Today, leaders of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – congratulated Barack Obama upon his election as the 44th president of the United States of America.

Additionally, the Orthodox Jewish leaders called upon members of the Orthodox Jewish community, along with all Americans, to pray for the welfare of government of the United States and that the Almighty grant wisdom, understanding and strength to the incumbent, President Bush, and the President-Elect as they work to lead the United States forward.

The following letter was sent to President-Elect Obama on behalf of the Orthodox Union:

Dear President-Elect Obama,

We write on behalf of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America to say Mazal Tov to you upon your election to the presidency of the United States of America. Your campaign and your victory were truly historic achievements for the United States and the world.

The challenges you will face as president, as you know, are formidable. Thus, in our synagogues throughout the United States, we recite a prayer each Sabbath in which we beseech the Almighty to “bless and protect the President…and constitutional officers of the United States….[and to] grant them wisdom and understanding…” to serve the nation and its people.

On this historic day, we pledge to work with you and your Administration to achieve the goals and interests which we share in the service of our people and the nation.

Warmly,

Stephen Savitsky, President Rabbi T. H. Weinreb, Executive Vice President

Mark Bane, Chair – Public Policy Nathan J. Diament, Director – Public Policy