President Johnson today was blessed by Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Issar Yehuda Unterman of Israel, who recited the traditional blessing for a great ruler at the White House.
Rabbi Unterman told President Johnson that he brought the greetings “of the people of Israel and the blessings from Zion.” He presented the President with a menorah which he said was selected not only because of its religious symbolism but as a reminder of King David’s prayers for divine guidance.
The chief rabbi said he was aware of President Johnson’s efforts against poverty and hunger. He said he hoped for success of the President’s pursuit of peace. President Johnson expressed appreciation for the blessing and honor conferred upon him.
The delegation included a number of American religious leaders who associated themselves with the chief rabbi’s expressions. They included Moses I. Feuerstein, president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, and Rabbi Israel Miller, president of the Rabbinical Council of America. Israel Ambassador Avraham Harman, and Rep. Abraham J. Multer, New York Democrat, were also present.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
