By COLlive reporter
More than 100 Jewish military service members and their families joined the 15th Annual Military Conference and Shabbaton for five days of professional development, inspiration, and camaraderie at the Aleph Institute in Bal Harbour, Florida.
This year’s symposium addressed how the role of military chaplains is changing in response to recent global and nationwide events.
Participants were warmly welcomed by Aleph’s founder, Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar; Executive Director, Rabbi Aaron Lipskar; Chaplain Endorser, Rabbi Sanford Dresin (CH COL, USA Ret); and Chaplain, Major Rabbi Elie Estrin, Aleph’s Military Personnel Liaison.
“Aleph’s goal is to provide everything a Jew needs in his military service,” said Rabbi Estrin. “The purpose of the Symposium is to give our Jewish chaplains the most effective professional tools alongside spiritual support to accomplish this very special and important mission.”
The conference addressed relevant topics such as ethical dilemmas in battle and moral injury. Chaplains and Jewish lay leaders from all branches and ranks received mentorship from senior officers and discussed best practices of military life, particularly regarding Jewish observance.
“The annual Aleph military training event and Shabbaton allows for the opportunity to personally engage with so many brave, selfless, and dedicated men and women,” said Rabbi Aaron Lipskar. “It inspires, uplifts, and reaffirms our deep commitment and support of the US military chaplaincy in caring for the needs of Jewish military personnel and their families across the US and around the globe, ‘bringing the light of Torah to those that serve.’”
Everyone snapped to attention when two-star general Chaplain, Major General Randall Kitchens, Chief of Chaplains of the US Air Force, entered. He laid out his vision for the future of the Air Force chaplaincy, expressing great appreciation for the Jewish military community.
Participants also had the opportunity to hear from US Navy Chief of Chaplains, Rear Admiral Brent Scott, and Deputy Chief of Chaplains of the US Army, Brigadier General Andrew Harewood.
Another highlight was a presentation given by Captain Guy, IDF Naval Attache to the United States, followed by a heartfelt talk by the previous Deputy Chief of Staff of the IDF, two-star Major General Eyal Zamir. The Attache spoke about Israel’s recent defense challenges and the strategies being taken to address them, and General Zamir praised the US for acting as an ally to Israel.
The Aleph Institute committed to providing religious support for IDF soldiers training in the US, an offer gratefully accepted by General Zamir and Captain Guy.
Twelve cadets from the US Military Academy at West Point joined the Symposium on Friday, in a trip generously sponsored by the West Point Jewish Chapel Fund. The group enjoyed fascinating discussions on societal issues from a Jewish perspective and an introduction to traditional Jewish belief and observance. Several came away from the weekend with a gift of their very own pair of Tefillin from Aleph.
This year’s program also included break-out sessions for military spouses. Mrs. Bassy Pekar, whose husband Chaplain, Captain Levy Pekar is serving at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, said she was grateful that the conference provided a “unique opportunity to connect with fellow Jewish military spouses and share the camaraderie, joys, and challenges of living the military life.”
Following Friday night services, Chaplain, Maj Gen Kitchens served as the keynote speaker, while Shabbat services the next day included a thought-provoking talk given by former US Senator Joe Lieberman. Community members who joined the Shabbat services were thrilled to meet the service members and warmly welcomed them.
As the weekend drew to a close, participants were already discussing next year’s conference. As Navy Commander Chaplain Aaron Kleinman put it, “Great conference. Having been there for 13 of its 15 years, I can say it truly gets better every year.”
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Such vital work. Thank you Rabbi Estrin for organizing.