[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 189 (Thursday, November 5, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       HONORING RABBI GOPEN LIPOF

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, III

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 5, 2020

  Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, l rise today to recognize Rabbi Emily 
Gopen Lipof on her 80th birthday. An extraordinary woman who has raised 
a loving, still growing family, Rabbi Lipof has dedicated her life to 
strengthening her community and the world around her. As she gathers 
virtually with friends and family to celebrate her 80th birthday, it is 
my honor to play a small role in recognizing her.
  At five years old, when most of us struggle to choose a favorite toy, 
Emily had already decided that she would be a Rabbi when she grew up. 
Not deterred by the lack of female Rabbis to look up to, she knew her 
calling and always strove towards that ultimate goal. Even as her path 
diverged throughout her early years as she built a family and a career 
in politics, she used her powerful voice and infectious personality to 
become a leader in her community.
  After earning a bachelor's degree with four toddlers, Emily used the 
power of politics to shape her hometown of Newton, her Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts and her country. She served as campaign manager for her 
husband Michael's campaign for Alderman, Senator Edward Brooke, and 
Newton's longest serving Mayor, Theodore Mann. But still, she remained 
committed to her calling as a Rabbi.
  In 1980, Emily organized a communal wedding for 60 Jewish couples 
from the former Soviet Union who had been denied a Jewish wedding in 
their youths. That powerful experience inspired her to reunite with her 
path towards becoming a Rabbi. So committed to her calling, Emily began 
commuting to and from The Academy for Jewish Religion in New York for 
one long day of classes. Despite the demanding, grueling schedule, she 
was ordained just five years later.
  Just days after receiving semichah, she was offered a position as 
interim Rabbi at Ohabei Shalom in Brokline, becoming the first woman in 
the United States to be named senior Rabbi of a major congregation. For 
decades, she has continued to be a fearless, compassionate leader in 
her community. She founded the Temple Shalom Nursery School to help 
nurture young children and support their families. She married a gay 
couple on the very first day marriage equality became the law of our 
Commonwealth in 2008. And quietly, she has offered counsel and guidance 
to countless neighbors in need of support.
  Happy 80th birthday to Rabbi Lipof. And on behalf of a grateful 
Commonwealth and country, I thank her for demanding better of, and for, 
us all. Enjoy the day.

                          ____________________