By Katie Peterson, ftleavenworthlamp.com
For the first time in four years, Fort Leavenworth celebrated five Jewish holiday services Sept. 28 through Oct. 2 at Frontier Chapel.
Chaplain (Capt.) Rabbi Mendy Stern, 312th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, who led the services.
“Jews generally observe the Shabbat from Friday when the sun sets through Saturday at nightfall. During that period of time, we worship, spend time with family and the community. Many Jewish communities refrain from doing any work, travel or use of electronics to focus on the day of rest — a day of true rest.”
Stern said feedback was instant after the first night.
“One elderly woman, she had tears in her eyes, and she shared that this was the largest gathering of Jews for prayer in many, many years. It meant a lot to her,” he said.
“The same day, we had a pleasant surprise with some of the families who participated. For them to have Jewish services, some of them are used to traveling all over Kansas City, and they were saying this was such a big difference (having it closer to home).”
Following Shabbat, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah were celebrated, marking the end of the Jewish holiday season, which began with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, Sept. 9-11.
“The service is a very joyous service. Not only do we read from the Torah (the Hebrew Bible), we also dance with the Torah, and the significance of this holiday is that we dance with the Torah, and everyone in the community partakes in the celebration,” Stern said.
“Celebrating with the Torah does not discriminate on the level of knowledge. Anyone can partake in celebrating with the Torah, the same way anyone can connect with God.”
Collectively, more than 80 people attended the services.
“(The turnout) exceeded my expectations by a mile,” Stern said. “This has been a true blessing to see and very encouraging.”
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Raynard Churchwell, Garrison chaplain, said the significant turnout showed the need to reestablish Jewish services on post.
“(Having many faiths represented) helps with the spiritual resiliency of all faith groups to have stronger service members, family members and civilians,” Churchwell said. “It also helps to strengthen us as a community.”
Stern traveled to three other installations before arriving at Fort Leavenworth to celebrate the other Jewish holidays including Rosh Hashanah in Fort Bliss, Texas; Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, in Fort Sill, Okla.; and Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
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