Rabbi Stuart L. Berman
New York City Police Department
New York City, NY
Sponsor: Rep. Joseph Crowley, (D-NY)
Date of Prayer: 07/17/2008
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without
objection, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. CROWLEY) is recognized for 1
minute.)
There was no objection.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed
a pleasure and an honor for me
today to welcome our guest chaplain,
Rabbi Stuart Berman, and to thank
him for such a wonderful prayer this
morning.
New York, and my community in
particular, have been fortunate to have
had someone so dedicated presiding in
our area. Most recently, Rabbi Berman
served at the Woodside Jewish Center.
However, he has had a very accomplished
and profound career throughout
his lifetime.
The rabbi nobly served on the Presidential
Inaugural Committee, the Presidential
Transition Committee, the
White House Conference on Children
and Youth Drug Abuse Panel, as well
as the White House Conference on
Aging.
In 1985, Rabbi Berman made history
in the State of Florida and became the
first rabbi to ever be appointed a prison
chaplain.
In New York, he again placed the
community first and was appointed police–
clergy liaison, City of New York
Police Department, and Sanitation Department
Chaplain. He is also a prolific
author of numerous publications and
articles, and he previously hosted a
weekly television talk show on FAN – TV.
I would also point out that Rabbi
Berman offered a prayer at the dedication
of the post office renaming for my
predecessor and his friend, our mutual
friend, Congressman Tom Manton,
when it was being named in his honor.
Rabbi Berman is joined today by his
son, Nathaniel, and his sister, Zell. Audrey,
his wife, who is an early childhood
specialist with the New York City
Board of Education, unfortunately
could not be here with us and with him
today. But we all know that she is
very, very proud of her rabbi.
Thank you, Rabbi, for being here.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty God, Guardian of the people of Thy covenant,
Help us to reflect clearly and to strive conscientiously
in the performance of our responsibilities.
Let us be permeated by the time–tested ideals of our society,
and may our efforts be blessed
with enduring accomplishments of the 110th Congress.
Let us direct our efforts toward the eradication
of hatred, prejudice, and blindness of mind.
Grant us breadth of vision to build bridges of understanding
between all the citizens in our community
and may we never forget the common bond of kinship
that unites all who were created in thine image.
Grant us strength of body and health of mind.
Enable us to face the challenges of life with faith and courage.
Teach us, O Lord, the power of love not the love of power.
In moments of doubt, strengthen us in our conviction.
In hours of gloom, illume our paths.
In adversity and frustration, gird us with patience.
Above all, imbue us with the wisdom to count our blessings.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory