Rabbi Levi Slonim
Chabad of Binghamton
Vestal, NY
Sponsor: Rep. Marc Molinaro, (R-NY)
Date of Prayer: 07/25/2024
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a high honor to have Rabbi Levi Slonim as our guest chaplain today.
Rabbi Slonim codirects Chabad Downtown in Binghamton, New York, alongside his wife, Hadasa, and is also the director of development at the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University.
His faith journey began as a child in Binghamton when his parents, guided by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, established a Chabad presence there in 1985. What started in a modest one–bedroom apartment has grown into a thriving hub that welcomes over 1,500 students each semester.
Rabbi Slonim's work has also taken him across the globe, providing programming in the United States and communities across Europe.
Since returning to Binghamton in 2008, he has initiated impactful programs like the Binghamton JGC, the Listen Up mental health fellowship, and has led over 800 students on birthright trips to Israel.
We welcome Rabbi Levi Slonim and thank him for being here today. We thank him for his leadership. We thank him for his strong faith, and we thank him for being a light in a sometimes dark world. His dedication to faith, education, and community service is an inspiration to us all. We thank him for joining us this morning.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Master of the universe, in beseeching You for blessings, we act in kindness and charity. Bless these distinguished Members of Congress, chosen by so many, who fulfill one of the seven Noah high commandments
You gave unto humanity; namely, to govern by just laws.
In these unprecedented and challenging times for our Nation, we recall the timeless words of my revered leader, global spiritual leader and teacher, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, whose passing 30 years ago we commemorated earlier this month.
He taught: Difference need not lead to division. On the contrary, true unity comes from a synthesis of different, even opposite, thrusts. Differences between people are overshadowed by what is common to all of
us. We are God's creations.
Merciful Father, today we pray for a swift and safe return of the hostages being held in Gaza and an end to all conflict in Israel and throughout the world.
Almighty God, please bless the Congress so that they foster an environment of love and acceptance, a deeper appreciation that within each individual lies untapped potential.
In the words of Maimonides, each person must see themselves as though the entire world were held in balance and with a single deed they can tip the scales, ushering in the era of redemption as proclaimed by Isaiah when nation shall not lift a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory