[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING RABBI JOE ROOKS RAPPORT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 2022

  Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my friend, 
Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport, as he begins his much-deserved retirement.
  Since 1988, Rabbi Rapport has served at The Temple, Congregation 
Adath Israel Brith Sholom, the oldest and largest synagogue in 
Kentucky. During his time at The Temple he has been an incredible 
leader, teaching a variety of adult education classes, working closely 
with Bar and Bat Mitzvah students, leading countless congregational 
programs, and serving as rabbinic liaison for the Brotherhood, The 
Temple Archives, and The Temple Library.
  In addition to his spiritual leadership, Rabbi Rapport is also a 
deeply involved community leader, serving as a member of the 
President's Advisory Council of the University of Louisville and 
sharing a seat on the Board of Directors of both the Center for 
Interfaith Relations and Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light, alongside 
his wife, Rabbi Rooks. He also is a former chair of the Louisville 
Coalition for the Homeless and Many People One Community, a diversity 
project of the National Conference for Community and Justice.
  Rabbi Rapport's deep devotion to his faith has also called him to 
always lend a voice on behalf of the less fortunate or the oppressed. 
Whenever incidents of intolerance or injustice rear their ugly head in 
our community--whether racial or religious, Jewish or not--Rabbi 
Rapport is one of the first people there, offering his support to those 
victimized and standing up for decency and good in our community. This 
is why I firmly believe, in my years of friendship with Rabbi Rapport, 
that he is the true embodiment of the Hebrew phrase Tikkun Olam--or 
``world repair''--a mandate to not just look out for our own moral and 
spiritual welfare, but also the welfare of society as a whole. Rabbi 
Rapport not only teaches the lessons of social justice, he lives them 
each and every day.
  Rabbi Rapport is a treasure to our community and is truly a 
``mensch'' in every sense of the word. He has never grown weary of 
helping others, and during his 34 years of service to our Commonwealth, 
he has enriched countless lives with his wise words and spiritual 
guidance. Rabbi Rapport has not only inspired me, but also a younger 
generation of leaders who will continue his passionate pursuit of 
peace, love, and justice in the world for years to come.
  On behalf of the people of Kentucky's Third Congressional District 
and the city of Louisville, it is my honor to recognize Rabbi Joe Rooks 
Rapport for his outstanding leadership, his friendship, and his 
unyielding love for our city and the people who call it home.
  I wish Rabbi Rapport nothing but the best in his well-deserved 
retirement, and I hope he enjoys every single moment of his time spent 
with family and loved ones.

                          ____________________