Rabbi Doniel Z. Kramer, Ph.D. Emunah in (LTC-ret), USAR; Board Certified Chaplain, Hudson Valley Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Difficult Times Rabbi Kramer is a retired Army Reserve chaplain, and has completed 40 years as a VA healthcare chaplain. Born in Philadelphia, he received his BA, MA and Ph.D. degrees and Rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University and RIETS. He has also been a synagogue/community rav, a college instructor and is a past National Director of the UJA Rabbinic Cabinet.

EMUNAH IN THE FACE OF TRAGEDY: A CHAPLAIN’S PERSPECTIVE

s a retired is responsible for ensuring that the the lives of such Jews is inestimable. and an active healthcare full social structure in civilian life “Kiruv” within the military setting by a chaplain, I was asked to — including religious guidance and chaplain (and family) can be especially writeA about “maintaining emunah in practice — is available to military effective. Practically all have the face of tragedy” from a chaplain’s personnel and their families, chaplains, stories about how they influenced the perspective. What is a chaplain? including Jewish clergy, are an integral religiosity of soldiers in a most positive Wikipedia defines chaplain as: “...a part of military life. In that context, sense. In times of war or even just cleric (such as a minister, priest, pastor, rabbis play a unique role. While many being assigned to a place of conflict, rabbi, or imam), or a lay representative Jews grew up in a Jewish milieu, with the presence, prayers and support of a of a religious tradition, attached to a family or Jewish institutions nearby, chaplain strengthens and restores faith secular institution such as a hospital, the number of Jews on any particular in times of fear and fright. prison, military unit, school, business, military base or ship or site can be The story of U.S. Navy Chaplain police department, fire department, very small. Contact with a Jewish Arnold Resnicoff is but one example university, or private chapel.” chaplain is therefore precious because of the challenges facing chaplains. Historically, the term “chaplain” was it gives a Jew the feeling that he or she While stationed with the Sixth generally used to refer to clergy in is not alone. The ability of a Jewish Fleet in , he was sent to Beirut, the military. Since the government chaplain to reach out and impact Lebanon, during the Lebanon Civil

9 Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • The Benjamin and Rose Berger CJF Torah To-Go Series • Tisha B’av 5778 War to lead a Friday Memorial Service faith and succor in the face of fear, repentance and restoration. for an American Jewish marine even if the title may have been Jeremiah beckons us to repent and who had been killed there by sniper different. Yirmiyahu — Jeremiah — avoid actions that are destructive fire. Rabbi Resnicoff was offered was the prophet who not only led the — either physically, morally or transportation back to his ship the lament of our People at the time of the ethically — and warns about their next day, but would not travel on destruction of the first Holy Temple severe consequences, and yet and stayed with the marines and the exile of the Jewish People offers some concluding words of in Beirut. On early Sunday morning, from the Holy Land, but he also — comfort. Even more than Oct. 23, 1983, the marine barracks chaplain-like — provided hope that Yeshayahu (Isaiah), whose chapters where he was staying was blown up by all was not lost. He composed Eichah of dire warning and chapters of an Islamic terrorist truck bomb, killing — Lamentations, but he also assured comfort are separate sections of 241 U.S. and 58 French peacekeepers. the Jewish People that they would his Biblical book, in Jeremiah, Chaplain Resnicoff survived the survive in the Exile and return to the these contradictory messages are bombing and assisted in the rescue Holy Land (e.g., Jer. 29: 4-14). complementary. of wounded marines. This was a If I have a patient whose living great Kiddush Hashem. When Rabbi standards could be injurious — such Resnicoff used his own kippah to wipe as an unhealthy lifestyle or substance the blood from an injured marine’s When Rabbi Resnicoff abuse — we would discuss their face, a fellow chaplain, a Catholic used his own kippah to negative impact and their harmful priest, tore off a piece of his own effects, and always hold out the camouflage uniform and fashioned wipe the blood from possibility of a lifestyle change for the a kippah for Rabbi Resnicoff to wear better. during his rescue efforts. an injured marine’s face, a fellow chaplain, One of the primary roles of the Chaplain Resnicoff survived, but prophets was to rebuke the nation for other chaplains made the ultimate a Catholic priest, tore their wrongdoings. When we think sacrifice, such as Rabbi Alexander off a piece of his own of “rebuke” we may think of fire and Goode, one of on the brimstone, but that is not what rebuke U.S.A.T. Dorchester army transport camouflage uniform and is about. Rebuke is about bringing ship that was torpedoed by the people closer to God. The Talmud Germans during World War II in the fashioned a kippah for (Arachin 16b) states that while fire North Atlantic. These four chaplains Rabbi Resnicoff to wear and brimstone may have worked in — a Jew, a Methodist, a Roman during his rescue efforts. previous generations, we aren’t adept Catholic and a Dutch Reformed — at providing this type of rebuke. each voluntarily gave up their life Indeed, Maimonides (Deiot 6:7) jackets so that other soldiers could states that rebuke is most effective be saved. As the ship was sinking, This reference to Jeremiah is especially when one speaks in a soft tone and the chaplains prayed while they went poignant during this Tisha B’Av explains to the listener that change down with the ship, their arms linked season when we read his book is in the best interest of the listener. together in their final moments of life, of “Lamentations.” Even his name This is not only an important tool for while the survivors in nearby rafts has been transformed into a chaplains, it is an important tool for were spiritually transformed as they sorrowful English word — jeremiad anyone who wants to help a friend or witnessed this heroic act of faith. (A — translated by Webster as “a family member change. monument was dedicated in Arlington prolonged lamentation or complaint.” Cemetery on Oct. 24, 2011, to In reality, Jeremiah has been my Verily, one of Jeremiah’s most startling memorialize 14 Jewish chaplains who chaplain model because each of teachings has practical halakhic died while on active military duty.) his calamitous predictions and applications. Jeremiah’s life was prophecies are followed by dedicated to convincing the Israelites Indeed, throughout Jewish history, to repent of their idol worship and Jewish leaders have provided such words that hold out hope for

10 Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • The Benjamin and Rose Berger CJF Torah To-Go Series • Tisha B’av 5778 sinful ways so that they could remain they do not know at all. Chaplains lead. It is really the chaplain’s presence in the Holy Land and not face exile. quickly bond with their frightened and heartfelt personal prayer — not Yet after the exile of the Jewish People and scared patients who are so in preaching — that are most cathartic. from the Holy Land, he didn’t resign need of their prayers, guidance In the sixth chapter of Avot, one of in failure, but instructed the Jews to: and company. The chaplain invites the 48 methods for acquiring Torah is to share their nosei b’ol im chaveiro, carrying some of שּו אֶת patient/family שְלֹום theהָעִיר וְדִרְאֲשֶר הִ גְלֵיתִי אֶתְ כֶ ם and the burden of one’s friend. In modern שָמָ ,feelings הוְהִתְ and heartfelt פַלְלּו honest בַעֲדָּהאֶל ה’ כִי בִשְלֹומָ ּה יִהְ יֶה encourages them to express their terms, this is called empathy, and it לָכֶם שָ לֹום. fears, concerns and hopes — be is a recognition that sometimes just Seek the welfare of the city where I have they from a spiritual, religious or being there for someone in a time of caused you to be carried away captive purely personal perspective — and need can be more therapeutic than and pray to the Lord for it, for with its the chaplain seeks to validate them. any words. This idea expresses itself in peace, you shall have peace. For religious questions, depending a halakha related to paying a shiva call. Jeremiah 29:7 upon the faith and observance level The visitors are not supposed to start This verse is the basis of the halakhic of the patient/family, the chaplain a conversation with the mourner, but teaching in Avot (3:2): may address theological concerns or rather should wait for the mourner discuss halakhic queries and try to to start the conversation (Yoreh הוי מתפלל בשלומה של מלכות, שאלמלא offer appropriate guidance for that De’ah 376:1). It is a recognition that מוראה, איש את רעהו חיים בלעו. Pray for the welfare of the government, patient. Often, this may be the first sometimes that mourner feels more for were it not for the fear of it, people occasion for these patients to fully comforted by the presence of visitors would swallow one another alive. confront intimate life and death issues. without having a conversation. Alas, many synagogues omit Sometimes it can be easier for people Using empathy, trained Jewish this prayer for the welfare of the to discuss such personal matters of chaplains can be especially impactful government — “Hanotain teshuah faith and belief objectively with a when they can visualize the Tzelem lamelachim” or a similar petition, healthcare chaplain than with their Elokim present in every person, and perhaps the sad result is a lack own rav or spiritual leader, who may and can truly be Mekadaish Shem of appreciation for our country. be too close to be able to step back Shamayim (sanctify God’s name) We should also be appreciative of and consider a broader perspective. when caringly assisting all people — our military service members and Usually a chaplain can discern that regardless of their religion or faith. their chaplains, who are following though a question or comment may Jeremiah’s commandment to seek to In Pirkei Avot 4:13, Rabbi Eliezer ben initially be couched in theological Yaakov teaches that if we perform even preserve the well-being of our country terminology, the patient is not as its peacekeepers! one mitzvah, “koneh lo praklit echad,” really looking for a philosophical or we acquire an angelic intercessor, As noted, Jeremiah is also a guide for religious treatise, but rather is seeking according to the Bartenura. The a representative of God who can be a chaplains in a hospital or healthcare Tiferet Yisrael commentary there setting. They are often called upon sacred presence merely by being there further elaborates and teaches that to caringly minister to sick and dying to listen to and walk with the patient through our good deeds and mitzvah patients and their families whom to wherever his or her feelings may observances, we can transform

See more shiurim on Yirmiyahu at www.yutorah.org/nach/yirmiyahu

11 Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • The Benjamin and Rose Berger CJF Torah To-Go Series • Tisha B’av 5778 ourselves to be like a Divine angelic doctor matter-of-factly announced: “I’ll faith, Grace truly believed that God finds being. I never realized the power have to call this vet’s wife and tell her a way to provide assistance when most of this teaching until the following that her husband died.” needed. With real faith in God, Grace true story occurred. It was my most I knew that the doctor would share that was sure that a Divine-ministering angel overpowering chaplaincy experience news in an impersonal, cold manner. had sent Shelley — who had not been to — seeking to instill “emunah in the I also knew that Grace, who was not her home for a week — to visit her that face of tragedy” — for Jews and well herself, was home alone, since I very morning in order to be there when Gentiles alike, and finding myself had called her after seeing her husband her presence was most needed. most humbled and overwhelmed in earlier that morning. I knew that it Grace kept on telling visitors, “An angel return. would be devastating and potentially of God miraculously sent Shelley to me Active members of my synagogue’s fatal to Grace if the doctor made this this morning.” Grace never found out Sisterhood met weekly in the home of call now. I told the doctor that Grace’s that I was that “angel of God.” One need not be a chaplain to be “an Grace, where she had a kiln, and they condition was such that she couldn’t take angel of God.” We all have the capacity enjoyed a ceramics-making class. Grace that call now alone. I asked him to give of love within us to emulate God — was a devoted church-going Catholic me an hour to try to reach a close friend Imitatio Dei. who appreciated religious commitment, of Grace’s to be with her at this time. Fortunately, Shelley was home, and l and she therefore especially enjoyed her Israelis are still exploring what the friendship with my Sisterhood members told her of Lester’s death (this was before best Hebrew translation of “chaplain” — because of their devotion to their HIPAA), and that the doctor would be should be. “Melave ruchani” — “a House of God. calling Grace soon with the news. Shelley spiritually guiding companion” is the Shelley, my Sisterhood president, lived immediately agreed to go over and visit preferred definition for many. Grace, which was not unusual for her. across the street from Grace, and their May we all be privileged to be angels families were good and close friends. During Shelley’s visit to Grace, the doctor called and gave Grace the news about of God, spiritually guiding with Grace and her husband Lester often Divine inspiration. supported Sisterhood fund-raising her husband’s death. Shelley was able projects to benefit my congregation, and to provide Grace with the emotional I am especially honored to dedicate I got to know them well. Lester was an support that she needed at the dreadful this Torah To-Go issue in memory army veteran, and he eventually was moment. of my dear parents: Rabbi Meyer (d. hospitalized in the nearby VA Hospital When I visited Grace later that 7 Tammuz) and Rose (d. 3 Tishrei) where I was the part-time Jewish afternoon in her home, still grief-stricken Kramer, a”h. They were angels of God chaplain. I therefore regularly visited and surrounded by family and friends, who inspired me and so many others Lester during my hospital rounds. including Shelley, Grace told us that “an to remember that we are all created Lester’s condition was failing, and one angel of God miraculously sent Shelley with the Image of God. Yehi zichram particular morning I visited him and to me this morning.” With her innate baruch. noticed how he had weakened. An hour later, an emergency code was announced over the hospital’s loudspeakers. I recognized the room number as being Lester’s. He had a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead by the time I entered the room. Lester’s doctor was assigned to this unit to minister to many elderly and fragile patients who often died in the hospital, and this doctor seemed to me to be somewhat emotionally distant from and unmoved by his patients’ conditions. The

12 Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • The Benjamin and Rose Berger CJF Torah To-Go Series • Tisha B’av 5778