[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 10962]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     WELCOMING RABBI JOEL LEVENSON

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. 
DeLauro) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege this morning to welcome 
Rabbi Joel Levenson of Congregation B'nai Jacob in Woodbridge, 
Connecticut, to the House of Representatives.
  When Joel graduated from Miami University of Ohio, he thought about 
going to either law school or rabbinical school, but thought the world 
already had too many lawyers and not enough men of faith. After 
graduating from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and serving 
under Rabbi Albert Lewis--the subject of Mitch Albom's book, ``Have a 
Little Faith''--in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Rabbi Levenson came to 
Woodbridge, Connecticut, where he has been the spiritual leader of 
Congregation B'nai Jacob since 2008.
  There he has gained a reputation as a dynamic and inspiring presence 
on the pulpit, and he; his wife, Leora, who is with us today; and his 
children, Shir, Sam, and Gideon, have become warm and caring members of 
the community. We are joined by what we call the mishpucha up in the 
gallery this morning, and we welcome them all today.
  Over his time in Woodbridge, Rabbi Levenson has been dedicated to 
promoting social justice and spiritual growth throughout Connecticut, 
and he has worked to foster a strong sense of Jewish identity, a joyful 
and inspiring congregation, and innovative educational opportunities 
throughout the synagogue.
  Rabbi Levenson personally teaches preschool classes and meets with 
and works with Woodbridge teenagers, including leading them on trips to 
Israel. He has also worked extensively with Outreach to young families. 
And he is a dedicated cyclist and triathlete who has taken part in the 
Israel ride, a yearly ride across the 400 miles from Jerusalem to 
Eliat.
  I thank Rabbi Levenson for his commitment to improving our community 
and for his profound words this morning.
  Rabbi Levenson, we thank you for leading us in today's invocation.

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