[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 27062-27063]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO RABBI MARK STEPHEN MILLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2007

  Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Rabbi Mark Stephen 
Miller, in honor of his 60th birthday, which occurred on October 5, 
2007. For over 30 years, Rabbi Miller has served his Newport Beach 
congregation, Temple Bat Yahm, with distinction, setting a standard of 
excellence as a teacher, counselor, and spiritual leader.
  Rabbi Miller has worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and 
understanding, and he continues to be an exceptional role model for 
young people. I consider myself fortunate to have been the benefactor 
of Rabbi Miller's kind heart and understanding and my family remain 
proud members of his congregation. I am also thankful that Rabbi Miller 
was able to participate in my wedding ceremony.
  Rabbi Miller was ordained from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 
1974, and in 1999 he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree 
from Hebrew Union College. He joined Temple Bat Yahm in 1977 as its 
rabbi following a short time as assistant rabbi at Temple Sinai in 
Roslyn Heights, New York where he met his bride of 30 years, Wendy. 
Together they raised 5 wonderful children. During his tenure at Temple 
Bat Yahm the congregation has grown from 100 plus families to 
approximately 600 families, and its facility has moved from a 1 room 
portable classroom to a sprawling campus which includes a beautiful 
sanctuary, classrooms, social halls, an intimate chapel and a wonderful 
amphitheatre for outdoor services.
  Rabbi Miller is a renowned lecturer on business ethics, bioethics, 
tolerance and interfaith relations. He spent over 20 years as a guest 
lecturer at University of California, Irvine and now teaches regularly 
at Chapman University. His commanding presence on the pulpit and 
dramatic storytelling and lecturing style is well known and respected.
  Rabbi Miller has been recognized by the United States Congress 
before. He has given the invocation to both the House of 
Representatives and the Senate, where he once served as an aide to 
Senator Walter Mondale.

[[Page 27063]]

An avid baseball fan and diehard Chicago Cubs fan, Rabbi Miller was 
similarly honored by also giving the invocation at the Baseball Hall of 
Fame in Cooperstown, NY for its annual induction ceremony. It is most 
fitting that he was born on the same day as one of baseball's most 
remembered plays, Al Gionfriddo's game-saving World Series catch.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Rabbi Mark Stephen 
Miller on this significant birthday and for his many years of dedicated 
service to his family, congregation, community and faith. He is a 
shining light to us all.

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