[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 82 (Thursday, May 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO RABBI JONATHAN JAFFE BERNHARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2007

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good 
friend Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe Bernhard in recognition of his installation 
as Senior Rabbi of Adat Ari El. As a long-time member of the synagogue, 
I know firsthand of his excellent work and outstanding accomplishments, 
and have been the beneficiary of his ability to offer solace and 
comfort at difficult times.
  Jonathan Bernhard was born in Great Neck, Long Island, NY. From age 
seven to fourteen, he lived with his parents in London and then they 
returned to make their home in Manhattan. His interest in Judaism was 
sparked by reading Elie Wiesel's book, ``Night.'' While attending 
Haverford College, he majored in religious studies and he also worked 
on a Kibbutz. After receiving his BA in 1988, he traveled to Los 
Angeles to attend Brandeis-Bardein Summer Institute and then continued 
extensive studies at Yeshiva (Yeshivat Hamivtar) in Efrat on the West 
Bank.
  Jonathan's experiences in Israel inspired him to become an observant 
Jew. He wanted to become a professor of religion when he moved back to 
the United States. While living in Boston, he rekindled his friendship 
with Laurie Jaffe who encouraged him to pursue the rabbinate. They met 
at Brandeis-Bardein Institute in California in 1988.
  Upon completing his studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Rabbi 
Bernhard was ordained in 1996 and took a position at Adat Ari El. Adat 
Ari El is in the heart of my congressional district and was the first 
conservative synagogue in the San Fernando Valley. Rabbi Bernhard is at 
the spiritual center of the Congregation and deserves commendation for 
his dedication to Jewish principles, education and culture. He 
continues to create and maintain a wonderful sense of Jewish community 
by helping provide an Early Childhood Center, Day School, Religious 
Schools, Adult Education and Sisterhood programs as well as Holiday 
services, daily Minyan services and the life cycle services (weddings, 
funerals, baby namings, bar/bat mitzvahs, unveilings.)
  Jonathan and Laurie married in 1992 and they are proud parents of 
three sons, Nathaniel, Micah and Elijah.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting and honoring Rabbi 
Bernhard for his invaluable role at Adat Ari El and within the Jewish 
community, and wishing him our fervent hope for continued success.

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