Yeshiva University President, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, Delivered Opening Prayer to the U.S. Senate Ahead of the Jewish New Year, at the Invitation of Senator John Fetterman

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The president of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, delivered the opening prayer when the United States Senate convened on September 10, preceding the Jewish High Holidays, having been invited to do so by U.S. Senator John Fetterman, (D-Pennsylvania).

Rabbi Berman previously addressed the nation at the 60^th United States Inauguration for President Donald J. Trump at the Capitol in January 2025.

"It was an honor to welcome Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman to the Senate as we head into the Jewish New Year," said Senator John Fetterman. "At a time of historic antisemitism throughout the country and on our college campuses, we turned to Rabbi Berman as a voice of moral clarity. His prayer inspired us, as legislators and as a nation, to be guided by ethics, strength, and a collective sense of purpose." 

United by Purpose, Strengthened by Faith

"As both a rabbi and an educator, it was a profound honor to offer a prayer in the Senate at this moment of national reckoning. We are witnessing students around the country turning away from hate and antisemitism towards universities and institutions that cultivate values and enable them to find purpose. My blessing called on our Senators to act with courage, humility and grace in uniting our nation to rise to this great awakening and guide America towards fulfilling its purpose. As we soon usher in the Jewish new year, I prayed for peace and prosperity for America, Israel and all of humanity," said Rabbi Berman.

Rabbi Berman has worked as a bridge builder during these troubled times. In the months following October 7th, he founded Universities United Against Terrorism, a coalition of more than 100 higher education leaders who unequivocally took a stand against terror, condemning Hamas for the most brutal attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He is a founding member of the new Faith Based Universities commission in the American Council of Education and led the first visit of university presidents to Auschwitz for the March of the Living. 

His prayer before the Senate marked a historic opportunity to bring a voice of faith, hope, and unity to the nation's lawmakers as the Jewish community prepares to welcome the New Year.

Inspiring our nation's leaders

Senator Fetterman's invitation to Rabbi Berman reflects his commitment to honoring America's religious diversity and ensuring that voices of faith continue to inspire our nation's leaders. He was previously awarded Yeshiva University's Presidential Medallion — the institution's highest honor for global leadership.

About Yeshiva University

As the flagship Jewish university, Yeshiva University is animated by its five core Torah values: Seek Truth (Torat Emet), Live Your Values (Torat Chaim), Discover Your Potential (Torat Adam), Act With Compassion (Torat Chesed) and Bring Redemption (Torat Tzion).

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life, and the heritage of Western civilization. More than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU's four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YU's three undergraduate schools – Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business – offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses.

Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, the Katz School of Science and Health and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nation's leading academic institutions.

SOURCE Yeshiva University