Jerusalem's Golden Silence

Floor Speech

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Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record remarks submitted at the request of a Virginia Beach constituent, Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman of Temple Lev Tikvah, and are a reflection of his views: RABBI ZOBERMAN'S POEM--JERUSALEM'S GOLDEN SILENCE These days there is a golden silence Overcoming the shouts of the prophets Of old and new, ``peace, peace'' And there is no peace But the silence of sealed echoes Of hope in holy crevices where Shalom's doves find shelter at the Wall where wailing has not abated, The silence of the cloud of glory Encircling God's city like an embracing Wedding canopy. The voice of the groom And the voice of the bride Whose rejoicing is Jerusalem's signature, Are ever preserved under the heavy silence Of immovable rocks hiding millennial Prayers refusing to concede victory to A spirit bespeaking not the contrition Of sacrifice brought here from near And afar to placate the One Who only pardons those seeking The promising power of peace.

Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah, and Honorary Senior Rabbi Scholar at Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal, both in Virginia Beach. He is a member of the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission.

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