[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2127-E2128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF RABBI STUART WEINBLATT ______ HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL of new york in the house of representatives Friday, November 22, 2002 Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt on his 50th birthday and in recognition of the tremendous work he has done on behalf of others. Rabbi Weinblatt and his wife Symcha are the parents of four wonderful children, Ezra, Margalit, Micha, and Noam. He is the founding Rabbi of Congregation B'nai Tzedek, a Conservative synagogue in Potomac, Maryland, to which I belong, serving more than 620 families. Prior to forming Congregation B'nai Tzedek in 1988, Rabbi Weinblatt was the Rabbi of Temple Solel in Bowie, Maryland, for seven years and Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida, from 1979-1981. Rabbi Weinblatt is active in a number of local and national organizations, including the National Rabbinic Cabinet of the UHC, Hillel at the University of Maryland, the Jewish National Fund, Israel Bonds, the Jewish Community Council, where he chaired a committee on Jewish Life and Culture, and the Federation of Greater Washington, where he chaired the Super Sunday effort several years ago. Rabbi Weinblatt has also served as President of the Washington Board of Rabbis. He has been an adjunct professor of Jewish History and Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary since 1992. His dynamic leadership, innovative approach to Judaism and reputation as an outstanding teacher and speaker has earned him many honors, including selection as a Bronfman Fellow by CLAL and as a fellow in the Shalom Hartman Institute Center for Rabbinic Enrichment program. In recognition of his outstanding leadership and community involvement, he was chosen in 2001 as the Washington area ORT ``Man of the Year.'' He is a strong and vocal supporter of the State of Israel. I met Stuart Weinblatt when I was first running for Congress, 14 years ago, when we were seated at the same table, by chance, at a dinner. I had no idea that years later I would become a member of a new synagogue that was opening with him at the helm. I have followed this man all these years, and have watched him and the synagogue grow in stature. His sermons are always remarkable and inspiring. Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Weinblatt's years of service to his community and the nation have [[Page E2128]] enriched the lives of so many others and he is a stellar example of the type of individuals we need leading our communities. I am proud to be a congregant of Rabbi Weinblatt's Synagogue. I wish Rabbi Weinblatt a very happy 50th birthday and I look forward to his continued service as a leader in our community. I am proud to call him my Rabbi, and even more proud to call him my friend. ____________________