Palm Harbor Rabbi Delivers U.S. House Opening Prayer

PALM HARBOR, FL — A Palm Harbor rabbi with a long history of community leadership was given the opportunity Tuesday to impart some words of wisdom to the U.S. House of Representatives. In his opening prayer as the House’s guest chaplain, Rabbi Gary Klein of Temple Ahavat Shalom reminded those gathered that people and God are meant to work together to create a better world.

Klein was introduced by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who pointed out the rabbi’s 30 years of service to the community, the temple and the more than 500 Tampa Bay area households it serves.

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“Since coming to Pinellas County in 1987, he served on the Board of the St. Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, and currently serves on the National Council of AIPAC,” Bilirakis said. “Rabbi Klein is a long-time advocate on behalf of the US-Israel alliance. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance, I welcome his continued advice and counsel, especially as it relates to security in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Guest chaplains have been a part of the Congressional routine for more than two decades. The program enables congress members to invite religious leaders from their own districts to address the government body.

“The tradition celebrates the freedom of religion enjoyed across our nation, and the diverse backgrounds of our religious leaders,” a statement from Bilirakis’ office said.

Rabbi Klein’s remarks can be viewed below:

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Screenshot and video courtesy of C-SPAN via YouTube