[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 86 (Monday, June 1, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H3632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  2015
                      HONORING RABBI LES GUTTERMAN

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rabbi Les 
Gutterman, my rabbi and a man who has served for more than 40 years as 
the senior rabbi for Temple Beth-El in Providence, Rhode Island.
  Rabbi Gutterman's unique insight and his sharp sense of humor have 
served the members of his congregation magnificently during times of 
personal struggle and times of great celebration.
  As a member of the congregation at Temple Beth-El, I have often 
relied on Rabbi Gutterman's wise counsel and spiritual guidance, and I 
consider his friendship a great blessing in my life.
  A native of Flint, Michigan, Rabbi Gutterman first came to Providence 
45 years ago after earning a bachelor's degree from the University of 
Michigan and a Doctor of Divinity from Hebrew Union College.
  At the time, just 27 years old, he could not have imagined the impact 
he would have on our State and on the families in his congregation. But 
just 3 years later, Rabbi Gutterman would be appointed the senior rabbi 
for Temple Beth-El, making him one of the youngest senior rabbis in the 
United States.
  Today, he is known to all of us as ``Rhode Island's rabbi,'' a 
humble, caring servant of God who has tended to the spiritual needs of 
this great community for nearly half a century.
  While we will miss his presence at Temple Beth-El, I know that all of 
us are wishing him, his wife Janet, and his daughters Rebecca and 
Elizabeth the very best as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
  Thank you, Rabbi Gutterman, for your devotion to our community and 
for the gentle, caring guidance and love you have provided to us for so 
many years.

                          ____________________