Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Jacob Handler on 26 June 1968

Contributor(s):

Jacob Handler, the Congressional Record of the United States of America and Aharon N. Varady (transcription)

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16 June 2024 under the Creative Commons Zero (CC 0) Universal license a Public Domain dedication

Categories:

🇺🇸 United States of America, Opening Prayers for Legislative Bodies

Tags:

90th Congress, 20th century C.E., 58th century A.M., English vernacular prayer, U.S. House of Representatives, Joint warfare in South Vietnam, Prayers of Guest Chaplains, תחינות teḥinot

Guest Chaplain: Rabbi Jacob Handler, Temple Beth-Israel, Providence, Rhode Island
Sponsor: n/a
Date of Prayer: 26 June 1968

Mr. TIERNAN. Mr. Speaker, it was my honor and privilege today to have in the Chamber to offer the prayer, Rev. Jacob Handler, rabbi of Temple Beth-Israel, Providence, Rhode Island
The congregation of Temple Beth-Israel, and indeed the entire community, are proud of the tireless efforts, warmth, and determination of Rabbi Handler.
He has activated his congregation, expanded his facilities, and has engaged his people in the community to a greater extent than ever before.
Recently his temple suffered a disastrous fire, but the rabbi and his members are men of great courage, and together they will rebuild.
I am proud that he could join us today.

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
	Almighty God and Ruler of the Universe. Thou art revealed not only in the beauties of nature and in the goodness of man, but in the righteousness of nations. Help us to keep our Nation righteous and just.
	Bless Thou the constituted officers of our Government. Strengthen in particular the Representatives of the House. Set in their hearts the spirit of wisdom and understanding to uphold peace and freedom.
	Vouchsafe Thy blessings upon our men and women serving in the Armed Forces in Vietnam under the banner of our beloved country. Watch over them in their hours of danger.
	Teach us, O God, to ever appreciate our priceless heritage and to guard and preserve it amid all trials of difficulties.
	Grant that America remain always a land of freedom, so that each one, regardless of race and religion, may have equal opportunity to live a full and completely happy life.
	Guide us that we may respect the laws of our country and the rights of our fellow men.
	Strengthen the bonds of friendship among all the people, that we may work together to end ignorance, prejudice, to eradicate poverty, to improve health, to advance learning, and to promote the well-being of all our citizens.
	May our country unite with all freedom-loving nations to establish peace and justice for all. Amen.

This prayer of the guest chaplain was offered in the sixth month of the second session of the 90th US House of Representatives, and published in the Congressional Record, vol. 114 part 14 (26 June 1968), page 18875.

Source(s)

Congressional Record, vol. 114, part 14 (26 June 1968), p. 18875

Jacob Handler

Rabbi Jacob Handler (1914-2007) was ordained a rabbi at Yeshiva University and began serving as a rabbi since 1941. After serving Temple Israel in Manchester, New Hampshire he came to Temple Beth Israel (Providence, Rhode Island) beginning in 1964, and later to Temple Beth Sholom. Rabbi Handler served as Jewish chaplain for the Rhode Island State Institutions and on four occasions, as chaplain for the National Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of America, who honored him with their St. George award. He was also involved with the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Rabbi Handler's educational background included a bachelors degree from Vermont Teachers College, a Master of Arts in Government degree from the University of New Hampshire, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Burton College. He taught Political Science at the Rhode Island Junior College (later the Community College of Rhode Island).

the Congressional Record of the United States of America

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress, published by the United States Government Printing Office and issued when Congress is in session. Indexes are issued approximately every two weeks. At the end of a session of Congress, the daily editions are compiled in bound volumes constituting the permanent edition. Statutory authorization for the Congressional Record is found in Chapter 9 of Title 44 of the United States Code. (wikipedia)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription)

Aharon Varady (M.A.J.Ed./JTSA Davidson) is a volunteer transcriber for the Open Siddur Project. If you find any mistakes in his transcriptions, please let him know. Shgiyot mi yavin; Ministarot naqeni שְׁגִיאוֹת מִי־יָבִין; מִנִּסְתָּרוֹת נַקֵּנִי "Who can know all one's flaws? From hidden errors, correct me" (Psalms 19:13). If you'd like to directly support his work, please consider donating via his Patreon account. (Varady also translates prayers and contributes his own original work besides serving as the primary shammes of the Open Siddur Project and its website, opensiddur.org.)

Stable Link: https://opensiddur.org/?p=56859

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ויהי נעם אדני אלהינו עלינו ומעשה ידינו כוננה עלינו ומעשה ידינו כוננהו׃ (תהלים צ:יז) · "May the pleasantness of אדֹני our elo’ah be upon us; may our handiwork be established for us — our handiwork, may it be established." (Psalms 90:17)

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Jacob Handler on 26 June 1968

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