Rabbi Milton Balkany
Bais Yaakov
Brooklyn, NY
Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Sue Kelly, (R-NY)
Date of Prayer: 06/26/2003
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Milton Balkany , Dean of Bais Yaakov in Brooklyn, New York, is an acquaintance of mine. He has been an active participant and leader in the Jewish community in New York City for many, many years. Rabbi Balkany has worked hard to bring the community together in order to continue traditional religious and cultural values. Not only does he help younger generations understand the intrinsic and extraordinary Jewish culture to which they belong, but he also welcomes others of all religions to engage in prayer, meditation and community.
I applaud you, Rabbi, on this special occasion and welcome you as the guest chaplain of the House of Representatives.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our Father in Heaven!
The majestic sequoias tower over the Alpine expanses, and yet they continue to stretch upward toward the sun. The mighty Colorado River carved the awesome grandeur of the Grand Canyon eons ago, yet it continues to surge ever onward. The thrashing tide of the Atlantic has brought innumerable ships to port, and yet the waves ebb and flow without cease. I stand here today among the jewels of our nation, among men and women who are so precious, who radiate such brilliance, that they have been selected as leaders of our land. And I pray to You, Oh Lord, that they too remain unsatisfied with yesterday. Let them grow with insight and turn the tide for our land, for we need them, their wisdom, devotion, and energy, now, more than ever. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory