[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING RABBI DAVID STEINHARDT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOIS FRANKEL

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2025

  Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi 
David Steinhardt, a distinguished spiritual leader and educator, as he 
prepares to retire after more than three decades of dedicated service 
to B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, Florida. Rabbi Steinhardt's 
journey to the rabbinate was shaped by his early experiences as the 
child of refugees from Nazi Germany and his deep connection to the 
Conservative Jewish movement, cultivated at Camp Ramah and Congregation 
Rodeph Sholom in Connecticut.
  Ordained in 1982 at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, 
Rabbi Steinhardt began his rabbinical career in Ohio before joining 
B'nai Torah in 1994, where he has since become a transformative figure. 
His proudest accomplishments include revitalizing the synagogue's 
religious after-school program, which saw attendance soar from under 40 
percent to over 85 percent, and overseeing over 1,000 bar and bat 
mitzvahs. His congregants noted that in his congregation of 1,300 
families, Rabbi Steinhardt has made it a point to connect deeply with 
them, even knowing them all by name. Under his leadership, the 
synagogue grew significantly, expanding both its staff and its reach in 
the Boca Raton community.
  Rabbi Steinhardt's commitment to Jewish education and community 
service has left a lasting legacy. As he transitions to ``rabbi 
emeritus,'' he will continue to contribute to his congregation and 
community, while embracing a busy retirement filled with teaching, 
writing, meditation, and time spent with his family.
  It is a privilege to recognize Rabbi Steinhardt today, and I wish him 
a fulfilling and rewarding retirement, and continued success.

                          ____________________