[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 18781]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    WELCOME TO RABBI ALAN KATZ, TEMPLE SINAI OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

  (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, today we open this legislative day with 
a prayer from Rabbi Alan Katz. I want to take a moment to tell my 
colleagues and the country about Rabbi Katz and the important role that 
he plays in my community.
  Rabbi Katz has served as rabbi of Temple Sinai in Rochester since 
1986, and he has played prominent roles in many of Rochester's civic 
and faith organizations. Rabbi Katz is joined here today by his 
parents; his wife, Jan; and his brother, David.
  Rabbi Katz knows better than anyone that one of America's strengths 
is our diversity. As Americans, we have enormous freedom; and some in 
other lands do not understand it. Rochester is a community of many 
faiths; and Rabbi Katz is a leader in helping others learn, understand, 
and celebrate our differences. He is known for his ability to reach 
across racial, ethnic, and religious lines to create understanding and 
friendship. He is part of a Muslim-Jewish dialogue group; and he has 
fostered a relationship between Temple Sinai and AME Baber Church with 
Reverend Norvell Goff, Sr. Along with Catholic Bishop Matthew Clark, he 
co-led the Rochester Interfaith Mission to Israel in the summer of 
1998.
  In these difficult and emotional times, many of us are returning to 
faith to seek guidance and understanding. Many people in Rochester turn 
to Rabbi Katz for his wisdom, his understanding, and his ability to 
heal. I am proud to have known Rabbi Katz for a number of years; and I 
am grateful for his work in our community, as well as his personal 
friendship. I am honored that he was here today to lead us in prayer.

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