Schumer recites the Shema prayer at National Prayer Breakfast and joins Biden's plea for unity

WASHINGTON (JTA) — Sen. Chuck Schumer, the most senior Jewish elected official in U.S. history, recited the Shema prayer at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday.

The New York Democrat added a reading from Leviticus that emphasized unity, echoing the message President Joe Biden emphasized in his remarks at the same event. Biden in his remarks referred to the recent synagogue hostage crisis in Texas as an example of courage in the face of divisiveness.

Schumer, the majority leader in the Senate, appeared with Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the body’s minority leader.

After thanking Biden and...