Rabbi Dr Bernhard Rosenberg of Congregation Beth El in Edison, NJ, Senate, June 11, 2003

"When Rabbis Bless Congress: The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill" ... buy the new book here:

full video of Sen. Jon Corzine sponsoring remarks here

Rabbi Dr Bernhard Rosenberg of Congregation Beth El in Edison, NJ, Senate, June 11, 2003, prayer

Rabbi Transcript: Eternal God, grant us the ability to face this new day with faith and optimism. Empower the men and women of this respected Senate with strength to live and labor with sincerity of purpose. Enable them to be of good courage in moments of adversity and endow them with fortitude to fulfill their daily tasks. Bless our revered Senators with vigor of body and health of mind. Bless them with the power to face the challenge of leadership with valor. Bless our country, the United States of America, and shield its inhabitants from every enemy and danger. Help our Senators guard the liberties we hold sacred. Grant that our country will serve as an inspiring light for liberty loving people throughout the world. Inspire our Senators to help create a world of freedom, equality, and justice for all. Lord, teach us to walk along the path of life with faith in Thee and trust in Thy wisdom. In the words of the poet, grant me "The courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept those that I cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference." [[Reinhold Niebuhr]] Amen.

Sen. Corzine Transcript:

Mr. President, I rise now to thank Rabbi Bernhard Rosenberg for his stirring innovation this morning. This is only the latest honor to be conferred on Rabbi Rosenberg for his lifetime of distinguished service. He is a pillar in New Jersey's vibrant religious community, serving as a spiritual leader and educator, and his accomplishments speak for themselves. If I might be personal, Rabbi Rosenberg is a terrific human being, whom I know personally. I am very pleased he joined us. As the son of Holocaust survivors, Rabbi Rosenberg has taught numerous youngsters the importance of reflecting on that awful period in world history, a period which led to the deaths of more than six million Jews, as well as countless others. He has written many books on that subject, including ``Contemplating the Holocaust'' and ``What the Holocaust Means to Me: Teenagers Speak Out.'' Rabbi Rosenberg has served New Jersey in many capacities, including as a member of the New Jersey State Holocaust Commission, an appointee to the New Jersey Parole Board, and as the chairman of the Edison Human Rights Commission. For his years of commitment to the Jewish community and his humanitarian spirit, he has received a number of awards, including the Rabbi Israel Moshowitz Award by the New York Board of Rabbis, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, and the Chaplain of the Year Award for his work relating to the September 11 attacks. I take this opportunity to thank Rabbi Rosenberg for his years of service to the State of New Jersey, to the Jewish Community, and to the Nation. He has earned the profound respect of the people of New Jersey and this Senator.