Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
Congregation B'nai Israel
Toms River, NJ
Sponsor: Rep. Jim Saxton, (R-NJ)
Date of Prayer: 07/12/2007
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. SAXTON. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to acknowledge the occasion of Rabbi Ellen Wolintz–Fields serving as today's guest chaplain. After that opening prayer, I might say that it is easy to see why our community is so graciously and well served by the rabbi. Her 3–year–old daughter, Cameron Elizabeth, is also with us here today, and we want to welcome her here as well.
The opportunity for having visiting chaplain guests is very special as it allows religious leaders from different faiths to begin our day of legislative duty.
On August 1, Rabbi Wolintz–Fields will celebrate her first anniversary as rabbi of Congregation B'Nai Israel in Toms River, New Jersey. Since 1950, this synagogue has served as a place of worship and guidance for teachings of Conservative Judaism while offering multiple support and volunteer services for our community. Today, the rabbi has over 400 families in her congregation.
Throughout her time both studying and serving, the rabbi has received various awards and recognitions for her contributions to preserving the Jewish faith. She is a recipient of the Goldstein Prize for Jewish History and the Rosalyn Gooen Milians Education Award.
While she has numerous noteworthy achievements, the Rabbi is particularly proud of her family. She is married to Jonathan Fields and, in addition to Cameron Elizabeth, they have a 1 1/2 –year–old son, Coby Dov.
I appreciate the rabbi taking time from her busy schedule to visit Washington, DC in order to give the opening prayer in the people's House, and I am glad I had the occasion to assist her to do so.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Ruler of the Universe, bless our leaders, with an understanding and discerning mind, a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and insightful thoughts. We thank you O God for enabling us to live in a free country, and we remember those who do not yet live in freedom. We pray that the leaders of our country help those who suffer in the hands of others and come to the aid of those held in captivity. We thank you God for the confidence the constituents place in their elected leaders. This week in many communities, we conclude the reading of the Book of Numbers, the end of the desert journey of the Israelites. We learn from their example that life is a journey. Let us make each day meaningful, different than the one before, helping others, and moving towards a life of peace and freedom. We ask God’s blessings upon the men and women who serve in the House of Representatives:
May God bless you and guard you.
May God show you favor and be gracious to you.
May God show you kindness and grant you peace.
And let us all say Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory