Binghamton Rabbi serves as guest chaplain on House floor

WASHINTON, DC (WIVT/WBGH) – A Binghamton Rabbi traveled to Washington, DC on Thursday and served as the guest chaplain on the House floor.

Congressman Marc Molinaro invited Rabbi Levi Slonim to offer the opening prayer for the U.S House of Representatives.

Since the First Continental Congress in 1774, every legislative session has opened up with a prayer. Although a permanent chaplain position was officially established in 1789, at the request of members of Congress, a local minister may offer the opening prayer.

“Rabbi Slonim’s dedication to faith, education, and community service is an inspiration to us all. I am honored to have him in DC to offer the opening prayer on behalf of Binghamton and all of Upstate New York,” said Molinaro.

Slonim, a Binghamton native, is the Co-Director of the Chabad Downtown in Binghamton and Director of Development at the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University. He attended the Rabbinical College of Canada and earned his Rabbinic ordination from the Central Rabbinic Court of Chabad of Israel in 2006. Slonim returned to Binghamton in 2008 to join the team at the Chabad Center, established by his parents Rabbi Aaron and Rivkah Slonim in 1985.

“It is a true honor and privilege to have been invited to our nation’s capital to offer the opening prayer, as a representative of the 19th District of NY. In these most trying times for our nation, I hope to bring a message of unity and purpose. My sincere appreciation to Congressman Molinaro for this special opportunity,” said Slonim.

Slonim’s opening prayer can be viewed below.

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