The Republican Party called on an Illinois rabbi to give an invocation at its national convention this week. Rabbi Victor Weissberg, spiritual director at Rosewood Rehabilitation Center in Northbrook, Ill., drew from the Book of Psalms the idea of following God to find truth.
“The voice of duty is the voice of God, a commanding voice, asking us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly as leaders of the free world,” Weissberg told the GOP delegates Monday night.
As the convention got under way this week in Philadelphia, several religious leaders were asked to say a prayer before different sessions.
Weissberg touched on themes of freedom, hope and opportunity, and continuing the revolution in human destiny.
“Gird us with strength that we may labor to eliminate the debilitating scourges of poverty, violence, ignorance and disease, from all who are caught in the net of tragic circumstances and help all live and labor with hope of better days,” Weissberg prayed.
A media staffer for the convention said Weissberg, like all speakers, was chosen to represent the diversity of the party.
Weissberg began his rabbinical service in 1953 at Chicago’s Temple Isaiah-Israel and serves as Rabbi Emeritus at Chicago’s Temple Beth-El. Weissberg is also a member of the National Honorary Education Fraternity and the Chicago Board of Rabbis.
Weissberg is the author of several books including “Jerusalem in Eschatology,” “Psalms and Psychotherapy” and “History of Jews of Turkey in the 17th Century.”
He also has taught in numerous academic institutions.
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