Rabbi Mark Miller of Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach, CA, Senate guest chaplain, October 25, 2001

"When Rabbis Bless Congress: The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill"

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The universal genius, Isaac Newton, referring to his predecessors said, ``If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." The 100 who grace this Chamber today stand on the shoulders of those many Senators whose vision elevated our national life and whose courage enriched humankind. We hear the frozen echoes of their lofty debates. We see them arising to confront the issues of their day. We note them chasing not the ``bubble popularity'' but seeking the shield of God's favor. During their tenure, many a Senator answered the roll call of glory. What an example they set! They were faithful in fearful times, commanding in common times, staunch in shaken times, persevering in perilous times, true in trying times. We remember their statesmanship and stewardship with ongoing indebtedness. How we need a measure of their stoutness of spirit. How we need the inspiration of their steadying hand on the tiller as we awaken to war's alarms and deadly pestilence. Soon we ourselves will become the ones who have gone before. May the generations to come stand upon our shoulders. May our careers be of such significance that those who succeed us throughout this century see even further into the future. By our governance, may that future exalt God's blessings for all Americans; by our goodness, may that future extol God's design for this land of freedom; by our greatness, may that future enlarge God's plan for the safety and security of His world. Amen.