HONORING RABBI AVIVA FELLMAN OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

On 2026-06-03, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING RABBI AVIVA FELLMAN OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL" in the House.

HONORING RABBI AVIVA FELLMAN OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E518] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RABBI AVIVA FELLMAN OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL ______ HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN of massachusetts in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Rabbi Aviva Fellman, an extraordinary spiritual leader and a beloved member of our Worcester community, as she completes her 12th year leading Congregation Beth Israel. Rabbi Fellman arrived at Congregation Beth Israel in 2014, bringing with her a passion for teaching, and a profound commitment to building a Jewish community rooted in faith, learning, inclusion, scholarship, and justice. During her time as Rabbi, she has led countless members of her congregation through some of the most meaningful moments in their lives. She has helped so many young people grow not only in their faith, but in their understanding of what it means to live a life of purpose, responsibility, and moral courage. Under Rabbi Fellman's rabbinic leadership, Congregation Beth Israel has continued to be a place where people are welcomed, valued, and seen. She has worked tirelessly to break down barriers, expand inclusion, and ensure that religious spaces reflect the dignity and humanity of all God's children But Rabbi Fellman's leadership extends far beyond the walls of Congregation Beth Israel. She is an important part of Worcester's vibrant civic and interfaith community. She mentors students through the Hillels at local schools. She regularly teaches adult courses through the community WISE program. She serves on the executive board of Worcester Interfaith. And she has been active in local efforts to end homelessness, confront racism, and address inequality in our community. Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Fellman is an inspirational community leader, but I am also proud to call her a dear friend and mentor. On many occasions, I have turned to her for advice and guidance on difficult moral questions, and I have always been grateful for her thoughtfulness, her honesty, her integrity, and her steady sense of what is right. She does not simply teach her faith. She lives it. And all of us are better off because of her wisdom, humility, and a deep concern for social justice. Rabbi Fellman is an incredible community leader and a person of deep faith and deep conviction. She remains intellectually curious, devoted to her faith, and committed every day to growing as a rabbi, a teacher, and a servant leader. I congratulate Rabbi Fellman on her Bat Mitzvah year of service to Congregation Beth Israel. I look forward to all that she will continue to do for her congregation, for the Worcester community, and for all those who are fortunate enough to learn from her example. On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I am proud to celebrate Rabbi Aviva Fellman's inspiring achievements, and I pray for her continued success at Congregation Beth Israel. ____________________