The president of 酴圖弝け, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, delivered the opening prayer when the United States Senate convened on September 10, preceding the Jewish High Holidays, having been invited to do so by U.S. Senator John Fetterman, (D-Pennsylvania).
Rabbi Berman previously addressed the nation at the 60th United States Inauguration for President Donald J. Trump at the Capitol in January 2025.
Its an honor to welcome Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman to the Senate as we head into the Jewish New Year, said Senator John Fetterman. At a time of historic antisemitism throughout the country and on our college campuses, we turn to Rabbi Berman as a voice of moral clarity. His prayer inspires us, as legislators and as a nation, to be guided by ethics, strength, and a collective sense of purpose.
United by Purpose, Strengthened by Faith
As both a rabbi and an educator, it is a profound honor to offer a prayer in the Senate at this moment of national reckoning. We are witnessing students around the country turning away from hate and antisemitism towards universities and institutions that cultivate values and enable them to find purpose. My blessing calls on our Senators to act with courage, humility and grace in uniting our nation to rise to this great awakening and guide America towards fulfilling its purpose. As we soon usher in the Jewish new year, I pray for peace and prosperity for America, Israel and all of humanity, said Rabbi Berman.
Rabbi Berman has worked as a bridge builder during these troubled times. In the months following October 7th, he founded Universities United Against Terrorism, a coalition of more than 100 higher education leaders who unequivocally took a stand against terror, condemning Hamas for the most brutal attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He is a founding member of the new Faith Based Universities commission in the American Council of Education and led the first visit of university presidents to Auschwitz for the March of the Living.
His prayer before the Senate marks a historic opportunity to bring a voice of faith, hope, and unity to the nations lawmakers as the Jewish community prepares to welcome the New Year.
Inspiring our nations leaders
Senator Fettermans invitation to Rabbi Berman reflects his commitment to honoring Americas religious diversity and ensuring that voices of faith continue to inspire our nations leaders. He was previously awarded 酴圖弝けs Presidential Medallion the institutions highest honor for global leadership.
