The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Rabbi Frederick L. Klein

Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Miami, FL

Sponsor: Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 09/18/2007

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

(Ms. ROS–LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Ms. ROS–LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend my good friend, Rabbi Fred Klein, for his uplifting prayer that he delivered for us this morning, as well as for his tireless efforts to strengthen the Jewish community in my home district of South Florida.

Rabbi Klein serves as the Director of Community Chaplaincy at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and is the Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami. In these roles, Rabbi Klein offers counsel to the physically and mentally ill in their greatest times of need.

I have long been aware of Rabbi Klein's commitment and contributions academia, to the Jewish community, and the social welfare of all of South Florida. But his greatest achievement, Mr. Speaker, is his family, including his four children, Moshe who is 11, Shuli who is 9, Benny is 6 years old, and Aryeh almost 4.

The opening prayer that Rabbi Klein delivered today reflects his intellectual fiber, as well as his determination to improve our community and our country. I thank Rabbi Klein for his invocation, and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Oh God who knows the hidden chambers of the human heart.

Last week Jews worldwide prayed during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.

Just as Jews prayed for renewed clarity, purpose, and conviction, I ask you, all discerning God, to awaken within all our hearts the spirit of renewal

When our eyes have been dimmed; when our feet have led us down the wrong path; when our necks have been stiffened; when our ears are closed; Call to us oh Lord!

Open our eyes to see the suffering and needs of others. Lead our feet down the path of righteousness. Cause our necks to be flexible in order to change course when necessary. Unblock our ears to hear the perspectives and opinions of others. But most importantly, open our hearts, and remind us of our loftiest visions for ourselves, and for our great country.

May we be stirred by the words of the psalmist: "who may ascend the hill of the lord, and who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart...." May the hill that we stand on today be blessed with these great ideals, and may God bless the holy work you do.

Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory