[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO RABBI REUVEN BEN-YAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FLOYD D. SPENCE

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reuven Ben-Yair, 
who has the distinction of being the first native-born South Carolinian 
to be ordained as a rabbi. Reuven Ben-Yair is a descendent of 
immigrants who came to South Carolina in the late 1600's. His family 
has contributed much to the Palmetto State and he has followed their 
example by leading a life that is dedicated to serving his fellow man.
  Reuven Ben-Yair was born as Robert Tracy Schwartz in Kingstree, SC, 
in 1966. He has chosen to go by the name Reuven Ben-Yair, which is the 
Hebrew name that was given to him at birth. He was raised in Conway and 
graduated from high school there. In 1989, he received the Bachelor of 
Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, with a double major 
in religious studies and philosophy. He then entered a joint 
theological studies program conducted by Yeshivat Mercaz Ha-Rav 
Rabbinical Seminary and Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This summer, 
Reuven Ben-Yair was ordained as a rabbi.
  In addition to his studies, Rabbi Ben-Yair has served in the Israeli 
Army in an elite paratrooper reconnaissance unit, where he attained the 
rank of lieutenant. He has also devoted much time to working with 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, for the first time in the over 300-year history of our 
great State, a South Carolinian has been ordained as a rabbi. On behalf 
of those of all faiths in our State, I would like to congratulate Rabbi 
Reuven Ben-Yair and wish him much success.

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