Rabbi Akiva Males
Kesher Israel Congregation
Harrisburg, PA
Sponsor: Rep. Tim Holden, (D-PA)
Date of Prayer: 04/23/2008
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Rabbi Akiva Males for providing today's prayer and blessing for both the House and for our country.
Rabbi Males is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, which he left to pursue his ordainment by attending rabbinical schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jerusalem, Israel; and Queens, New York. He was eventually ordained as a rabbi by the Rabbinical Seminary of America in Queens, New York.
Rabbi Males is a member of the Rabbinical Council of America. He and his wife Lynn reside in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, located in my congressional district. He is now assisting Rabbi Dr. Chaim Schertz at Kesher Israel Congregation, a synagogue comprised of close to 200 members that has been an enhancing force in Harrisburg for over 100 years.
Rabbi Males is a pillar of faith, service, and commitment in the Harrisburg community, and I welcome him and his family to our Nation's Capital.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Merciful Father in heaven,
As a new day begins in this great chamber, we thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed upon us.
Please strengthen these representatives of the United States of America, to act with justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You.
Endow them with wisdom, understanding, and courage, as they address the diverse needs of the citizens of our great country.
Bless these representatives with the patience, and spirit of cooperation needed to solve the many challenges they face.
Grant to these hard–working men and women of the House of Representatives the wisdom and understanding needed to lead the United States of America with righteousness and integrity – so that our great country will continue to be a beacon of light and inspiration unto the world.
May this be Your will, and let us all say, Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory