"No
greater thing could come to our land today than a revival of the spirit of
faith - a revival that would sweep through the homes of men and women of all
faiths to a reassertion of their belief in God and their dedication to His will
for themselves and for their world. I doubt if there is any problem - social,
political, or economic - that would not melt away before the fires of such
spiritual revival."
-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
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| Official White House photo by Pete Souza |
It is not everyday that your local Congressional Representative invites you to
join him for breakfast with the President. This morning was the 61st Annual National Prayer
Breakfast. Founded in 1953 by the United States Senate and
House prayer groups, the event unites individuals of various religions,
nationalities, and political orientation in the power of prayer. Setting aside
these differences to embrace and enhance the moral and spiritual fabric of our
lives, this momentous and inspirational gathering reminded me that what unites
us all is certainly greater than what divides us! So thank you to Congressman
Jim Cooper and his staff for the invitation.
Highlights of the event included performances by our very own Composer-in-Residence Michael Ochs and his band, My Favorite Enemy, and Italy's Andrea Bocelli. Prayers and scriptural readings were offered by Senators Jeff Sessions, Mark Pryor, Charles Schumer, and former Senator Elizabeth Dole, as well as Congressional leaders, high ranking military officials, and Cabinet members. President Obama spoke about the role faith plays in his life as well as in the life and history of our great nation. Even Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas offered words of inspiration.
Our Torah
portion this week is largely about laws. Our country has laws that protect our
free exercise of religion. The entire experience today reminded me of how
blessed we are to live in a nation that affords us the rights and opportunities
to practice our faith as Jews as we see fit. So take advantage of this
privilege! If our national leaders can find the time to pray and live their
faiths, so can you... Highlights of the event included performances by our very own Composer-in-Residence Michael Ochs and his band, My Favorite Enemy, and Italy's Andrea Bocelli. Prayers and scriptural readings were offered by Senators Jeff Sessions, Mark Pryor, Charles Schumer, and former Senator Elizabeth Dole, as well as Congressional leaders, high ranking military officials, and Cabinet members. President Obama spoke about the role faith plays in his life as well as in the life and history of our great nation. Even Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas offered words of inspiration.
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| Rabbi Flip's program: neurosurgeon and author Ben Carson gave the keynote address |
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| President Obama and Michelle Obama attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington on Thursday morning, where they prayed with Senator Jeff Sessions. |
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