[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 4, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING RABBI GEORGE GITTLEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi 
George Gittleman of Congregation Shomrei Torah in celebration of his 
retirement after twenty-eight years leading his congregation and 
providing service to our community.
  Born in the city of Chicago, Illinois and growing up in Louisville, 
Kentucky, Rabbi Gittleman joined our community in 1996 when he and his 
family moved to Sonoma County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in American 
History from the University of Vermont, a Masters in Hebrew Letters and 
Ordination from the Reform Seminary, Hebrew Union College Jewish 
Institute of Religion and is a Senior Rabbinic Fellow with the Shalom 
Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.
  Rabbi Gittleman, affectionately known as Rabbi George, became the 
rabbinical leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah, a progressive Reform 
Jewish synagogue in Santa Rosa in 1996. Through his leadership, the 
congregation grew from 100 to over 475 member families and, in turn, 
outgrew its facilities. In 2008, the Rabbi welcomed his congregation to 
a beautiful new temple. This would not have been possible without his 
determination, fundraising abilities and oversight.
  In addition to growing members and Congregation Shomrei Torah's 
spiritual home, Rabbi Gittleman expanded his temple's programs 
including the Shomrei Torah Religious School. The school for children 
ranging from kindergarten though eighth grade teaches Hebrew, religious 
practices, and about Jewish history and culture. He has also expanded 
offerings for teens and adults through Torah study sessions, teen 
groups, dinner lectures, and many trips to Israel, the Amerman South 
and Eastern Europe.
  Rabbi Gittleman is a proponent of tikkun olam, translated as 
``repairing the world'' through our actions. He is a prolific writer 
and outspoken on many critical issues facing out community. His 
published works include Maimonides and The Guide to the Perplexed, 
Lights in the Forest: Rabbis Respond to Twelve Essential Jewish 
Questions, and We should remember the Shoah in a way that helps to heal 
the world. The Rabbi is an advocate for addressing challenges including 
homelessness, food insecurity, affordable housing, LGBTQIA+ rights, gun 
violence prevention and has gracefully guided his faith community in 
the wake of the October 7 attacks. He does this through the 
congregation's Social Action Committee and in collaboration with other 
faith and civic leaders. Our district and country are better because of 
his work.
  Beyond his faith and civic leadership, Rabbi Gittleman is a devoted 
father and husband to his wife Laura, his son Levi, his daughter 
Sophie, to his son-in-law Julian and to his grandson Jamie. Rabbi 
George is an avid outdoorsman and from a young age, he was an avid rock 
climber, skier and mountain biker Even now, he continues to fly fish, 
shoot sporting clays, bird watch, backpack and hike. You can often find 
Rabbi Gittleman playing his guitar with his blues-rock band.
  Mr. Speaker, it is evident that Rabbi Gittleman is a true public 
servant and has dedicated his time, leadership and wisdom to the 
benefit of Congregation Shomrei Torah and to our district. After 
twenty-eight years, he now embarks on his well-earned retirement. 
Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

                          ____________________