. along with former cantor Remmie Brown who came back from Florida.

Each attendee received a commemorative glass in honor of the 60th and a booklet.

"Everyone was pleased and happy with the event. It was a very special and fun evening. People danced to the music of Night Life Orchestra. There was such a feeling of community; renewed friendships, positive memories, and going from strength to strength," said spokesperson Karen Deluty.