(Washington, DC): Congressman Michael R. McNulty (D-Green Island) today welcomed Dr. Rabbi Paul Silton, of Temple Israel in Albany who delivered the opening prayer on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. McNulty delivered the following remarks after Rabbi Silton's opening prayer:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Dr. Rabbi Paul Silton and thank him for offering the opening prayer this morning for the House of Representatives.

Rabbi Silton has served the community of New York's Capital Region for over 30 years as Rabbi of Temple Israel, the largest conservative synagogue in Northeast New York. He began his career at Temple Israel as the Educational Director where he was responsible for fostering growth at every education level, including the addition of an Adult Education program.

Rabbi Silton has made enormous contributions not just to Temple Israel, but the entire community. He founded the Holocaust Survivors and Friends in Pursuit of Justice. He has hosted a three day national Holocaust conference for 1500 participants at Temple Israel. He has also organized a multitude of services for the community Kristallnacht and Holocaust Memorial commemorations.

Through the efforts of Rabbi Silton, Temple Israel has received numerous awards from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, in addition to Education Awards for Programming, High School Education and the Framework for Excellence Synagogue School Program Award.

I am proud to welcome my good friend Dr. Rabbi Paul Silton and thank him on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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