At the time Chabad emissary to Louisville Rabbi Avraham Litvin received an invitation to offer the opening prayer at the Kentucky House of Legislation, local religious sensitivities were running raw. Some legislatures' plan to erect a large monument to the Ten Commandments had touched off bitter controversy, setting its supporters and opponents against each other in fierce debate.

"For the past 12 years I have been the rabbi of the City of Louisville as well as the community synagogue, the 105 years old Congregation Anshe Sefard," explains Rabbi Litvin. "I assume the Speaker of the House wanted to hear what Kentucky's only Orthodox institution had to say on the matter."

Rabbi Litvin, along with his wife and co-director, Goldie, opened the Lubavitch Center of Louisville in 1985. As Chabad regional directors they coordinate programs for the 9,000 Jews of Louisville and for the smaller Jewish communities in Lexington and Springford.

Rabbi Litvin spoke to the legislators on the need for unity and peace between different groups, despite the fact that many factions may hold conflicting opinions. He noted that the debate was not solely a local dispute, but a polemic facing communities and governments all around the world.

The father of seven, he also discussed the important obligation of the state to strengthen programs for children, Kentucky's future.

"The prayer was greeted with warm words from the elected officials at the capital," says Chabad co-director Goldie Litvin. "Shortly thereafter the House was able to reach an accord the state budget, following many days of disagreement."

Incidentally, following Rabbi Litvin's benediction, legislation was enacted to provide vital funding for pre-school programs, just as he had advocated...