LISTEN: Atlanta rabbi Peter Berg leads prayer in the U.S. Senate.

Rabbi Peter Berg

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Rabbi Peter Berg led the opening prayer in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.

Credit: Office of Sen. Jon Ossoff

Atlanta Rabbi Peter Berg delivered the opening prayer in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.

Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock introduced him. Ossoff said Berg’s leadership comes at an important time for Jewish Americans. 

"I thank you, Rabbi Berg, for your leadership at this moment of trial for Jewish Americans in Georgia, across the country, and for Jews around the world at this moment that frays the the bonds between faith communities," Ossof said. "I thank you for your interfaith leadership, for your consistent calls for solidarity, compassion, mutual love and respect between all people of all faiths." 

Berg blessed the senators and gave a message of hope.

“Tonight, Jews all around the world will light the sixth candle of Hanukkah," he said. "We will do so in a world that is teeming with xenophobia and hatred. Let us never forget that this is a time of year where we all bring light and hope to despair and to darkness."

Berg leads services at The Temple in Midtown Atlanta.