[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO RABBI MARK STEPHEN MILLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2007

  Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Rabbi Mark Stephen 
Miller, in honor of his 60th birthday, which occurred on October 5, 
2007. For over 30 years, Rabbi Miller has served his Newport Beach 
congregation, Temple Bat Yahm, with distinction, setting a standard of 
excellence as a teacher, counselor, and spiritual leader.
  Rabbi Miller has worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and 
understanding, and he continues to be an exceptional role model for 
young people. I consider myself fortunate to have been the benefactor 
of Rabbi Miller's kind heart and understanding and my family remain 
proud members of his congregation. I am also thankful that Rabbi Miller 
was able to participate in my wedding ceremony.
  Rabbi Miller was ordained from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 
1974, and in 1999 he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree 
from Hebrew Union College. He joined Temple Bat Yahm in 1977 as its 
rabbi following a short time as assistant rabbi at Temple Sinai in 
Roslyn Heights, New York where he met his bride of 30 years, Wendy. 
Together they raised five wonderful children. During his tenure at 
Temple Bat Yahm the congregation has grown from one hundred plus 
families to approximately six hundred families, and its facility has 
moved from a one room portable classroom to a sprawling campus which 
includes a beautiful sanctuary, classrooms, social halls, an intimate 
chapel and a wonderful amphitheatre for outdoor services.
  Rabbi Miller is a renowned lecturer on business ethics, bioethics, 
tolerance and interfaith relations. He spent over 20 years as a guest 
lecturer at University of California, Irvine and now teaches regularly 
at Chapman University. His commanding presence on the pulpit and 
dramatic storytelling and lecturing style is well known and respected.
  Rabbi Miller has been recognized by the United States Congress 
before. He has given the invocation to both the House of 
Representatives and the Senate, where he once served as an aide to 
Senator Walter Mondale. An avid baseball fan and diehard Chicago Cubs 
fan, Rabbi Miller was similarly honored by also giving the invocation 
at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY for its annual 
induction ceremony. It is most fitting that he was born on the same day 
as one of baseball's most remembered plays, Al Gionfriddo's game-saving 
World Series catch.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Rabbi Mark Stephen 
Miller on this significant birthday and for his many years of dedicated 
service to his family, congregation, community and faith. He is a 
shining light to us all.

                          ____________________