Close to 50 Military Chaplains, Lay Leaders, and military personnel are currently visiting from all over the world at the Aleph Institute Headquarters/Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside, to participate in a Training Conference and a weekend of inspiration.
One such Chaplain is currently deployed in Kuwait and has arrived just for the weekend. Another chaplain is coming directly from Korea after being stationed there for a lengthy time. A soldier is actually using his short leave time from “Combat Theater” and is spending a few days at the conference.
The special guest this weekend is General Robert Magnus, past Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps, one of only three Jews in U.S. Military history to have achieved four-star rank. He retired from active service on July 17, 2008 after more than 39 years of service.
The weekend’s program includes a dinner reception with General Magnus along with all the Chaplains, lay leaders and other military personnel participating in the annual training conference and “Shabbat with our Jewish Troops.”
The conference assists hundreds of local military families find spiritual counseling and nurture their faith when surrounded by the grim realities of bloodshed and violence, and helps them confront moral and ethical issues while on the battlefield.
A Military Rabbi Training conference is being held as well, with the theme “The Military Rabbi – Walking the Tightrope Without Losing One’s Balance.” By virtue of their calling, Military Rabbis, chaplains and officers are confronted by duties not inherent in the general pulpit Rabbi’s duties. The conference will deal with the multiple demands of challenging roles in constant modes of crisis and ever present stress.
ALEPH will be holding a Grand Auction Drawing and Event on Monday evening, February 9, 2009 – 7 p.m., to raise funds for their critical work.
To support ALEPH’s auction visit the Aleph Auction website at www.alephauction.com to view and order over 90 fabulous prizes including a Grand Prize of $20,000 CASH!
awsome!!! you are the best zaidy love your eineklach
Anyone who got the chance to spend time this past shabbos in Bal Harbor -with the men and women who serve in the U.S. Military to protect us, will tell you this weekend was inspirational and moving. It was also an opportunity for people to fully comprehend the amazing work that Aleph does. I encourage you all to support this amazing organization and go to http://www.alephauction.org! Just like I have!
this event was amazing, i was here in Miami for shabbos and they had 500 people for Friday night dinner!!! we had people from all walks of life that came just to show support to our Jewish men and women serving in the armed forces. the success of this Shabbaton is due to Avi and Rochel for all their sleepless nights, hard work and dedication.
great job Avi we are proud of you
Jerry Levine…..great job on this film, as well a on the Rivkin It Happened Yom Kippur video. we saw a few weeks ago. Great talent! Lets see more.