Mr. Greenberg goes Washington: Local rabbi speaks at U.S. Senate

WASILLA — Mat-Su Jewish Center Director, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg recently presented an opening prayer as a guest chaplain in front of the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C. Thursday, March 31.

Greenberg said that he was invited by Sen. Dan Sullivan and the US. Senate Chaplain, Dr. Barry Black to present in D.C. He said it was his first time visiting the nation’s capital and it was an exciting experience.

Greenberg noted that he found out that he was the youngest Rabbi to open the U.S. Senate, adding to his overall appreciation for the opportunity.

“It was a great honor,” Greenberg said.

Greenberg said that he spoke in conjunction with the upcoming 120th birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, one of the most influential Jewish public figures of all time.

April 12 is also Education and Sharing Day, which was established by the United States Congress to emphasize charitable acts through shared education in honor of Schneerson’s legacy and emphasis on education and charitable acts.

Greenberg said that he and his wife Chaya have been working diligently to represent Schneerson’s vision in the Mat-Su Valley.

Greenberg recently worked to have Education and Sharing Day recognized by the Wasilla and Palmer city councils. He said its also been recognized by the Mat-Su Borough and Governor Mike Dunleavy. He said it’s encouraging to have so much momentum going for this cause and having the ability to spread the message of strong education and goodwill as foundational necessities in daily life.

Greenberg said that he’s also opening the Alaska senate in Juneau with a prayer and presenting them with charity boxes for Education and Sharing Day. The idea of the charity boxes is to encourage daily giving.

“The message is that we are all very impacted by the actions we do. The very fact we act a certain way has an impact on who we are,” Greenberg said. “When is comes to charity, it’s not about how much money you’ve given or which cause you’re giving it to, but the very fact that you are giving.”

To view Greeberg’s opening prayer at the recent U.S. Senate meeting, visit c-span.org/congress.

The Mat-Su Jewish Center is in the process of preparing for activities centered around Passover on April 15.

For more information about services, activities, and upcoming events at the center, call 907-350-1787 or visit matsujewishcenter.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com