[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING RABBI AVIVA FELLMAN OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2026

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Rabbi Aviva Fellman, 
an extraordinary spiritual leader and a beloved member of our Worcester 
community, as she completes her 12th year leading Congregation Beth 
Israel.
  Rabbi Fellman arrived at Congregation Beth Israel in 2014, bringing 
with her a passion for teaching, and a profound commitment to building 
a Jewish community rooted in faith, learning, inclusion, scholarship, 
and justice.
  During her time as Rabbi, she has led countless members of her 
congregation through some of the most meaningful moments in their 
lives. She has helped so many young people grow not only in their 
faith, but in their understanding of what it means to live a life of 
purpose, responsibility, and moral courage.
  Under Rabbi Fellman's rabbinic leadership, Congregation Beth Israel 
has continued to be a place where people are welcomed, valued, and 
seen. She has worked tirelessly to break down barriers, expand 
inclusion, and ensure that religious spaces reflect the dignity and 
humanity of all God's children
  But Rabbi Fellman's leadership extends far beyond the walls of 
Congregation Beth Israel. She is an important part of Worcester's 
vibrant civic and interfaith community. She mentors students through 
the Hillels at local schools. She regularly teaches adult courses 
through the community WISE program. She serves on the executive board 
of Worcester Interfaith. And she has been active in local efforts to 
end homelessness, confront racism, and address inequality in our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Fellman is an inspirational community leader, but 
I am also proud to call her a dear friend and mentor. On many 
occasions, I have turned to her for advice and guidance on difficult 
moral questions, and I have always been grateful for her 
thoughtfulness, her honesty, her integrity, and her steady sense of 
what is right. She does not simply teach her faith. She lives it. And 
all of us are better off because of her wisdom, humility, and a deep 
concern for social justice.
  Rabbi Fellman is an incredible community leader and a person of deep 
faith and deep conviction. She remains intellectually curious, devoted 
to her faith, and committed every day to growing as a rabbi, a teacher, 
and a servant leader.
  I congratulate Rabbi Fellman on her Bat Mitzvah year of service to 
Congregation Beth Israel. I look forward to all that she will continue 
to do for her congregation, for the Worcester community, and for all 
those who are fortunate enough to learn from her example.
  On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I am proud to celebrate Rabbi Aviva 
Fellman's inspiring achievements, and I pray for her continued success 
at Congregation Beth Israel.

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