Rabbi Claudio Kogan
Temple Emanuel
McAllen, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, (D-TX)
Date of Prayer: 06/10/2015
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rabbi Claudio Kogan from Temple Emanuel in McAllen, Texas, for his service today as guest chaplain.
A native of Argentina, Rabbi Kogan and his wife, Anna, immigrated to the United States where he continued his studies, receiving several master's degrees.
Rabbi Kogan has served congregations all over the United States. He has worked to develop a strong interfaith connection with his Christian and Muslim counterparts. He has received numerous awards for his essays on religion and ethics.
In addition to his rabbinical duties, Rabbi Kogan is also a medical doctor. He has been a high school teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has combined his religious and medical training by serving as a hospital chaplain at a variety of institutions.
Rabbi Kogan is joined here today by his lovely wife, Anna, and his two beautiful children, Milena and Ezekiel.
I want to thank him for his prayer and for his service to my community.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our God and God of our ancestors, God of compassion, God of justice, and God of peace.
In this great Hall where dreams come true, we ask Your blessings upon these great men and women, the Representatives of the people. They have devoted their lives to our welfare. Give them wisdom and courage. Inspire them with the teachings of our prophets, as they answer Isaiah's call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, Jeremiah's request to protect the orphan and the widow, and Ezekiel's plea to lift up those who cannot stand on their own in this land and all lands.
As an immigrant who came to this country 16 years ago and became an American citizen just 2 years ago, I join this House in a prayer of profound gratitude and deep appreciation for the blessings we, the people of the United States of America, are privileged to enjoy. I ask You, God, to let the lights of truth and harmony shine from this Chamber as beacons for the betterment of all Americans.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory