B”H
THE JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR “Bringing the Light of Torah to Those Who Serve”
Passover 5781 4 From the Grammys to the Navy 6 Pesach in Afghanistan 10 New Religious Accommodation Policy 12 The Loneliest Passover
Vol. II No. 4 Mar./Apr. 2021 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 1 PASSOVER CALENDAR 5781 DATE ACTIVITY TIME
March 25 Formal Search after sunset for Chometz . . .
March 27 Stop Eating Chometz... before approx. 10:00 a.m.
Destroy Chometz by flushing down toilet before approx. 11:00 a.m.
Light Yom Tov Candles. at or beyond approx. 54 minutes Say Blessings No. 2 & 3 . . . after sunset
Start the Seder. Eat at least 1 oz. of Matzah at or beyond approx. 54 minutes within 4 minutes . . . after sunset
March 28 Light Yom Tov Candles at or beyond approx. 54 minutes Say Blessing 2 and 3 . . . after sunset ** ^ Start the 2nd Seder. Eat the Matzah again . . .
March 29 Yom Tov ends after 54 minutes after sunset
Mar. 30 - Apr. 2 Chol Hamoed (Passover Intermediate Days) Light Shabbat/Yom Tov Candles * at 18 minutes before April 2 Say Blessing 1 sunset*
April 3 Light Yom Tov Candles ** / *** / ^ at or beyond approx. 54 minutes Say Blessing 2 after sunset
April 4 Yizkor (during morning prayers) Pesach Ends . . . after 54 minutes after sunset Wait at least 1 hour before eating Chometz to allow time for the Rabbi to buy it back for you.
** DoIf lighting NOT light after after sunset, sunset. light only from pre-existing flame. ** Do not light before the time indicated. *** One may light after the time indicated but only from a pre-existing flame. ^ Light ONLY from pre-existing flame. A pre-existing flame is a flame burning continuously since the onset of the festival, such as a pilot light, gas or candle flame.
CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSINGS ALWAYS All Blessings: Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olam . . . DOUBLE CHECK 1 and 2: A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel . . . YOUR LOCAL 1) Shabbos V’Shel Yom Tov CALENDAR FOR 2) Shel Yom Tov 3) She-heh-che-yoh-nu Vi-ki-ye-mo-nu Ve-he-ge-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh DATES AND TIMES 2 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR From the Desk of the Endorser
This edition of The Jewish Warrior is dedicated to the Festival of Passover. Passover is the most observed holy day of the Jewish people including Jewish military service members and their families. Surprisingly the Talmud teaches that with the coming of the Messiah all festivals with the exception of Purim wil fall by the wayside. What gives Purim it’s preeminence? The answer is to be found in the nature of Purim. Purim celebrates the defeat of the evil Haman and his cohorts who were committed to the destruction of our people in ancient Persia. Unlike the big bold miracles that occurred on Passover and leading up to Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, Purim’s miracles were not that apparent. The miracles were subtle, challenging human recognition.
Shortly after the Sinai experience the Jewish people worshiped a golden calf. In contrast it was on Purim that our people affirmed their eternal allegiance to HaShem and His Torah. It was on Purim that our people achieved a level of spiritual sensitivity, enabling them to perceive the involvement of HaShem in our daily lives unlike America’s founding fathers who for the most part were Deists, believing that following creation HaShem chose to absent Himself from life’s daily affairs.
The Talmud teaches of a strange enigmatic phenomena that at Sinai HaShem raised the mountain over the people and threatened to drop it on them if they chose not to accept the Torah. This episode teaches that bold miracles are not eternal and are not ingrained. On Purim the Jewish people ratified forever their acceptance of the Torah having developed “Spiritual antennas “ so to speak.
We live in an era where Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, yes and even chaplains serve in a climate where of late religion is playing less of a role. You who serve in uniform are challenged to develop your own “spiritual antennas “. We must appreciate that HaShem is watching us, caring for us and concerned about how we go about living our lives. Whether in or out of uniform, it is our duty to know and appreciate that HaShem is not only watching us, but watching over us.
Rabbi Sandy Dresin Director of Military Programs, Endorser The Aleph Institute
The Jewish-American Warrior Copyright © 2021 Opinions expressed in the Jewish- American Warrior do not necessarily Published bi-monthly by The Aleph Institute. reflect opinions or policies of The Aleph The Aleph Institute All rights reserved. Institute. Please direct all subscription 9540 Collins Avenue inquiries and address changes to: Surfside, Florida 33154 Editor in Chief: [email protected] Tel: (305) 864-5553 Rabbi Menachem M. Katz JEWISH-AMERICANFax: (305)WARRIOR 864-5675 Editor: JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 3 Internet: www.aleph-institute.org Rabbi Elie Estrin A Message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe The Fifth Son — The One Not (Yet) at the Seder
By the Grace of G-d his absence from the Seder It is the result of an erroneous 11th of Nissan, 5717 service; the one who has no psychology and misguided [April 12, 1957] interest whatsoever in Torah and policy on the part of some Brooklyn, N.Y. Mitzvoth, laws and customs; who immigrants arriving in a new and is not even aware of the Seder- strange environment. Finding Greeting and Blessing: Shel-Pesach, of the Exodus from themselves a small minority and Egypt and the subsequent e n c o u n t e r i n g c e r t a i n The Festival of Pesach is Revelation at Sinai. difficulties, which are largely inaugurated by the central unavoidable in all cases of theme: “When thy son will ask This presents a grave challenge, resettlement, some parents had thee,” and the Haggadah is which should command our the mistaken notion, which they based on the commandment of attention long before Passover injected also into their children, the Torah: “Then shalt thou tell and the Seder night. For no that the way to overcome these thy son.” Jewish child should be forgotten difficulties is to become quickly and given up. We must make assimilated with the new There are various ways of asking environment, by discarding the questions and formulating the Thousands upon heritage of their forefathers and answers, depending upon abandoning the Jewish way of whether the son belongs to the thousands of Jews have life. Finding the ensuing process category of the “Wise,” the been removed from their somewhat distasteful, as such a “Wicked,” the “Simple,” or “The fountain of life, from course is bound to be full of One Who Knows Not How to spiritual conflict, some parents Ask.” their fellow Jews and were resolved that their children from their true faith. would be spared the conflict While the “Four Sons” differ altogether. In order to justify from one another in their every effort to save also that their desertion and appease reaction to the Seder service, “lost” child, and bring the their injured conscience, it was they have one thing in common: absentee to the Seder table. necessary for them to devise they are all present at the Seder Determined to do so, and driven s o m e ra t i o n a l e, a n d t h ey service. Even the so-called by a deep sense of compassion d e l u d e d t h e m s e lve s , a n d “Wicked” son is there, taking an and responsibility, we need have deluded their children, by the active, though rebellious, no fear of failure. c l a i m t h a t i n t h e i r n e w interest in what is going on in surroundings the Jewish way of Jewish life around him. This, at I n o r d e r t o r e m e d y a n life, with the observance of the least, justifies the hope that undesirable situation of any Torah and Mitzvoth, did not fit. someday also the “Wicked” one kind, it is necessary to attack the They looked for, and therefore will become wise, and all Jewish roots of the evil. The same is true also “found,” faults with the true children attending the Seder will in this case. Jewish way of life, while in their become conscientious, Torah- n o n - J e w i s h e n v i r o n m e n t and-Mitzvoth-observing Jews. The regrettable truth is that the everything seemed to them only blame for the above-mentioned good and attractive. Unfortunately, there is, in our “lost generation” lies squarely time of confusion and obscurity, on the shoulders of the parents. By this attitude the said parents another kind of a Jewish child: hoped to assure their children’s the child who is conspicuous by existence and survival in the new
4 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR A Message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe environment. But what kind of not of that which goes under a existence is it, if everything The dire consequences of this false label of misrepresented, spiritual and holy is traded for utterly false approach were that compromised, or watered-down the material? What kind of thousands upon thousands of “Judaism,” whatever the survival is it, if it means the Jews have been removed from trademark. Together with this sacrifice of the Soul for the their fountain of life, from their appreciation will come the amenities of the body? fellow Jews and from their true realization that only true faith. Deprived of spiritual life Yiddishkeit can guarantee the Moreover, in their retreat from and content, there grew up existence of the individual, of Yiddishkeit, they turned what children who no longer belong to each and every Jew, at any time, they thought was an “escape to the “Four Sons” of the Haggadah, in any place, and under any freedom” into an escape to not even in the category of the circumstances. servitude, pathetically trying to “Wicked” one. They are almost a imitate the non-Jewish total loss to themselves and to There is no room for environment, failing to see that their fellow Jews and true hopelessness in Jewish life, and such imitation, by its caricature Yiddishkeit, which are no Jew should ever be given up and inferiority complex, can only inseparable. as a lost cause. Through the call forth mockery and derision, proper compassionate approach and can only offend the The event of the Exodus from of Ahavas Yisroel, even those of sensibilities of those whose Egypt and the Festival of the “lost” generation can be respect and acceptance they are Passover are timely reminders, brought back to the love of G-d so desperately trying to win. among other things, that not in (Ahavas HaShem) and love of the an attempt to imitate the Torah (Ahavas HaTorah), and not The same false approach to the environment lies the hope for only be included in the minority problem, whereby the survival, deliverance and community of the “Four Sons,” misguided minority seeks to freedom, but rather in the but in due course be elevated to ensure its existence by self- unswerving loyalty to our the rank of the “Wise” son. dissolution, which essentially traditions and true Jewish way of means suicide, or, at any rate, life. May G-d grant that all sons and self-crippling, has dominated daughters of Israel be gathered not only individuals, but Our ancestors in Egypt were a together at the same table of the unfortunately has been made small minority, and lived in the Seder service, to celebrate the the creed of certain groups most difficult circumstances. Festival of Passover in its true thrown together by a set of Yet, as our Sages relate, they spirit and manner, in accordance circumstances. This gave rise to preserved their identity and, with “the testimonies, statutes, certain dissident movements on with pride and dignity, and laws which G-d our G-d the Jewish scene, which either tenaciously clung to their way of commanded us.” openly or by subterfuge seek to life, traditions and distinct undermine the Torah which uniqueness; precisely in this way May the gathering also of those Moses commanded us, as he was their existence assured, as “lost tribes of Israel,” and their received it from the One G-d, and also their true deliverance from assembly at the Seder table, transmitted it to our people; the slavery, physical and spiritual. hasten the beginning of the true Divine Torah which gives our and complete Redemption of our people its unique and distinctive It is one of the vital tasks of our people, through our righteous character among the nations of time to exert all possible effort Moshiach, speedily in our time. the world. Verily, these to awaken in the young movements, while differing from generation, as also in those who With the blessing of a Kosher and each other, have one underlying are advanced in years but still Happy Pesach, ideology in common, that of “We i m m a t u r e i n d e e p e r will be as the nations, as the understanding, a fuller [Rabbi Menachem M. families of the countries, to appreciation of the true Jewish Schneerson] serve wood and stone.” (Ezekiel values, of Torah-true Yiddishkeit, 20:32) a full and genuine Yiddishkeit;
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 5 JAW had the opportunity to JD: We had a lot of music in know what I want to do with sit down over Zoom and talk our house. My dad used to play my life, but I’m going to play a lot of records, and my brother music. I’m going to play with Grammy nominated was a Deadhead who was into drums! ” You might say that it drummer MU1 Jonah David all sorts of avant garde music. hit me in the soul. (for non-Navy readers, that He had a drum set, but I don’t I started college as a biology rank translates as Petty remember him playing them at major, but I soon realized that I all. Personally, though, my first wasn’t really sold on becoming Officer First Class - experience with the drums was a doctor. One day I was talking Musician, or E-6); perhaps actually with one of those small to my uncle - a lawyer - about best known for his work with Casio keyboards. I remember my dilemma, and he asked me, Jewish reggae star Matisyahu. being four or five years old, “If you could have been a playing a very basic beat with professional musician but Jonah gave us a glimpse into the hi-hat sounds, again and didn’t, would you be able to live his musical and Navy careers, again. with yourself?” The very next as well as a dive into his day I went to the guidance vibrant Jewish soul. In middle school, I tried to get counselor and told him I was lessons, but it didn’t really work changing my major to music. out. In high school a friend MU1 David, thanks for showed me how to play a So to some degree, I had a late making time to speak with rudiment called a paradiddle, start, but I had the passion, and us! Give us a bit on your and I was hooked. I came home I stuck with it. musical background. and told my parents, “I don’t
6 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR When did you and Matisyahu have a spiritual connection. performances, projects, military start collaborating musically? That requires effort - even training, and there’s training for significant effort. For me, the training… Talk about meta: JD: During those college years, having a secular job in the US There’s a process teaching me I played a lot of jam sessions military, it’s extremely the process to teach the and with several bands. Over demanding. I try to get up, wash process! Between that and all time, I found myself playing a my hands, thank G-d that all my the other responsibilities: lot with bassist Josh Werner. systems are functioning, put on working out, the effort to stay Guitarist Aaron Dugan, who competitive in the rank was working with Matisyahu, structure, collateral duties, called Josh to ask him to taking care of uniforms... collaborate; and Josh, in There’s no shortage of turn, called me, and we things I can do to devote to started working together. the Navy. So it is a struggle Our work together to find spiritual balance, eventually became “Roots and I think that’s the Tonic”, Matisyahu’s backing message we can take from band. We played and toured that song. together for several years. I’m on 3 of his records - two After Grammy of which, Live at Stubb’s Vol. nominations, gold 1 and Youth, went gold - and albums and successful his live DVD. tours, what led you to enlist in the Navy? Going Matisyahu has a song from a successful career called “Warrior”, in which to Basic Training as an he sings, “You’re a enlisted sailor must have warrior, fightin’ for your been quite an experience soul.” I’ve always loved - although I’m sure you those lyrics. But now you had no problem yourself are a warrior, on marching in time. Tell us so many levels. Any about that. thoughts on that? What’s the message in this line JD: Everyone has a story for your fellow Jewish Tallit and Tefillin and say the of how they came to the American Warriors? first paragraph of the Shema, military. After I split up with and that’s all I get to do for the Matisyahu, there was a struggle JD: We’re all in our own whole day. I’ll listen to a Rabbi to figure out what to do next. I struggles. There’s this tendency praying Shacharit - morning was in LA, and even though I to become less spiritual in many service - as I’m grabbing my was starting to crack the music ways: whether that’s because of food and running out the door, scene there, with some gigs and our surroundings, because of because my first student is at 7 sessions, I didn’t have a way to science, or social media, or even AM, and my day is stacked after create a stable lifestyle. My wife just our physical experience on that. As an instructor in the was an officer in the Air Force, this earth. The whole aging Navy School of Music, I have so I tried to join the Air Force. I process is a worldly experience. to practice constantly to give won the audition, but they So we need to define the the students my all, there are didn’t like my tattoos. At that moments when we are going to point, I was pretty gung-ho so I
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 7 went to a Navy recruiter, and he of your lungs, and then, maybe like that any more!” was all smiles: “Tattoos? Come something else happens, on over!” They welcomed me laundry, medical, dental, Is there something to the with open arms. firearms and they’re having us drum that speaks to you as a Any second thoughts about run around again; lunch, and Jew? Its message? enlisting? then more yelling, more working out; dinner and more JD: It has a message that brings JD: Incredibly, I got a call from of the same. Often we would out the spirit. Drums have a lawyer representing a well- work out until lights out, and always been part of something known band just two weeks then we’re sweaty and gross. At sacred. Drummers are ancient before I shipped out. The band that point, most people would torch bearers, transmitting was signed to a major label and just pass out, but I’m like, “Hey information from one offered me a deal as a full - I’m 32 years old; I’m not civilization to another; or in the member, but I was already standing for this. I’m going to military, as signals for the line to DEP’d in, heading into the go take a shower!” load the guns and fire Navy. Besides, this offer would simultaneously. have entailed a lot of touring. Basic training isn’t fun. You do My experiences with the music learn some things: you learn to Truthfully, rhythm is industry weren’t great, so it pay attention to detail, to not be everywhere. Your heart is really did not promise the late, you get your first taste of beating. The clock is ticking. My stability I was craving. And to esprit de corp - what it means son, who was just on my be honest, I had already raised to build relationships with a shoulders, was swaying back my hand to swear to defend the group of people that are and forth in a certain rhythm. Constitution and that had a enduring the same experiences You hear the door close in one profound impact on me. together. They beat you down, place, and then close again and then they build you up someplace else - that makes two What was your experience again. But I will say this: it took sounds, and it technically like in basic training? me about 9 months for the brainwashing to JD: I kinda knew what to subside! It was several expect in Basic Training, but I months into our first thought it was going to be more duty station when my demanding. Instead it was kind wife - the Air Force of like high school gym, but all officer - sits down next day: from 8 AM to 6 PM. Get to me and says, up, get yelled at, run around, “Listen, I’ll do the do some push ups and squats, laundry. But I’m not sing Anchors Away at the top folding those t-shirts
8 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR defines a tempo. The idea of Let’s put it this way: if we speed getting to the end of a measure the torch bearer is to command up a 3 against 2 polyrhythm, it and starting the next measure. that rhythm and put it in will eventually reach two It’s a part of it all. Not to context. If I just hit my drum, it pitches, and create the musical mention all the melody that doesn’t mean anything. But in interval known as a perfect takes place in the Jewish the context of a reggae band, fifth. Think about that: in a way, experience: the melody of a it’s very different. There’s when you slow everything down service can tell you the time of something about the message and pay attention, you get day, the time of year, but that’s of being a rhythmic vehicle that rhythm. another conversation. touches people on a spiritual level. And I think that because What does that slowing down Talk a little bit about your we’re all tied into this rhythm mean? For us Jews, that might Navy Lay Leader experience.
JD: I loved it, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone, if you have the opportunity. It gives you leadership experience and provides you with the chance to make a difference.
We were stationed in Italy. The last active synagogue in Southern Italy is in Naples. Usually, we celebrated Shabbat with maybe one or two other families. But one year we did Pesach, and Rabbi Irv Elson from the JWB came out to conduct the seder, and we had 60 people in attendance! It was super meaningful, although organizing it was really intense. Between phone calls and dealing with logistics, I probably put in 70 hours of work during the week leading up to Rabbi Elson coming. It was crazy. of life, of nature, so we can all mean Shabbat. Or even simpler, But I got the chance to meet feel it. The other day I was it might mean to stop and the CO of the base, and I was playing a call and response with breathe real deeply and be still. eventually awarded the Military my students and we were all And from a metaphysical Outstanding Service Medal getting into it, and I told them, standpoint, Genesis talks of G- from that and a few other “If that doesn’t make you want d creating the world with breath volunteer experiences. to tap your toe or move your - I’d say that in its root, there’s head, you need to check your probably rhythm there. Every You have two children, and pulse.” There’s something about week we read a Torah portion, you’re trying to raise them to this connectivity. and then we rewind and start be Jewishly educated and again for Simchas Torah; it’s like
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 9 involved. What does that look challenge. like in your home? You wrote two books JD: My kids are learning to read on drumming. Tell us Hebrew via a website called a little bit about them. JewishInteractive.org, so we use a lot of their materials and JD: The first book is ideas. I try to say Shema with called “The Science of the kids every night. Also, we Time”, and it contains have rules for Shabbos. At the principles that I’m some point, they were doing teaching my junior jujitsu on Saturday, but I told Marines and Sailors the coach that I need my right now. It’s really Shabbos back… We try to keep about how to listen to it really simple, and it’s a music, and how to challenge not to do other predict, from a things, but we try our best. We drummer’s perspective, light candles on Friday night, what you’re going to and we’ll do kiddush for lunch. encounter as well as We also study together: there’s a some of other ideas like three volume set called “You Be syntax and timekeeping. (Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Judge” where the kids get to I find that a lot of younger the Modern Drummer). It has be a rabbi who makes decisions drummers are dealing with these iconic pages of on cases. You guys at Aleph internal metronomic issues - syncopation. I wanted to take sent us a great copy of Pirkei interdependence and such. And these ideas and explore them to Avot, so we study that together. if your rhythm is not strong, help drummers become more They read the Hebrew, and we you’re already a fish out of the musical. Some of it is pushing go through the explanations water. You can also have a great the boundaries within what you and anecdotes. We study sense of time, but not know can do drumistically. They’re a something from the weekly how to respond in a musical lot of fun. There are over a Torah portion - we get stuff situation. So that first book is a hundred variations I present, from chabad.org and other read. It’s mostly philosophical, and drummers can interpret websites - and maybe we’ll take along with some of my stories them to a great degree. I even a nap. And after Shabbos, we and experiences. I actually talk periodically take the book out do Havdallah… As we put the about spirituality, as well as myself and practice these candle out, and we’re singing synesthesia, and the attributes exercises. I will eventually get Eliyahu, sometimes that gets you need to “make it” in the around to putting them on me choked up... business, by being likeable and YouTube. easy to get along with, and all But being in the military and of these things very much apply Both of the books are available not being surrounded by a to the military. on my website, jonahdavid.com. community is a challenge. It’s not like I’m in the same The second book is called MU1 Jonah David, thank you location as my parents, and I go “Interpretations for Syncopation”. for your time, as well as the to the same synagogue as they That’s more of a niche book. incredible insight and do with my kids and they see There’s a book written by Ted perspective you’ve provided! their friends. Every three years Reed, and it’s one of the all- We wish you the best of luck we change locations. It’s a real time greatest drum books in your future endeavors!
10 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Pesach in Afghanistan
Colonel Bonnie Hartstein, MD, MBA, FACEP But after a few weeks went by and no email came Director, AMEDD Quality and Safety Center from the chaplain, it started to look like I would be Emergency Medicine Consultant to the Surgeon General my only congregant.
Soon the December holiday season was upon us, When I arrived in Afghanistan, my and while touring one of my fellow physician's aid first order of business was to find stations, I noticed a small Chanukiah under the the Shabbat services, as prayer and holiday tree display. I pointed to it and my friend, a Navy doctor, said “Oh, yeah. My medics made me ritual bring me comfort, especially put my menorah out too.” “Adam!” I exclaimed, when away. “You're a Jew!” And with that, the Camp My quest led me D w y e r J e w i s h t o t h e p o s t Community began chaplain. He to take shape. was a large man, a Navy officer Soon we found a few and Episcopal more Jewish service minister, and I m e m b e r s a n d remember two contractors. We things from the b e g a n t o m e e t encounter : I r e g u l a r l y f o r learned there S h a b b a t a n d were no services celebrated holidays a n d h e together. In a place i m m e d i a t e l y where fun was in appointed me the Jewish lay leader. He said that he short supply, our recalled meeting one Jewish service member in a events generated a lot of cross-cultural interest. unit on post and would email me the details once Many of my fellow medics came out for our he remembered. Chanukah party where the dining facility even made us latkes. We donned masquerade masks and I went back to the tent I shared with other women noshed on hamantashen and candy that a stateside from my unit and flipped open my computer. I congregation had sent us for Purim. ordered some books about Shabbat on Amazon, did a search for the weekly parshah (Torah Soon it was time to plan for Pesach. Our friends portion), took out my portable candlesticks, and from other faiths expressed interest in began to plan. I was ready to take on my new role. participating in a Passover seder, a first for many.
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 11 Pesach in Afghanistan
But leading a Passover seder seemed daunting to me. Setting the Passover table, no problem. There was a lot more to the responsibility of leading a seder, and it wasn't going to be solved by downloading a guide from Aish.com, my go-to resource for Shabbat.
My friend the chaplain let me know there was a senior rabbi coming from the States to lead a seder at Camp Leatherneck, and I was invited to attend. It was merely a short helicopter flight away, but how could I leave my community? I insisted that the rabbi should come to us, making my case with the hosting chaplain's office. Now we really had an event to plan. As our guests arrived, I gripped the black brick of The minister gave me a key to an old connex, on a the radio at my hip. We still didn't know if the hunch there might be Passover items inside. My rabbi would come. I ran my fingers over the front newly-assembled planning team set out on an of the haggadah, my mouth dry. Suddenly, ten expedition to discover our treasure: a large cache more Marines came in, stacking their rifles up of US Military issued unopened Passover kits against the canvas side of the hangar. We needed from years past. They were dusty but still more seder plates! Our skilled team arranged two functional. We excavated boxes of haggadahs, more seder plates and dressed another table with colorful tin seder plates, beautifully embroidered the white embossed cloths. Just then, my radio matzah covers preserved perfectly in plastic, and crackled to life—the rabbi was on his way! even found freeze-dried shank bones! We dispatched an ambulance to the flight line and We distributed posters and fliers inviting others to soon, in walked a distinguished-looking Navy join us to celebrate, and the response emails captain, his lapel bearing the tablets and lions flooded in as the day neared. I secured an empty emblematic of the Jewish chaplain. I introduced hangar, and the non-commissioned officers from myself and we exchanged warm greetings. He was the hospital brought us tables and chairs as the Rabbi Irv Elson, who now serves as the Endorser medics set up the seder plates. Each one featured of the JWB. I settled down in my seat, and as he an egg, matzah, horseradish and, of course, a began to explain the traditions and sing the shank bone fit for an astronaut. A shipment from prayers, I was filled with the familiar loving glow my mother-in-law brought miles of tablecloths that comes from the beauty of our traditions. and we soon transformed the sterile cavernous space into a Passover palace. I have prepared many a seder table since then, watching my youngest learn and perfect the Four Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating. I Questions, as she is also the youngest cousin. Each looked up into the gray skies and felt a raindrop hit year, as Passover brings together the people I love my face. I called the Leatherneck chaplain's office most, I am always reminded of my seder at Camp with trepidation. Indeed, all flights were Dwyer. When the time comes to symbolically suspended. We had only a few hours left—would open the door for Elijah, I flashback to the Navy the storm blow over? The rabbi got on the phone. rabbi, who sauntered in on a dark rainy night, as I pleaded with him, saying that we had over 60 welcomed and amazing as Elijah himself. people assembling for the seder. He said he would do everything he could to make it.
12 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Jews in American Military History: Jews in the War of 1812 By Command Sergeant Major Samuel Yudin California Army National Guard & Jewish American Military Historical Society President
The War of 1812 receives short shrift in comparison businessman in Baltimore, and was certified in the to our nation’s other engagements in education laws of kosher slaughter. During the War of 1812 he curriculum and in our collective memories. It is an was instrumental in the defense of Baltimore. His interesting war because in it, the sons of the son Samuel was wounded at the battle at Fort revolutionaries took up arms against the same McHenry, and he might have been there himself as enemy. In fact, it might be thought of as the sequel to well, as apparently he provided kosher food for the the American Revolution. And just like the American Jewish defenders. Etting would later take a leading Revolution, it is rich in Jewish patriot involvement. role in the Committee of Viligance and Safety, and was involved in the effort to organize hospitals for Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy those wounded in the war. is by far the most known Jewish American in service during the Chief among the defenders were War of 1812. We reviewed his brothers Phillip I. and Mendes I. fascinating history in Jewish- Cohen (pictured here), nephews of American Warrior, Vol. 1. No. 1. Jacob I. Cohen, who fought in the Revolutionary War in South Besides him, there were many Carolina. The book “The Jewish others - both famous and less Legion of Valor” lists their father known. Samson Simpson, one of Israel I. Cohen, and their brother the founders of Mt. Sinai Hospital Jacob, as a defender as well. They in New York, served as a Captain. served in the volunteer unit Samuel Noah, an 1807 graduate of “Nicholson’s Artillery Fencibles”, West Point, was a First Lieutenant under the command of Capt. who resigned his commission in Joseph H. Nicholson, Chief Judge 1811. Once war was declared, of Baltimore County. One of the Simpson rejoined as a private and stories of heroic service which served in the defense of Brooklyn through the end survives is that of this family. When the British of the war. One of the most prominent and highest bombardment commenced, Phillip Cohen was a few ranking Jews was Colonel Nathan Myers. feet away and conversing with one of the first two out of four total casualties. Miraculously, he was not On September 13, 1814, the British detained Francis injured. Meanwhile, Mendes Cohen heeded Major Scott Key aboard the HMS Tonnant while George Armistead’s call for the dangerous duty to negotiating the release of prisoners. He famously remove the powder kegs from the storage room, observed the bombardment of Fort McHenry when it was hit by a British shell. Luckily, it did not during the Battle of Baltimore, which led to him explode. Much later, he recalled reading Key’s poem penning the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry", later with his comrades, while “amusing themselves by to become the Star-Spangled Banner. What is not so trying to find a tune for it.” Mendes Cohen would famous is the story of the Jewish defenders of Fort eventually reach the rank of Colonel. Later, Phillip McHenry who ensured “through the perilous fight and Mendes would be involved in many historic …that our flag was still there.” In total, there were at events, including the petition for and the passing of least eight but perhaps as many as forty-three Jewish Maryland’s “Jew Bill”, allowing Jews to serve in state defenders at Fort McHenry . office. While Solomon Etting had originally introduced the measure in 1797, it eventually passed Solomon Etting (pictured here) was a prominent in 1826.
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 13 Jews in American Military History:
Many others served with distinction, included Captain Mordecai Myers of the 13th US Infantry, who bravely saved lives and property at Sacketts Harbor. Captain Myers had been sent by General John Parker Boyd to Sacketts Harbor, where two boats loaded with more than 250 men and military supplies were wrecked. When he arrived to rescue them, he found the two boats were fast filling up with water, the sails were flapping aimlessly in the wind, and many of the men were drunk from partaking freely of the liquor from the hospital stores. There was complete chaos among the crew. Exercising great energy and skill while risking his own life, Myers and his men rescued more than 200 men and saved what was left of the military supplies. However, fifty men lost their lives by drowning. Myers also distinguished himself in a number of engagements during the Canadian campaign. During in the War of 1812. You can find a roster of names one of these engagements at Chrysler's Farm, he was we have unearthed on our website, seriously wounded. He recovered from his wounds www.JewishMilitary.com. and became involved in politics in New York City. He was elected to the New York State Assembly and For more great stories and information about Jewish American then decided to move to Schenectady, where he Military History please visit the Jewish American Military became the city's first Jewish mayor. Historical Society website at jewishmilitary.com. Dozens of other Jews, known and unknown, fought
14 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR New Policy of Religious Accommodation in the Military The End of Bias Against Religious Service Members LTC Arthur C. Zeidman (USAR, Ret)
The culmination of years of movement to g r e a t e r accommodation of religious belief by uniformed members of the United States military services has finally reached critical m a s s , e f f e c t i v e September 1, 2020. DoD Instruction 1300.17, “Religious Liberty in the Military Services” superseded the February 10, 2009 “Accommodation of Religious Practices Within the Military Services” version of the same regulation, and everything herein came be exceptions. Rabbi Goldman was a Navy chaplain understood by looking at the title of the reg, before from 1970 to 1972 and wore a yarmulke on active 2020 and effective 2020. Religious expression has duty without incident. He then attended the changed from a reluctant accommodation to a graduate school and obtained a Ph.D in clinical celebrated liberty. That simple change, psychology, and returned to active duty with the Air acknowledging and celebrating practices as a Force as a psychologist. For several years, his wearing wholesome liberty versus an accommodated of a yarmulke was either overlooked or tolerated until practice, shows that the legacy of Goldman v. he testified on behalf of an airman in a court-martial. Weinberger, 475 U.S. 503 (1986) was finally The trial counsel (prosecutor) notified Dr. repudiated. Goldman's commander, who ordered Goldman to stop wearing the kippah. When he refused, Goldman Rabbi Simcha Goldman was an orthodox rabbi, and a received a letter of reprimand, and sued the reserve Air Force officer who worked as a Department of Defense. The case ended up in the psychologist for the Air Force when active. For many U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled against Goldman, years he wore a yarmulke and no one objected. citing “military necessity” among its reasons to However, in one case, he testified against a uphold the Air Force (and by analogy), Army, Navy prosecutor's position in a criminal trial, and the and Coast Guard regulations prohibiting beards as prosecutor pressed court-martial charges against part of the grooming standards. Goldman for, inter alia, violating Air Force uniform regulations (AFR 35-10), which prohibited the wear Congress responded to the Goldman case in the 1988 of headgear from a uniform indoors with a few National Defense Authorization Act, allowing wear of modest religious gear while in uniform. However,
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 15 New Policy of Religious Accommodation in the Military
this was a uniform statute, and did not automatically lowest levels unless larger policies are apply to other religious practices. Typical service affected. regulations included Army Regulation 670-1, which allowed the wear of religious laundry and headgear. What is the current status of religious practice in the However, other requests for “accommodation” of military? religious practices required high command authority, and the requests weren't always granted. It is generally allowed, unless a contrary policy, Common reasons for non-accommodation national or combat security or safety is involved. included military efficiency and training and Service members may not require a chaplain to sensitivity to hostile policies of host nations. For perform at a ceremony which violates his beliefs. example, Jewish military chaplains stationed in Usual practices should be accommodated. This Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm (1991) were includes Shabbos observance, kashrus, yarmulkes, ordered to remove religious branch insignia, avoid tzitzis and beards. It includes excusal from celebrating public mass, and were to call themselves conflicting duties (such as work on Shabbos in “morale officers,” rather than chaplains. These peacetime). Unless approved at a low level, efforts were largely ignored, and Jewish chaplains requestors can get a quick response. The default served with distinction, wore their “Ten position is that approvals will be freely given. Commandments” insignia, held religious services and obtained kosher food. Some groups have opposed these accommodations, alleging that they cross a “wall of Over time, given pressure from numerous separation between “church” and “state.” Despite denominations, especially Chabad affiliate Aleph its popular belief, there is no “wall” between church Institute, and with advocacy by Sikh service and state. The First Amendment begins: members and with the support of Christian Congress shall make no law respecting an fundamentalists, greater freedom gradually evolved establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free until all services were allowing greater access to exercise thereof…. religious practice. After the Navy signed on in early That is the entire language. No wall of separation, 2019, the Department of Defense standardized no prohibition of religious expression. military religious accommodation by substantially enumerating service members' rights to religious While some groups advocate against any religious practice. The nightmare is over for those who seek expression in the military expressing fears about to serve forces of good in heaven and here on earth. proselytizing and coercion to religious observance, the current administration has now taken steps to The Army and Air Force started to change the make official that religious practices are to be dynamic around 2017, opening doors for greater respected, and approved where possible. allowance for religious practice, and this benefitted observant Jews, Sikhs and Christians. Finally, in Some practical notes for soldiers, sailors, airmen March 2020, the Navy also caught up, and on and marines: Request accommodations early for September 1, 2020, DoD effectuated Instruction things like Sabbath duty exceptions, Jewish holiday 1300.17, requiring: observances, kosher, yarmulkes and beards. 1. Bias in favor of allowing religious Expect to be treated respectfully, but if not, observance remember the possibility that courts may intervene 2. Narrow exceptions based on military on your behalf. necessity, civilian law or public or personal safety. 3. Quick decisions on accommodations at
16 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Brotherhood in the Marine Corps An interview with LCpl Yaakov Grossman, USMC
Tell me a little about your I’ve wanted to have an EGA family - it’s a pretty diverse (Eagle, Globe and Anchor) on and were placed in the same one, from what I understand. my chest. platoon. Our command quickly noticed Mendel’s leadership My parents don’t come from a You joined with a close friend, abilities, and when a squad leader religious background, but came correct? How did that was fired, they gave him the job. to Judaism through Chabad. I’m happen? He was promoted to PFC right smack in middle of 9 siblings, out of Boot Camp. who are spread across the US About three years ago, I was doing a wide variety of things: I working as a manager in a store in What was the point when you have one brother who’s basically NYC, and I realized that I was thought, “I’m now a US the Chief Rabbi of North about to be too old to enlist in the Marine…”? Dakota, and a younger brother currently in BMT in Lackland Already in Boot Camp, I AFB. In fact, my Dad became a looked down and thought, Civil Air Patrol chaplain “I'm wearing these cammies - because of that brother, Laivi. I oh boy!” In the Marines, we convinced Laivi to join CAP, don’t get name tapes until you and after driving him to pass certain objectives. And meetings, my Dad became so when my name was put on, intrigued by it as well, and it was like, “Wow - now my eventually decided to join name’s on it too!” But the real himself. Now my father, culmination is at the end of Chaplain, Captain Dovid the Crucible, watching Grossman, is CAP’s Diversity sunrise from on top of the Officer for the MidWest Reaper, having the EGA Region. Laivi did extremely handed to you by your drill well in CAP; in fact, he received instructor - that’s the the Spaatz Award, CAP’s moment! highest cadet honor, and graduated Basic Training as an Honor Graduate. Did you have any uniquely Jewish experiences in Boot Marines, so I quit my job and Camp? Why did you join the Marines? moved back to Chicago to get the proper credentials to enlist. On Actually, several very special I grew up Orthodox, and my drive back home, I called my experiences. In Boot Camp, at Judaism has a lot of rules. At closest friend, Mendel the end of every day, we were some point as a teenager, I was Goldbloom. I said, “Hey, I’ve got given time to have a prayer circle. reading “Marine Sniper”, the an idea. How about we join the The Protestants, Catholics, and biography of the legendary Marines together?” Without LDS all had their own circles. So GySgt Carlos Hathcock, and I blinking an eye, he said, “Ok! one night, I turned to Mendel, noticed that the Marines also had Let’s do it!” That was the who was in the rack next to me, a devotion to discipline and beginning of a special journey. and said, “Mendel, let’s go make what’s right. And ever since then, We entered Boot Camp together, our own prayer circle!” He
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 17 Brotherhood in the Marine Corps
agreed, and we went out and said books. It was really nice to get Shema together. The next day, those prayer books, because some of the other guys came we began to have services over to us and said, “That was Friday night. And because really funny - you made your own Aleph had reached out to the prayer circle in a fake language!” chaplain and told him of the We said, “No, that’s Hebrew, and importance of the seders, the that was a real prayer!” The next chaplain worked with night, another Jew in our platoon command to allow us to run a joined us. Later, we convinced seder in the chapel by some others who didn’t have a ourselves! The first night of specific religion to join us, and Passover we had six recruits we started to say Shema in from across the depot, and the English for their benefit. second night, it was just three of us from my platoon. It was At some point, some of the very memorable, something people that were in the other that most others that go religious circles started using the through Marine Boot Camp time blaming each other for the don’t get to experience: eating day’s failures, instead of praying. chocolate matzah and eating So several more people asked to jelly candies by ourselves! join us. We started a new custom - we’d go around the circle, and Later, we moved up north for and it forged our friendship even ask, “What in today’s experience LandNav, rifle qualifications, and deeper. It was amazing to have were you grateful for?” Of the Crucible. During that time, the Goldbloom and the course, in Boot Camp, there isn’t we were told that we would only Grossman families celebrating much to be grateful for, but it was be eating MREs. When we were together at our graduation. After an excellent exercise in morale. collecting our gear from the graduation we spent time Some days, Mendel would take supply depot, I noticed that there together on leave, and then we the book GPS for the Soul, was a pallet of Kosher for were split from each other to go which we’d received in package Passover MREs sitting there. I our own paths, since we had from Aleph and had been asked the supply guy what they different MOS’s. He went allowed to keep with our were for, and he just mumbled infantry, and I went to Combat personal belongings, and read a something incoherent to me. I Training (MCT) before going to few lines out loud. Later, one of told the Drill Sergeant about intel school. At MCT, I got the our regular participants was them, and he pulled some strings opportunity to spend a bit more confined to quarters, so he wasn’t and arranged that we’d be able to time with him. At some point I allowed to leave his rack to join have those kosher MREs for passed him while he was in our circle. So we moved our ourselves. middle of some infantry training, circle to him, and we read a and we waved frantically at each chapter of Psalms in English for So you and PFC Goldbloom other until his instructor told him. He was moved to tears. b u i l t u p q u i t e t h e him to shut up and focus on the brotherhood... exercise. After MCT, I went for During this time, Passover was follow on training in Texas. Two coming up, and our chaplain Yes. As monumental as the months later, Mendel finished received Aleph’s holiday care Crucible is for most Marines, it his training, and was stationed at package, which included the was even more meaningful to Twenty Nine Palms with the 3rd seder foods, as well as prayer complete it with my best friend, Corps Marines.
18 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Brotherhood in the Marine Corps
We kept in contact: he’d tell me What a loss! May his abut the rough life in the infantry, memory always be blessed... and I’d share with him my sitting- in-front-of-the-computer You became the Jewish Lay experiences of the POG Leader at Goodfellow AFB. (Personnel-Other-than-Grunt) Tell us a little about how that life, living it up with the Airmen happened. at Goodfellow AFB. While I was at Goodfellow, I On the eighth day of Sukkot, I bumped into some Jewish had a regular day of training and Airmen. After talking with learn more and be as much asset was on my way to formation them, I asked them if they to the USMC as I’m able. I’m just when I received the call that my wanted to put on Tefillin. They trying to absorb as much close friend, PFC Menachem got very excited, and we put on knowledge as I can, and pass it on Goldbloom (may G-d avenge his Tefillin together. The High to the Marines junior to me. death) was killed by a drunk Holidays were approaching, and driver in a car accident. My now that I knew there were other If there was one thing want to command was very generous and Jews who wanted to celebrate tell your fellow Enlisted, what gave me RA, and I was able to them as well, I realized that I would that be? come home and be a pallbearer needed to step up a little bit. My for his funeral and sit shiva with parents sent me care packages Get to know your chaplains - his family. and make sure that I have they’re awesome. Look, there’s everything I need for myself, but still a stigma in the military about Mendel was an individual who I didn’t have anything for mental health, but for me, going cared about others, no matter everyone else. So I reached out to to a chaplain was more beneficial who they were or how long he Aleph and other groups, and than anything mental health k n e w t h e m . H e w o u l d everything was completely taken could have done for me. There oftentimes go out of his way to care of: Aleph also gave me a Lay are chaplains who are willing to help people to have a better Leader approval letter so the help you for anything. It doesn’t moment and a better day. It was base would allow me to run matter what religion you are or amazing to see him to see him holiday services, and supplied me they area - if you let them know transform into a leader as a with a Sukkah, my brother that you need help, they’ll do Marine... I really admired the way Yonah from North Dakota sent everything they can to help you. he was always looking out for me a lulav and etrog, and CH Also, getting to know your other Marines under him - David Becker from the CA chaplains doesn’t force you to be whether by singing and making ARNG sent me a phenomenal more religious. It helps you to be people laugh during a miserable spread of food. It was a better Marine, Soldier, Airman hike, or whatever. Caring is the wonderful: soldiers, marines and or Sailor by helping your spiritual best way to lead, and he airmen all celebrating the health. understood that better than a lot holidays together in middle of of people I know. I’d love for the Texas! reader of this article to learn from my friend: even if you’re What do you see in your future not having the greatest day, turn in the Marines? around and help another person, in memory of PFC Mendel Currently I’m at Camp Goldbloom. Pendleton, learning more about what my job entails, and trying to
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 19 THE LONELIEST PASSOVER Although my deployment was a twenty-man team at Kandahar Airfield, Sergeant E and I were on a separate mission away from our platoon. We were at FOB Lightning, an American base originally built in 2006 for 500 soldiers. It was located at the corner of the Afghan National Army’s Camp Thunder, home to 4,000 Afghan soldiers. Post- drawdown, FOB Lightning was almost completely deserted. My base was near Gardez, a town of 70,000 mostly Pashtun people, and very close to the Pakistan border. Outside the town one could see observation posts that Alexander the Great had built thousands of years earlier. Stunted juniper trees dotted the landscape. I was at the western Yosef Lobl, Staff Sergeant, US Army edge of the Himalayas, completely surrounded by the Hindu Kush, a 500-mile snow-covered My name is Yosef Lobl. I am an Active mountain range stretching through Afghanistan, Duty Staff Sergeant in the United States Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Army stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. I grew up in an Orthodox home in Chicago Sergeant E and I shared our CHU (Containerized alongside my two older brothers. As a child Housing Unit) with a pair of Afghan interpreters. I attended a Yiddish-speaking cheder, a The CHU had been protected with a series of school that focuses primarily on Jewish Hesco barriers and bursting sandbags. All day and subjects. By 2016, I had done one tour in night, the generators powering the heaters roared Afghanistan, competed in the Best Warrior and the smell of fuel seeped into every item of Competition at the division level, and clothing. Helicopters came and went in pairs. Dust received the German Armed Forces filled the air. Proficiency Badge. By June of 2021, I will have devoted ten years to the Army. A small group of shipping containers served as an improvised shopping mall: a miniature Kmart with Because I was a reservist for the first four years of knock-off products, a Blockbuster with pirated my service, I was able to go home for the Passover films. Hesco barriers and razor wire full of seder. In Afghanistan, in 2014, I didn’t think it shredded plastic divided FOB Lightning from this would be too different from any other year, bazaar, an Afghan village, and Camp Thunder, the especially after calling Kosher Troops in Monsey, much larger ANA camp. FOB Lightning was a tiny, New York and asking them to send me their Seder almost empty base surrounded by an Afghan in a Box. Sixty-two miles north, at Bagram Air population that was very antagonistic toward the Field, I knew there was a Jewish chaplain and heard American military presence. The only way to that he was going to make a seder. My sergeant got protect ourselves from rocket attacks was to call in approval for my attendance and a UH-60 air support from Bagram Air Field, and wait for the Blackhawk helicopter was arranged to transport me F18s as the rockets got closer and closer. Once to Bagram at night. I thought it would be amazing Sergeant E and I left, there would be very few to share the seder with fellow Jewish troops. Americans on FOB Lightning. Knowing the precariousness of the situation, I was stunned when, a day before Passover, I found out
20 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR THE LONELIEST PASSOVER that we were tagged for a mission the day after the seder and I would not make it back from Bagram in time. I quickly realized I couldn’t go to the seder. Kosher Troops had sent me what I needed and my mother had sent the haggadah I have used every year since I was a child. Sergeant E asked if I wanted company during the seder, to which I replied, “I think this time it will just be me and G- d.”
I began thinking about my family seder: the huge meal, the guests, the zemirot (traditional songs), and a much younger me standing on a chair singing mountain so far from everything and everyone I the Mah Nishtana (Four Questions) at the top of know? my lungs. I pictured my mother smiling, my father blessing me, and my two brothers joking and I began to sing the prayer that comes right after laughing, trying to rush through the seder. I looked the Four Questions, Avodim Hayinu, “We were around at the field of gray stones, the featureless slaves.” As I did, I had a wordless conversation CHUs, and the ring of mountains. In the distance, with G-d about the meaning of isolation and I could hear a pair of helicopters coming up the connection, war and peace, my home in Chicago valley. This forthcoming seder night would and this desolate mountain in Afghanistan. To be certainly be different than all other seder nights. so far from home, G-d, my people, and tradition, yet feel so close. To be so close to a Jewish So there I was, on the first night of Passover, up observance, to hold my own childhood haggadah on a mountaintop in the middle of nowhere, in in my hands, yet feel so far. Why, on this night, did absolute darkness due to the blackout rules. I read the seder and my part in it feel both so uplifting the haggadah out loud under the light of the and also so terribly, unbearably heartbreaking? moon, alone. There were no zemirot. There were no candles. No crisp white tablecloths. No guests This night, this moment, I knew, was holy. or fancy foods. No mother. No father. No family. No friends. Not even another Jew. I sat on a low This year I will be celebrating the seder in my lawn chair without a back, my seder plate perched beautiful home in Chicago, high above the city, in a on a rock in front of me. I felt full of memories of sea of twinkling lights. Due to Covid restrictions, I home, but so far away, physically and emotionally. may once again be celebrating a lonely Passover It was especially painful thinking of the small seder away from family and friends. But I will group of Jews just sixty miles north in Bagram, always remember that night in the Hindu Kush and getting together for their seder. the sense I had then, that even utterly alone, I was connected to everything the Jewish people have I looked up at the moon. I looked at the deep blue endured. I will be able to fully relive those night sky, the stars, the incredible mountains just moments of real spirituality I experienced in barely visible, and I felt unbelievably alone. I began Afghanistan, this year and every year to come. to say the Mah Nishtana, the Four Questions, starting with “Why is this night different than all Next year in Jerusalem. other nights?” and was overcome by emotion. What is actually happening here? Why does a Jew make a seder? Why was I remembering the Jewish escape from slavery in Egypt on an Afghan
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 21 TRIBUTE TO THE DEPARTED SOLDIER
Rabbi Sholom Estrin associated with mourning the loss of a loved one, Staff Chaplain at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital which ranges from the classic solemn convoy of cars escorting a hearse to the full-throated jazz funerals of New Orleans. But if there is one thing “David, the King of Israel, lives and endures” that is done the same across this country—no (Rosh Hashanah 25a). matter the age, ethnicity, or religion—it is the military honor given to our veterans. Whenever I These words from the Talmud kept coming to me as see this sacred tradition by the honored guard which I sat in prayer asking G-d to guide me in finding the includes the flag presentation to the next of kin, the right message to deliver to grieving military families playing of taps and the three-volley solute, it on Memorial Day 2016. Each time I rejected the reminds me of General Douglass MacArthur's thought, doubling down on my prayers and famous farewell address. I have always been contemplation, yet I was left only with the above somewhat mystified by the cliché that “old soldiers words from this popular song taught to young never die, they just fade away,” thinking that it must Jewish children. Rather than questioning G-d's be a romantic idea akin to Norse funerals for their guidance, I felt compelled to relay the following Viking chieftains, the boats aflame and floating words of comfort during my chaplaincy fellowship, away into the abyss. supporting veteran soldiers receiving treatment at the VA medical center in Atlanta, Georgia. I share it As I pondered the above statement about King now as this message continues to hold as much David, I found new meaning and depth to those relevance today as it did then. very lyrics. When one thinks of Biblical characters, the idea of a warrior is generally associated with We are all familiar with the different rituals
22 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR TRIBUTE TO THE DEPARTED SOLDIER
David. We are first introduced to him as a young On Memorial Day we gather to pay tribute to shepherd boy who slew the giant Goliath. After members of our community who have recently King Saul appointed him to lead a battalion, David's passed. Though we do not commemorate the lives soldiers outperformed Saul's own men, igniting a of each person separately, to the grieving families I jealous rage in the king. Even after all of Israel offer my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. Your accepted David's reign, he still wasn't safe as his loved one was a beloved husband, father, own son plotted to overthrow him. The days of grandfather, brother, or uncle. To me—and my David's rule are remembered primarily for the colleagues—your loved one was not just a patient battles he fought. This evokes the image of an old but also a friend, someone we looked forward to warrior hardened by years of beating the odds and seeing at work. I speak for my fellow chaplains when overcoming all obstacles. I say that we feel honored to have been part of their lives, trusted to provide spiritual guidance and care. On the other hand, when one thinks of David's legacy, one is reminded of the long line of Biblical To each family member, we thank you. We know kings stemming from his dynasty, and that he was a how the effects of war linger long after active duty brilliant lyricist and musician who wrote some of ends, which is something you lived with and the most beautiful poetry in the form of struggled through alongside your warrior as you Psalms—not something one would expect from a provided support and encouragement. lifelong soldier. And yet it is David that we proclaim still lives and endures. True, the Bible never said that Due to the nature of the Memorial Day service, he passed away, rather “he returned to his fathers,” these gatherings often include those who did not but that is not the reason for the statement that have the privilege to know many of the individuals David endures: It comes from Psalm 61. From there honored. But they come to pay their respects and we learn of David the shepherd as he stood ready to recognize the courageous participation in the defend his flock. Anguished over the thought of his services, for if not for these soldiers' commitment mortality, he wondered who will be there to protect to our country it would not be possible to enjoy the his subjects. In what he deemed as the next-best freedoms we sometimes take for granted. option, David asked G-d that his struggles should not be in vain nor his efforts short lived, and So it is not only from a sense of duty that we need to pleaded for G-d's promise that everything he fought hold a memorial, nor is it simply the soldiers' valor for will endure. Three thousand years later, David's that we praise. Rather we come together to comfort name still invokes strong emotions, his message each other and lift our spirits, for we are all in inspires, and the words he wrote continue to soothe mourning. In truth we are a family, and we join the many anxious souls. Yes, David, your presence is veterans' families in their sadness, for with their very much alive and well among the living. heartbreaking loss we too have lost one of our own.
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 23 Mil-Spouse: Thank You... You Know the Rest.
Mrs. Mishi Harari, Fort Riley, KS
I often hear the expression “thank you for your service,” although I never really thought too deeply about what the word “service” meant. It hit me tonight as I was driving up our cute little street on post, driveways cluttered with cars, front yards strewn about with bikes and scooters, that the people who live here aren’t just people. They aren’t just neighbors who’s kids go to the same schools, who shop at the same stores, who share coffee dates and front yard picnics. These aren’t just people who give their lives for their country. They are husbands, wives and children who give every part of themselves to this country, to their fellow soldiers and to their families. They are devoted, they are purposeful, they serve and support with love and humility. They lead and they encourage. They possess values that run deeply through their family’s everyday lives. They are selfless. They are courageous. Not just because they are soldiers. And not just because they are spouses and children of soldiers. They are courageous because they believe that what they do serves a higher purpose, higher than what most people are even aware of. Many of them have been down difficult roads, just as their neighbors to their right and left, soldiers and their families alike. And down those difficult roads, on their journeys through moves, births, joy and sorrow, pain and grief, they have been there for each other in ways that most would never understand.
And tonight, when I drove home, as I passed all the shiny, super clean cars and finally arrived at the very end of the block, I felt so much awe, so much pride in knowing that these are no ordinary human beings; not in any capacity and not by any stretch of the imagination. So to all my mil- spouse friends and to all the soldiers I have come to know:
Thank you all for your service.
24 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Aleph's 14th Annual Military Training Program
Over 30 Jewish service members flew to Miami from around the country for the 14th Annual Aleph Military Symposium and Training, and twice that number joined via Zoom from across the globe. Considering all the hurdles that needed to be jumped and addressed, the Symposium was an unmitigated success, despite COVID concerns and limitations.
The yearly Symposium provides training and a collegial atmosphere for Jewish chaplains and lay leaders, as well as an excellent resiliency experience for Jewish service members of all ranks and across all branches. Given the importance of face-to-face interaction, the decision was made to plow ahead with an in-person symposium, while keeping to CDC guidelines, and opening the Symposium to those who could not attend due to Command guidance.
This year's theme indeed addressed the current world-state: “Pastoral Counseling and Worship Amidst a Global Pandemic”. Scholars and experts of note who addressed the crowd on various elements of the subject included: BG David Warshaw, COL (Ret) Jeff Yarvis, and Rabbi Dr. David Glatt. Other presenters included CH (COL) Shmuel Felzenberg, the senior Jewish chaplain in the military; Ms. Judy Elias, director and founder of Heroes to Heroes – an organization dedicated to helping American Combat Veterans who have attempted suicide or are on a path to self- destruction due to PTSD and/or moral injury through a spiritual healing and peer support program; Mr. Daniel Blomberg, lead counsel of the Becket Fund – an organization dedicated to
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 25 fighting for freedom of religion; LTC Terry Bresnick, who addressed pastoral communication; and the ever-popular Rabbi Dov Schochet, who incisively analyzed Halachic questions regarding military circumstances; and a member of JWV's National Executive Committee and Chair of the Gulf War Committee, Mrs. Rachel Hayman. Aleph's own Ch, Capt Elie Estrin presented a segment of his upcoming book, “Of Medicine, Miracles and Mindsets”, in which he draws on his personal experience to give best-practice advice to friends of those going through medical crises. Ch Estrin also delivered a session for Lay Leaders, a prelude to the upcoming Aleph manual, “A Guide to Jewish Military Lay Leadership”.
A certain highlight of the event was the attendance of the Chiefs of Chaplains of the Army, Navy and Air Force, via Zoom. Each of the Chiefs presented their branch's perspectives on the direction of the chaplaincy, and remained online to take questions. Several extremely practical ideas were given very serious consideration by the Chiefs, on such subjects as availability of Kosher MREs, Brit Milahs paid for by the Army, and much more. CH (MG) Thomas Solhjem even rejoined us on Sunday for the final session, and once again opened up a very warm dialogue with the attendees.
Shabbat was as it always is: warm, personal, and full of personality, with service members sharing incredibly personal stories of their desire and efforts to simultaneously serve G-d and country. One participant, LCDR Yosef Perfido, agreed when mention was made that this is an “addictive” event, and quickly added, “And next year, my wife is coming as well!”
This is a must-attend event for every Jew in the military; not just for chaplains and lay leaders! Mark it off in your calendar: each annual Symposium takes place over a Wednesday-Sunday extended weekend in Miami, slated for February. Exact dates TBD.
26 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Off the Bookshelf: A Review of “G.I. Jews”
By SPC Jacob Perez, USA
and Carl Reiner, and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. What makes these interviews particularly fascinating to this viewer is their dual focus. Jewish-American servicemembers, whether former refugees or native born, were in essence fighting two wars at once. In addition to taking on the Nazis (and of course the other Axis powers, depending on where they were deployed), they also faced the slings and arrows of their fellow Americans. Granted, even today, G.I. Jews: A thoughtful documentary that explores unpleasant encounters are a fact of life for Jews in the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Jewish- the military. Many of us have probably been told American WW2 soldiers. “you’re the first Jew I’ve ever met!” (a benign, if awkward comment) or worse, been subjected to If you’re reading this, chances are good that you’re tasteless gas chamber “jokes” during CBRN serving in the U.S. military, have served, or are a training. But in an age of EO, these instances are close friend or relative of a veteran. It’s also likely the exception rather than the rule. Anti-Semitism that, if you’re reading this, you’re Jewish. As such, never went away, but at least most people who you’re probably somewhat familiar with the harbor such views are smart enough not to difficulties American Jewish service members face express them out loud, let alone act on them. on account of their religion and/or ethnicity. This was not always the case in the 1940s. However, the PBS documentary G.I. Jews reminds us of how fortunate we are to live in an age of It wasn’t all bad, however. G.I. Jews highlights relative tolerance, and pays fitting tribute to those multiple examples of philo-Semitism (that is, anti- who paved the way. Paved the way for Jews to be anti-Semitism) and moral courage of the highest accepted as equals among their non-Jewish order from non-Jewish service members. One brothers-in-arms. Paved the way for Judaism to particularly moving example: MSG Roddie be accepted as an “American” religion—the Edmonds (z”l), a devout Christian who was taken cultural shift from explicitly Christian to Judeo- prisoner with over a thousand other Americans Christian that marks a level of acceptance from during the Battle of the Bulge. When their the majority culture rarely experienced by Jews at captors called for all Jewish prisoners to present any point in human history. themselves (for torture, or more likely, summary execution), MSG Edmonds stood firm, and not G.I. Jews lets us see the war through the eyes of one soldier under his charge broke ranks. When those who were there, with a number of poignant, the Nazis reiterated the command, the heroic deeply personal interviews. These include famous sergeant defiantly declared: “We’re all Jews here.” Jews you might not realize are also World War II What a bad@! veterans, such as comedy luminaries Mel Brooks
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 27 Off the Bookshelf:
War affects everyone differently. It’s said that For anyone seeking more knowledge of what life there are no atheists in foxholes, but when faced was like for our military predecessors, or who just with the horrors of war, some people find faith, wants to know a little more about this aspect of some people lose it. It’s painful to hear from the Jewish-American experience, G.I. Jews is a these veterans the deep spiritual challenges they valuable resource. It’s a story that bears repeating; faced, and heaven forbid we should judge anyone may it continue to be a source of inspiration, and who’s been through and witnessed such misery. nachas (pride), for generations to come. G.I. Jews also recounts some truly uplifting experiences however, such as the first official SPC Perez is the former managing editor of the Jewish Jewish prayer service held in Nazi Germany, Voice of New York and a recovering journalist. He is under the auspices of the U.S. Army, with mortars also the founder of Maccabee Apparel, a line of clothing still landing in the distance. and décor based on Jewish warrior themes. Check it out at www.MaccabeeApparel.com.
THE JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Updates
• Mazal tov to Aleph Chaplain, Ch, Capt Yitzchak time of your choosing! Go to www.JNet.org for Lerman (USAFR) upon his completion of more information. studying the entire Talmud! That’s quite the accomplishment! • Do you and your family have a letter in a Torah scroll? Participate in the Healing Hearts Torah for •We would like to keep Jewish chaplains and Lay just $1.00 per letter. This special Mitzvah is one Leaders aware of all the Jews in their AOR. Please that brings very special blessings along with! Go to provide us with your latest PCS moves as soon https://hhflorida.com/torah/ for more as they occur, so we can make sure you are kept in information. You can also have your children touch with the Jewish community nearest you, and purchase a letter for that amount in the make sure you do not miss an issue of the Jewish- International Jewish Children’s Torah! Go to American Warrior. www.kidstorah.org for more information about this beautiful project. • Is there just a small Jewish community near you? Looking for more fellow Jews to interact with? • We are always looking for article contributions, Join the Jewish Service Member Whatsapp or no matter the rank, no matter the branch! Tell us Signal groups! Send a text message with your about your military experiences and Jewish name to Rabbi Estrin, at 206-267-8764 and join reflections. Please email submissions to our group, for discussions, short Torah videos [email protected]. from chaplains, Zoom class opportunities, and friendship! • Enjoy the content? Get more Jewish military content on a regular basis! We post articles, • With our partnership with JNet, we can find you information, stories and links several times a week. a Torah study partner, for the subject and at a “Like” our Facebook page: @JewishAmericanWarrior!
28 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Volume 1 PRESENTS MILITARY STORIES JEWISH AMERICAN TTIBORIBOR RRUBINUBIN MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
“It is the best country in the world and I’m part of it now. I have Shalom, peace. people die for it.“
SPONSORED BY: “I wasn’t born here, I wasn’t a citizen. I just was a little Jew coming back from the most terrible place and to get the Medal of Honor… that’s a big deal”
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
The Medal of Honor is the United States military’s highest award for valor in action against an enemy. The Medal of Honor was first awarded during the American Civil War. To date 3,526 Medals of Honor have been awarded. 1,523 of those were awarded for actions during the Civil War. At that time, it was the only military award available and the criteria has evolved to the stricter modern crite- ria befitting of the nation’s highest award.
The National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH) recognizes seventeen JEWISH Medal of Honor recipients. Their sto- ries are told in the Jewish American Military Historical Societies’ Jewish American Medal of Honor Recipient Exhibit. This is the story of one of those Medal of Honor recipients of the Jewish faith…….
TIBOR RUBIN
Story adapted from THE BOOK Single-Handed by Daniel M. Cohen and from information learned from OUR years of friendship with Tibor Rubin and the Rubin family.
“I have a mom who was very religious, and she always teach us: ‘There is one G-d, and we are all brothers and sisters. You have to take care of your brothers, and save them.’ To her, to save somebody’s life is the greatest honor. And I did that.”
Dedicated to all the jEWISH-AMERICAN Servicemembers from the founding of our great nation, through every conflicT, PAST, presenT, and future.
“I have a debt to pay. So, I made a promise if l-rd help me I ever go to America I gonna become a G.I. Joe.” Bar Mitzvah
Tibor Rubin was born on June 18, 1929 and grew up in Pásztó, Hungary with his father Ferenc, Mother Rosa, older sisters Irene and Edith, older brother EmEry, and younger sister Ilan- ka. Ferenc was stringent with Tibor’s Hebrew and Torah study.
In June 1943 Tibor had his Bar Mitzvah, accepting the personal responsibilitIES of adulthood in the Jewish faith.
Escape Plan
By the winter of 1943 the situation was dangerous for Jews in Hungary. Ferencmore and Rosa sent EmEry to Czechoslovakia to hide on a farm. Tibor was crushed that he was separated from his older brother.
A few months later in March 1944, some Polish refugees showed up at the Rubin house. The Germans had just occupied Budapest and it was clear that things in Hungary would become more difficult.
The decision was made that Tibor would leave with the men to Switzerland the following evening. Within a few weeks Hungarian Jews were being rounded up by the Germans. On The Way To Switzerland
Tibor was not able to speak much with his companions due to the language barrier on their trek through backcountry roads and forests. They would travel at night and rest during the day to avoid scrutiny. Tibor would sneak off and forage for food, often returning with enough for both himself and his companions. Border Arrest
After several weeks walking through the countryside at night the group made it to the Swiss border in Italy. They approached the border at night and tried to pass. The guards suspected that they were Jews and arrested them.
Prisoner Transport Tibor and his Polish companions were taken away in a truck to Mauthausen Concentration Camp.
Life at Mauthausen
Shortly after arriving at Mauthausen, for five months over the summer and into Fall, Tibor was selected for a work detail outside the camp in the woods. While on the work detail, Tibor honed his FORAGING skills, STEALTHILY EVADING THE CAMP GUARDS AND FINDING food, usually behind the German officers’ MESS HALL. He was proud of his ability to sneak around to find food and his fellow prisoners were thankful for what he brought back.
Familiar Face
One winter morning at roll call, Tibor saw a familiar yet changed face across the rows of prisoners. It was his brother EmEry! Tibor was overjoyed to be reunited with his older brother. He was devastated when EmEry had left home and HAD yearned to see him again. Mauthausen Liberation
On May 5, 1945, the United States Army’s 11th Armored Division liberated Mauthausen Concentration Camp. TiborAmerican vowed if he ever made it to America, he would become an soldier to show his gratitude to the United States for liberating him.
Most Jews would remain in European displaced persons camps until they could find a sponsor in the United States rather than going home. Tibor and EmEry were able to stay together in those camps. Arriving to America
In 1948, after three years in displaced persons camps, Tibor crossed the Atlantic on the SS Marine Flasher. He would look up friends of his brother in New York and find odd jobs until EmEry joined him later. Recruiting Office
By Fall 1949 Tibor had moved to Oakland, California to work at a business his friend’s family owned. But by Spring 1950 he decided to make good on his promise to be a G.I. Joe. - Tibor went to the Army recruiting of fice but repeatedly failed the required English test. Some of the recruiters, admiring his determination to become a soldier, ensured he passed the next time.
Army Training
Tibor Rubin’s promise to become a soldier was fulfilled when he attended Basic Training at Fort Ord, California. Shortly thereafter he was shipped from Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, California on the USS General Nelson M. Walker to Okinawa for advanced infantry training. While in Okinawa, the Korean War started and his unit land- ed at Pohang-dong on July 18, 1950 to support the establish- ment of the Pusan Perimeter. Dangerous Details
Tibor’s anti-Semitic First Sergeant always made sure Tibor was assigned the dirtiestand most danger ous details and assignments such as perimeter checks,- Dague Hill Machine Gun Position scouting the enemy, patrolling forward lines, and In a retreat from the area near Dague, Tibor’s First Sergeant standing guard alone. Tibor did not want to be a hero made sure he was left alone to secure but his First Sergeant single-handedly made a hero out of him. a route defending a ridge. Overnight, Tibor prepared for the defense of the ridge by placing grenades in several foxholes. When the North Koreans attacked, he ran between foxholes to throw grenades and fire machine guns from each.
When Tibor walked back from the hill the next day alive, no one could believe it. The commander, after surveying the aftermath, ordered the First Sergeant to submit Tibor for the Medal of Honor. The commander offered Tibor reassignment to the relative safety of the rear, but he refused, preferring to stay with his fellow soldiers. Later in the war, Tibor was wounded in the leg by an artillery shell. He was allowed to return to the rear for his recovery, but again refused. Saving Fellow Soldier
Tibor was ordered to scout a village alone. He reported that he did not see the enemy but suspected they were there. The First Sergeant directed Tibor’s platoon to go back to the village. The platoon was attacked and there were many casualties. Tibor asked if he could go back to look for survivors but the First Sergeant said they were all dead. Tibor went back anyway and found a friend alive face down in a ditch. Tibor rescued his friend and brought him back for medi- cal treatment.
Battle of Unsan
On October 30, 1950 at the Battle of Unsan, Chinese troops conducted a massive nighttime assault against the Americans now far inside North Korea.
During the assault, after three previous gunners were wounded, Rubin manned a .30 caliber machine gun slowing the enemy troops’ advance and protecting his unit’s retreat until he ran out of ammunition. In the ensuing battle, Rubin was severely wounded and captured.
Camp 5
Rubin spent the next 30 months as a prisoner in Camp 5, a Chinese POW camp near Pyoktong, along the Yalu River. He rejected offers to be returned to Hungary and choose to stay with the men with whom he served. Almost every evening he would risk his life for others by sneaking out of the camp to retrieve food and medical supplies needed to encourage and nurse fellow prisoners back to health. He is credited with saving over 40 people’s lives at Camp 5. Repatriation
On April 22, 1953 Tibor Rubin was repatriated at Freedom Village on the demilitarized zone be- tween North and South Korea.
Medal of Honor
Congress passed the Leonard Kravitz Jewish War Veterans Act in 2002 which directed the United States Army to investigate racial discrimination in the awarding of medals. It was determined that Tibor Rubin had been the subject of discrimination and should have received the Medal of Honor. On September 23, 2005, 55 years after the Korean War, Corporal Tibor Rubin received the Medal of Honor from President George W. Bush.
Volunteering at VA zikhrono livrakha For several decades Tibor Rubin volunteered at the VA Medical On December 5, 2015, our friend and Center in Long Beach, California, hero Tibor Rubin passed away. Tibor where he would later receive Rubin is remembered for his positive care and which would even- disposition, gratitude to the tually be named after him. In United States, loyalty to his fel- November, 2016, President Obama low man, personal courage signed legislation renaming the in risking his own life to care for his Long Beach California VA Medical comrades, great personality, and Center after Rubin. On May 10, incredible sense of humor. 2017, the Medical Center was renamed in his honor as the “In a place where there are no men, “Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center” in strive to be a man.” a widely attended ceremony. - Ethics of the Fathers (2:5) CORPORAL TIBOR RUBIN’S MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While his unit was retreating to the Pusan Perimeter, Corporal Rubin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism Corporal Rubin was assigned to stay behind to keep open during the period from July 23, 1950 to April 20, 1953 while the vital Taegu-Pusan road link used by his withdrawing serving as a rifleman with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st unit. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers Cavalry Division in the Republic of Korea. of North Korean troops assaulted a hill defended solely by Corporal Rubin. He inflicted a staggering number of casualties on the attacking force during his personal 24- hour battle, single-handedly slowing the enemy advance and allowing the 8th Cavalry Regiment to success- fully complete its withdrawal.
Following the breakout from the Pusan Perime- ter, the 8th Cavalry Regiment proceeded northward and advanced into North Korea. During the advance, he helped capture several hundred North Korean sol- diers. On October 30, 1950, Chinese forces attacked Choosing to remain in his unit at Unsan, North Korea, during a massive night- the prison camp despite offers from the Chinese to return him time assault. That night and throughout the next to his native Hungary, Corporal Rubin disregarded his day, he manned a .30 caliber machine gun at the south own personal safety and immediately began sneaking end of the unit’s line after three previous gunners be- out of the camp at night in search of food for his comrades. came casualties. He continued to man his machine gun Breaking into enemy food storehouses and gardens, he risked until his ammunition was exhausted. His determined certain torture or death if caught. Corporal Rubin provided stand slowed the pace of the enemy advance in his not only food to the starving soldiers, but also desperately sector permitting the remnants of his unit to retreat needed medical care and moral support for the sick and wound- southward. As the battle raged, Corporal Rubin was ed of the POW camp. His brave, selfless efforts severely wounded and captured by were directly attributed to saving the lives of as many the Chinese. as 40 of his fellow prisoners.
in close contact with the enemy and unyielding Corporal Rubin’s gallant actions courage and bravery while a prison of war are in the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army. CORPORAL TIBOR RUBIN’S AWARDS
1. Combat Infantryman Badge
2. Medal of Honor
3. Purple Heart with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster
1. 4. Prisoner of War Medal
5. Army of Occupation Medal with ‘Japan’ clasp 2. 3. 6. National Defense Service Medal 4. 5. 6. 7. Korean Service Medal with 4 bronze campaign stars 7. 8. 9. 8. United Nations Korea Medal
9. Korean War Service Medal 10.
10. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
PRESENTED BY
WWW.JEWISHMILITARY.COM WWW.SITELINEPRODUCTIONS.COM JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 29 Ridding, Searching & Obliterating Chametz
light the way), a feather (to be given to a gentile. One may sweep up all leaven), and a discard the utensils used for the paper bag (to hold the search in the trash. found ten pieces). A flashlight may also be At this time, one should again nullify used. If one cannot use a one's chometz, this time including candle or a flashlight, or also the chometz that one is aware any of these utensils, one of, by reciting the following should conduct the search b l e s s i n g : with the light of one’s room. “All leaven or anything leavened which is in my possession, whether I Upon completing the have seen it or not, whether I have n the evening of Thursday, search, one should nullify and observed it or not, whether I have April 18, Jews conduct a declare ownerless all chometz that removed it or not, shall be considered O“search” for leaven in their they did not succeed in finding, and naught and ownerless as the dust of dwellings. This search should recite the blessing: the earth.” commence with nightfall. Before beginning the search, one should “All leaven or anything leavened The following is then said: say the following blessing: which is in my possession, which I have neither seen nor removed, and “May it be Your will, Lord our G-d, “Baruch Ata Ado-nai El-oheinu about which I am unaware, shall be Melech Ha'Olam Asher Kidishanu and G-d of our fathers, that just as I considered naught and ownerless as remove the chometz from my house B'Mitzvosav Ve'tzivana Al Biur the dust of the earth.” chometz.” and from my possession, so shall You remove all the extraneous If one shares a cell with a gentile, “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of one should ensure that the gentile's forces, purge the spirit of impurity the Universe, who has sanctified us food items remain in the gentile's from the earth, eradicate our evil with His commandments and cubby. If this cannot be inclination from within us and grant commanded us concerning the accomplished, one need not worry us a heart of flesh to serve You in removal of chometz.” as one does not transgress by truth; and all the sitra achrah and seeing chometz that one does not all the kelipot and all the One should not talk about matters own. The same is true in the dining wickedness destroy in smoke and not related to the checking for hall. Also, if one has no choice but to abolish the rule of evil from the chometz until after the search is inhale the smell of chometz, they do completed. If one must to talk, he earth; and all those who distress the not transgress. All chometzthat one Shechinah remove with a spirit of may do so without consequence. is selling to a non-Jew for Passover destruction and of judgment just as should be kept in a separate area All rooms, lockers, drawers and that is taped up to remind one not You annihilated Egypt and its idols shelves must be searched to ensure to touch or use it. in those days, at this time. Amen.” that no leaven remains in possession or in view. Traditionally, The found chometz should be kept Jews may only eat leavened foods ten (10) small pieces of bread are in a sealed bag until the morning. until 10:00 am on the morning of first placed around the room before the day the first seder takes place. the search, to ensure that a The ten pieces and any other leaven thorough search is made for them found the evening before (and the When we rid the chometz from our and that some leaven is found tools used in the search) are possession as best as we can, (make sure all ten pieces are found). traditionally destroyed the Hashem helps us rid ourselves of The pieces should be wrapped in following morning before 11:00 am our evil inclination. May we all merit napkins to ensure that no crumbs on the morning before the first freedom from our own inner fall from them. seder, preferably by burning. One “Egypts” as well as the final true who cannot burn the chometz may redemption with the coming of The search is traditionally flush it down the toilet. It may also Moshiach speedily in our days. conducted using a single candle (to
30 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Sale of Chometz
This form was in the Purim Liberator. If you have already sent the form in, you do not need to send it in again. DELEGATION OF POWER FOR SALE OF CHOMETZ
I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar to act in my place and stead, and on my behalf to sell all Chometz possessed by me, knowingly or unknowingly as defined by the Torah and Rabbinic Law (e.g. Chometz, possible Chometz, and all On Pesach one is prohibited to possess kinds of Chometz mixtures). Also Chometz that tends to Chometz (leaven). All Chometz that will harden and adhere to inside surfaces of pans, pots, or not be eaten or burned before Pesach cooking utensils, the utensils themselves, and all kinds of must be sold to a non-Jew. All Chometz live animals and pets that have been eating Chometz and utensils must be thoroughly cleaned, and mixtures thereof. are stored away in closets or rooms while Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar is also empowered to preparing for Pesach. The storage area is lease all places wherein the Chometz owned by me may be locked or taped shut, and leased to a found, particularly at the address/es listed below, and non-Jew at the time of the elsewhere. sale. Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar has full right to appoint There are many legal any agent or substitute in his stead and said substitute shall intricacies in this sale; thus, have full right to sell and lease as provided herein. only a competent rabbi Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar also has the full power should be entrusted with its and right to act as he deems fit and proper in accordance execution. The rabbi acts as with all the details of the Bill of Sale used in the transaction our agent both to sell the Chometz to the to sell all my Chometz, Chometz mixtures, etc., as non-Jew on the morning before Pesach provided herein. starts and also to buy it back the evening after Pesach ends. This power is in conformity with all Torah, Rabbinic and Locking your Chometz away and Civil laws. sending your signed Chometz Contract to Aleph (Rabbi Lipskar) is an easy way to Signed: ______observe one of the most important laws in the Torah. (Contract follows). Date: ______Chometz that remains in the possession of a Jew during Passover may Name:______not be used, eaten, bought or sold even after Pesach. Chometz should therefore Inmate Reg. #:______only be purchased from according stores and vendors. Please send in the form to Institution:______your right to arrange sale of your Address/es:______chometz prior to Passover. ______Mail form to: Sale of Chometz City/ State/ Zip:______c/o Aleph Institute 9540 Collins Ave Form must be received NO LATER than Mar. 25th! Surfside, FL 33154
31 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 31 What is Passover? The Holiday's History and males, plus many more woman involves a full-out spring- Observances and children, left Egypt on that cleaning search-and-destroy day, and began the trek to Mount mission during the weeks before The eight-day festival of Passover Sinai and their birth as G-d's Passover, and culminates with a is celebrated in the early spring, chosen people. ceremonial search for chametz on from the 15th through the 22nd the night before Passover, and of the Hebrew month of Nissan. It Passover Observances then a burning of the chametz commemorates the emancipation ceremony on the morning before of the Israelites from slavery in Passover is divided into two parts. the holiday. Chametz that cannot ancient Egypt. And, by following a) The first two days and last two be disposed of can be sold to a the rituals of Passover, we have days (that commemorate the non-Jew for the duration of the the ability to relive and splitting of the Red Sea) are full- holiday. experience the true freedom that fledged holidays. Holiday candles our ancestors gained. are lit at night, and Kiddush and MATZAH sumptuous holiday meals are The Story in a Nutshell enjoyed on both nights and days. Instead of chametz, we eat We don't go to work, drive, write matzah— flat unleavened bread. After many decades of slavery to or switch on or off electric It is a mitzvah to partake of the Egyptian Pharaohs, during devices. We are permitted to cook matzah on the two Seder nights which time the Israelites were and to carry outdoors. (see below for more on this), and subjected to backbreaking labor b) The middle four days are called during the rest of the holiday it is and unbearable horrors, G-d saw Chol Hamoed, semi-festive optional. the people's distress and sent "intermediate days," when most Moses to Pharaoh with a message: forms of work are permitted. THE SEDERS "Send forth My people, so that they may serve Me." But despite NO CHAMETZ The highlight of Passover is the numerous warnings, Pharaoh two "Seders," observed on the refused to heed G-d's command. To commemorate the unleavened first two nights of the holiday G-d then sent upon Egypt ten bread that the Israelites ate when after dark only. The Seder is a devastating plagues, afflicting they left Egypt, we don't eat or fifteen step, family oriented, them and destroying everything even retain in our possession any tradition and ritual packed feast. from their livestock to their crops. "chametz" from midday of the day before Passover until the The focal points of the Seder are: At the stroke of midnight of conclusion of the holiday. ! Eating Matzah Nissan 15 of the year 2448 from Chametz means leavened ! Eating bitter herbs—to creation (1313 BCE), G-d visited grain—any food or drink that commemorate the bitter slavery the last of the ten plagues on the contains even a trace of wheat, endured by the Israelites. Egyptians, killing all their barley, rye, oats, spelt or their ! Drinking four cups of wine or firstborn. While doing so, G-d derivatives and wasn't guarded grape juice—a royal drink to spared the Children of Israel, from leavening or fermentation. celebrate our newfound freedom. "passing over" their This includes bread, cake, cookies, ! The recitation of the Haggadah, homes—hence the name of the cereal, pasta, and most alcoholic a liturgy that describes in detail holiday. Pharaoh's resistance was beverages. Moreover, almost any the story of the Exodus from broken, and he virtually chased processed food or drink can be Egypt. The Haggadah is the his former slaves out of the land. assumed to be chametz unless fulfillment of the biblical The Israelites left in such a hurry, certified otherwise. obligation to recount to our in fact, that the bread they baked children the story of the Exodus as provisions for the way did not Ridding our living areas of on the night of Passover. have time to rise. 600,000 adult chametz is an intensive process. It
32 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 33 34 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Seder Setup
The Passover Seder steps 7 and 8, and the bottom And a dish of salt water (in which to matzah in steps 7 and 10.) dip the Karpas). More than 3,000 years ago, our ancestors were freed from slavery in Cover the matzahs with a cloth or We're ready to start our 15-step Egypt, yet every year at the Seder, we tray. On top, position the following Seder. We'll talk more about the are careful to tell the story in perfect six items as pictured left: function and significance of these detail and with great enthusiasm. items as we proceed. What is more, we are told: “Remember the day of your leaving What is Matzah? Egypt all the days of your life,” (Deuteronomy 16:3). Why? What Matzah is unleavened bread. It's meaning can this possibly have for made from flour (from one of the us today? What is it about our "five types of grain" -- wheat, barley, festival of matzah that makes it so oats, rye or spelt) and water only -- special to us? Its most fascinating absolutely nothing else -- that are aspect is that every detail is firmly swiftly combined, kneaded and grounded in the mystical teachings baked before the dough has a of an esoteric tradition. Each step chance to ferment and begin to rise. has not just a body, but a soul as well It looks something like a large, -- a simple meaning as well as a deep round flat cracker. It tastes simply lesson towards higher 1) "Zeroa" - a roasted chicken bone delicious. consciousness. No ritual has with most of the meat removed. This survived so long and so true to its will represent the Passover offering. Matzah may be flat, but it has many original form. To this day, in every It will not be eaten. faces: it is the "bread of affliction" corner of the world, Jewish people and the "bread of poverty" which come together to reconstruct that 2) "Beitzah" - a hard-boiled egg, our forefathers ate as slaves in original Passover Seder, again and representing the festival offering. Egypt. It's the "bread of again, year after year. And every year, proclamation" over which we tell there is more to learn. 3) "Maror" - grated horseradish (just the story of the Exodus. It's the the horseradish -- not the red stuff "bread of humility" that represents that has vinegar and beets added) our self-abnegating commitment to The Seder Plate and/or romaine lettuce, for use as G-d, and the "bread of faith" that the "bitter herbs" (step #9). embodies our simple faith, trust and The Seder Plate (Ka'arah) includes devotion to Him. It's the "bread of most of the ingredients that go into 4) "Charoset" - a paste made of healing" with which we imbibe the making of the Seder. Its three apples, pears, nuts and wine. We'll be spiritual wholeness and wellness matzahs and the six other items are dipping the bitter herbs in this into our beings. arranged in a formation dictated by (steps 9 and 10). their mystical significance and Shemurah matzah ("guarded relationship vis-a-vis each other. 5) "Karpas" - a bit of vegetable, such matzah") is made from grain that is an onion or potato (used in step #3). guarded from the time it was Here's how it is set up: harvested lest it come in contact 6) "Chazeret" -- more bitter herbs, for with even the merest hint of water On top of a large plate, tray or cloth use in the matzah-maror sandwich and moisture. It is also baked by place three whole matzahs, one on (step #10). hand, with the specific intention and top of the other. It is best to use awareness that it will be used as a round, hand-baked shmurah We'll also need a wine cup or goblet vehicle of connection to G-d -- to matzah. (We'll be using middle for each participant, and plenty of fulfill the mitzvah of eating matzah matzah in steps 4, 5, 7, 8, and 12 of wine or grape juice (four cups each). on the seder night. (No machine can our 15-step Seder, the top matzah in do that, can it?)
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 35 Shmurah Matzah S Also in the bakery itself, shmurah matzot are under strict The Rebbe went on to say that supervision to avoid any “thousands of Jews will benefit; possibility of leavening during as a result of this, they will have the baking process. This intensive handmade kosher shmurah process and careful guarding matzah.” gives the shmurah matzah an added infusion of faith and With that, the Rebbe’s shluchim sanctity—in fact, as the matzah is started handing out the being made, all those involved handmade and costly matzahs, constantly repeat, “L’shem which cound not be found in matzot mitzvah”—“We are doing average stores or markets. this for the sake of the mitzvah of hmurah means “watched,” and it matzah.” is an apt description of this A Shemurah Story matzah, the ingredients of which Shmurah matzot are round, (the flour and water) are watched kneaded and shaped by hand, and Translator’s note: Preparations from the moment of harvesting are similar to the matzot that for Passover begin almost a year and drawing. were baked by the Children of before the festival, when the Israel as they left Egypt. It is thus wheat for the shemurah matzah The day chosen for the harvesting fitting to use shmurah matzah on (“guarded matzah”) is harvested. of the wheat is a clear, dry day. each of the two Seder nights for Shemurah matzah is made from The moment it is harvested, the the matzot of the Seder plate. grain that has been meticulously wheat is inspected to ensure that guarded from the time of its there is absolutely no moisture. The Rebbe’s Campaign harvest to ensure that it does not From then on, careful watch is come in contact with any kept upon the grains as they are It was against this backdrop that moisture whatsoever, to avoid the transported to the mill. The mill is the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi slightest chance that it might meticulously inspected by rabbis Menachem M. Schneerson, of ferment. In this memoir, the sixth and supervision professionals to righteous memory—began a Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef ensure that every piece of campaign to have people Yitzchak Schneersohn equipment is absolutely clean distribute shmurah matzah in (1880–1950), recalls how the and dry. After the wheat is milled, their communities. shemurah wheat was harvested the flour is again guarded in its by the chassidim of his transportation to the bakery. “There was once a custom among grandfather and father more than Thus, from the moment of community rabbis, they would one hundred years ago: harvesting through the actual distribute shmurah matzah to baking of the matzah, the flour is their congregants before the The wheat for the shemurah carefully watched to ensure Pesach festival,” the Rebbe began matzah was taken from the fields against any contact with water. in an address to his followers on of Reb Zalman Shcherbiner, April 3, 1954. “ ... For various whose homestead was in The water, too, is carefully reasons, the custom has been Shcherbina, a two hour journey guarded to prevent any contact discontinued. I would like to say, from Lubavitch. The journey to with wheat or other grain. It is that if I were able to, I would ask Shcherbina, and the events drawn the night before the that the custom of distributing surrounding it, made a deep baking, and kept pure until the matzah be instituted and that impression upon me, and are moment it is mixed with the flour rabbis give shmurah matzah to engraved in my childhood to bake the shmurah matzah. their congregants ... .” memories.
36 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Shmurah Matzah
Reb Zalman had a meticulous wheat, and this was something and carried across the system for choosing the field with that would infuse Reb Zalman countryside. the highest quality wheat, and for with a year-long vitality and joy. choosing the day and hour of the An aura of holiness enveloped the harvest. The conditions for the From the day that Reb Zalman left entire area. The wives and harvest were: a clear and bright Lubavitch with the harvesters children of the local families day on which the sun shone in its until that clear, bright day on stood by and watched, dressed in full intensity, and that no rain had which the shemurah was cut, the their Shabbat clothes, their faces fallen in the previous three days. talk of the town was of the reflecting the specialty of the The set hours for harvesting the weather. People looked occasion. shemurah were from noon to two constantly at the sky; they felt the o’clock or two-thirty in the wind to see if it was dry or if it When the cutting and threshing afternoon. contained the slightest moisture. of the wheat were concluded, Reb Dozens of predictions were heard Zalman and a number of others When the time for harvest about the next day’s weather. would go to bathe. Upon his approached, Reb Zalman would Each day we awaited the arrival of return, Reb Zalman, who would be come to Lubavitch to make the the special messenger from wearing his Shabbat clothes, arrangements. For in addition to Shcherbina who would tell us that would lead the afternoon Reb Zalman, his family, and the the harvest would be on that day. Minchah prayers, which he would Jewish families who lived on Reb chant with a Simchat Torah tune. Zalman’s land, several of the The cutting and the threshing of Tachanun (the confession of sins, zitzers (resident scholars) of the wheat were done with great omitted on festival days) was not Lubavitch, as well as those joy, coupled with a seriousness said. Following the prayers, all visiting Lubavitch at the time, that was profoundly displayed would join him in a joyous dance, would work at harvesting and upon the countenance of the during which Reb Zalman would threshing the wheat. Since the workers. All were belted with suddenly leap into the air and exact day on which the above their gartlen and wore hats over perform three backward-and- conditions would be met could their yarmulkes. The work went forward somersaults. not be known in advance, Reb swiftly in the burning heat, as if All would then proceed to the Zalman would come with several the harvesters were experienced tables set up in the orchard, wagons to take the people who farmers. where a festive dairy meal was would be doing the harvesting to laid out for the farbrengen. At the Shcherbina, so that they should Sickle in hand, the elderly Reb meal, the Rebbe would deliver a be ready to begin work at the Zalman, with his broad, regal discourse of chassidic teaching proper moment. At times, they beard and face shining with joy, and farbreng for several hours. would wait a week or more for the was swift and nimble as a lad. One After the Rebbe had retired to the perfect conditions to harvest the could see the joy literally lifting room which had been prepared shemurah. him off his feet. His shoes and for him, the assembled would white socks floated above the continue to farbreng all night For Reb Zalman, the shemurah ground like the feet of Naphtali long. harvest was a cause for threefold on a divine mission, as can only be joy. First of all, he would be with a true servant of G-d whose In the morning, following the cutting wheat for the shemurah very heels are permeated with a morning prayers, we would return matzah for the rebbe. Secondly, profound pleasure of the mind to Lubavitch. Reb Zalman and his he would have guests from and the inner will of the heart to crew would arrive in Lubavitch Lubavitch in his home for several serve G-d. that evening, bringing with them days, something which he the sack of shemurah grain, which especially loved and for which he Some of the chassidim would cut would be hung in a special room had a special talent. But most of the wheat, while others sang for safekeeping. all, the Rebbe himself would be chassidic melodies which poured attending the cutting of the forth with a sublime sweetness
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 37 Sefirah & “Ethics of the Fathers” Study
n the second night of as well as the “Siddur Tehillat departed Egypt on the 15th of Pesach, Jews all over the Hashem,” of which instructions Nissan (the first day of Oworld commence the begin on page 340 and the Passover); on the 6th of Sivan, counting of the Omer. The actual blessing and prayers celebrated ever since as the Jewish People left Egypt on begin on page 341, and in the festival of Shavuot (see next Passover, and 50 days later (on Annotated Tehillat Hashem issue of The National Liberator), the holiday of Shavuos) Siddur, on page 271. they assembled at the foot of received the Torah at Mount Mount Sinai and received the Sinai. Today, in revisiting that It is also customary to study Torah from G-d. Sinai experience, we observe a “Pirkei Avot” (Ethics of the special mitzvah called Fathers) during this period (and The Kabbalists explain that the “Counting the Omer,” where we many communities study it 49 days that connect Passover actually count aloud each of throughout the summer until with Shavuot correspond to the those 50 days. (The Omer was a Rosh Hashanah). Pirkei Avot can forty-nine drives and traits of special offering brought to the be found on page 211 in the the human heart. Each day saw Holy Temple during this “Siddur Tehillat Hashem” prayer the refinement of one of these season.) This time is called book, and is found in most other sefirot, bringing the people of “Sefirah” (literally “Counting”). prayer books after the Sabbath Israel one step closer to their For the next 49 days, one is Mincha Service as well. election as G-d's chosen people required to count each day and their receiving of His every evening after nightfall. An “When you take this people out communication to humanity. example of counting is “Today is of Egypt," said G-d to Moses the first day of the Omer,” or when He revealed Himself to Each year, we retrace this inner “Today is the 10th day, which is him in a burning bush at the foot journey with our "Counting of 1 week and 3 days of the Omer.” of Mount Sinai, "you shall serve the Omer." Beginning on the G-d on this mountain." second night of Passover, we The language and prayers can It took seven weeks to reach the count the days and weeks: be found in most prayer books mountain. The people of Israel "Today is one day to the Omer";
38 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Sefirah & “Ethics of the Fathers” Study
"Today is two days to the Omer"; c o m m a n d m e n t s , a n d strengthen us, purify us, "Today is seven days, which are commanded us concerning the Awesome One. Mighty One, we one week to the Omer"; and so counting of the Omer. beseech You, guard as the on, till "Today is forty-nine days, apple of the eye those who which are seven weeks to the Begin below if counting during seek Your Oneness. Bless Omer." Shavuot, the "Festival of daytime hours, or if you them, cleanse them; bestow Weeks" is the product of this haven't counted every day upon them forever Your count, driven by the miracles since the beginning of this merciful righteousness. and revelations of the Exodus year's count: Powerful, Holy One, in Your but achieved by a methodical, abounding goodness, guide 49-step process of self- “Today is [FILL IN DAY #] Your congregation. Only and refinement within the human day(s) of the Omer.” Exalted One, turn to Your soul. people who are mindful of The 50th day is the festival of Then continue by saying the Your holiness. Accept our S h a v u o t , o u r a n n u a l following: supplication and hear our cry, reexperience of the Giving of You who knows secret the Torah, when we once again May the Merciful One restore thoughts. Blessed be the name stand at Sinai to receive G-d's unto us the service of the Bet of the glory of His kingdom communication of His wisdom Hamikdash to its place, forever and ever. and will and be chosen as His speedily in our days; Amen, very own "kingdom of priests Selah. Master of the universe, You and holy nation.”n have commanded us through For the Choirmaster; a song Moses Your servant to count INSTRUCTIONS FOR COUNTING with instrumental music; a Sefirat Ha-Omer, in order to THE OMER: Psalm. May God be gracious to purify us from our evil and us and bless us; may He make uncleanness. As You have The Omer is counted every His countenance shine upon written in Your Torah, "You evening after nightfall, from the us forever; that Your way be shall count for yourselves from second night of Passover till the known on earth, Your salvation the day following the day of night before Shavuot. among all nations. The nations rest, from the day on which will extol You, O God; all the you bring the Omer as a wave- Forgot to count the Omer at nations will extol You. The offering; [the counting] shall night? Count the following day, nations will rejoice and sing be for seven full weeks. Until but without a blessing. On subsequent nights, continue for joy, for You will judge the the day following the seventh counting with a blessing as peoples justly and guide the week shall you count fifty usual. The blessing is made only nations on earth forever. The days," so that the souls of Your if every day has been counted; if peoples will extol You, O God; people Israel may be cleansed you missed a day, say the day's all the peoples will extol You, from their defilement. count without the blessing. for the earth will have yielded Therefore, may it be Your will, its produce and God, our God, Lord our God and God of our BA-RUCH A-TAH ADO-NAI E- will bless us. God will bless us; fathers, that in the merit of the LO-HE-NU ME-LECH HA-OLAM and all, from the farthest Sefirat Ha-Omer which I ASHER KID-E-SHA-NU BE- corners of the earth, shall fear counted today, the blemish MITZ-VO-TAV VETZI-VA-NU AL Him. that I have caused in the SEFI-RAT HA-OMER. sefirah Chesed ShebeChesed We implore you, by the great be rectified and I may be Blessed are You, Lord our God, power of Your right hand, purified and sanctified with King of the Universe, who has release the captive. Accept the supernal holiness. May sanctified us with His prayer of Your people; abundant bounty thereby be
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 39 Jewish Tales
counter-revolutionaries guilty of oven came a crisp, delicious treason and sent to forced labor matzah. To me, that was a miracle Matzah Crumbs camps. of Heaven!
Yet there were diehard souls When Passover arrived, my father, in Siberia devoted to Yiddishkeit—my aunt, uncle, and all us children Uncle Chatche and Aunt Pesia had a secret Seder with matzah, By Miriam Paltiel Nevel among them—who continued to wine, and the Four Questions. live a Torah life within Communist t is well documented in the no- Russia despite the danger. But as the Nazis advanced toward longer-secret archives of the Moscow, the danger from German KGB that the Soviets were In their little house, in a suburb of airplanes flying closer and closer I Moscow, my uncle and aunt baked to our home city increased, and against all religion. But they were particularly intolerance for Torah- matzah. so, along with other families with observant Jews. During World young children, we were War II, Soviet Russia waged its My memory holds a picture of evacuated to Siberia. And to great battles not only against the Aunt Pesia, a flowery kerchief Siberia, Father brought a matzah, Nazis from without, but also covering her hair, standing in which he hid in a tightly laced against the Jews within. front of the table, while Uncle pillowcase. Chatche—face framed by his In those dismal years, observing grey-streaked beard and a black The day before Passover, Father, a Shabbat, blowing the shofar on yarmulke on his head—stood in widower, had to go to work, and Rosh Hashanah, learning Torah, front of the heated brick oven. we three children waited out the baking matzah and celebrating She rolled the dough, he caught it long day in our Siberian home—a Passover put those who did so in on a spade and put it on the coil. shack devoid of heat, running imminent danger of being marked And, lo and behold, out of the water, and food.
40 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Jewish Tales
The tightly tied pillowcase, with potatoes in the small pot we had, It was already late in the the crispy crumbly matzah inside and then he made a Seder, giving afternoon when the cooking was it, sat on the table, beckoning each of us a taste of the matzah finished, and mother and son temptingly. crumbs. finally left for Modiin in the family's second vehicle. At some point in the afternoon, And oh, what a Seder that was! finally succumbing to hunger and With a song and a smile. In my To their consternation, there had temptation, three small figures memory, everyone in my family been an accident on the road, and slowly approached the table. was happy that night. The traffic crawled along at a snail's potatoes from Father's sack pace. The sun was about to set, We knew we couldn't eat the helped, but it was the crumbled and they were still almost 100 matzah, but surely touching it matzah out of the pillowcase that kilometers away from their would be OK. At first, we just really stood us by. It quenched our destination. With no choice, they touched the pillowcase lightly, hunger not only for food, but for a pulled off the road and entered feeling its ridges and holes. But holiday, and for gladness. the nearest city, which happened then, like a little demolition crew, to be Hadera, a city that hugs working with our fingers and At the end of the Seder, Father Israel's Mediterranean coast. hands through the fabric of the sang Chad Gadya softly with a pillowcase, we broke the matzah smile. And for that small pocket of At first they considered spending into pieces, then smaller pieces, time, we felt safe and satisfied. the holiday camped out in their and then smaller and smaller yet, car. Even if they were alone, they and finally almost into crumbs. had plenty to eat. But they soon realized that such a plan would be “No harm done,” we said to impractical. ourselves, to justify our deed. They Never “The matzah is still there; we Instead they decided to see if they didn't eat it.” could find a family who would be Made it to the able to host them for the holiday. I don't remember the exact feel of the matzah crumbling in my “Excuse me,” said Mrs. G to a boy hands, but I can tell you this: That Seder sitting in the courtyard of a matzah, separated from us with nearby building. “Is there a family just a thin sheet of fabric, inspired in this building that is celebrating our imagination. We talked about t was the morning before this Passover in the traditional what it would be like to actually P a s s o v e r , 2 0 1 6 , a n d way?” bite into this crunchy, tasty food Ipreparations were in high gear. and not be hungry anymore. Then The G. family, residents of a small Sure enough, the boy indicated we began to dream of the end of town in Israel's north, planned to that there was such a family who the war, when the world would spend the holiday with relatives lived on the first floor of the become good again, and how it in Modiin, a city located between complex, the D. family. would feel if our very room would Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. be filled with white bread from Mrs. G. knocked on the door with floor to ceiling, or if we had a Helped by her oldest son, Mrs. G. her heart in her throat, hoping houseful of bread, or better yet a bustled around the kitchen, that she and her son would at big building entirely filled with cooking up a storm for the least have a place to sleep for the bread. We would start at the door, extended family who would be holiday. eat our way through the whole joining them in Modiin. They building, and finally be sated. would be 35 people in total. “Hi,” she said nervously to the woman who opened the door with Later, when Father came home, he Meanwhile, Mr. G. piled the rest of a surprised look on her face. “My brought potatoes in his sack. Was the children into the car and set son and I got stuck in traffic and he angry about the crumbled out to Modiin with the family's it's almost Passover. Would you matzah? I ask myself today, but I luggage in the trunk, under the perhaps be able to put us up for don't remember. He cooked the children's feet, and anywhere else the holiday?” it would fit.
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 41 Jewish Tales
“Um ... sure ... I guess so ... I mean, Chabad, where we knew we would Jew. let me ask my husband,” replied not be expected to give a Mrs. D., and then disappeared donation, but we had no idea what He made a very modest living by down the hall. we would do for the rest of the going into the nearby woods, holiday. chopping branches and Moments later she returned to gathering dry twigs which he say, “You're welcome to come stay “As the days passed, and the b r o u g h t h o m e i n h i s with us. It will be a bit tight, but pantry remained stubbornly bare, wheelbarrow. He would then tie we'll be happy to have you. I just I asked my husband, 'What will we the wood into bundles, ready for need to warn you that our family do for Passover?' He looked at me sale. is on a very strict vegetarian diet, calmly and just said, 'Don't worry, so you may find our food G-d can help us within the blink of His best season was, of course, somewhat different from what an eye.' I cannot say that I was winter, when his customers you are used to.” comforted, but what choice did I needed the wood for heating have? their homes as well as for “Food?” exclaimed Mrs. G. “I have cooking purposes. For his winter enough food in the car to feed 35 “This morning I asked him again, trips to the woods he used a people. Come, let me bring the and he just said that he had faith home made sled which usually pans inside, so we can at least get in G-d and that he was sure that served his purpose. them into the refrigerator before everything would work out. everything spoils in the car.” “This afternoon, I broke down However, in that particular The D. Family watched in crying. 'Even if we miraculously winter there was such a severe amazement as a seemingly get ingredients, there's not even snowstorm which continued day endless parade of fish, meat, enough time to cook them,' I after day without let up, that the salad and chicken soup made its sobbed in the safety of our room, roads were all piled high with way into their humble home. where the children would not see snowdrifts, and Chaim was me. 'If G-d wants to send us completely housebound. It was After the soup had been placed on Passover food—and I am sure He absolutely impossible for him to the stove, the pans stacked on the will—he can make sure it is venture out with his small sled. hot plate, and the holiday candles cooked and warm,' was his lit, the women began chatting. response. On one hand, I was So Chaim stayed home, trying touched by his faith, but it was not to worry, while his wife “I want you to know,” revealed also maddening. Was he making Breina worried unceasingly. Mrs. D., “that a miracle just took fun of me, or was he just naive? place in our home. "Don't you know that your “Now just minutes before candle- competitors, the peasants, will “I wasn't exactly truthful before. lighting, G-d sent you with a car now take advantage of your We aren't really vegetarians. full of delicious Passover food, absence and come into town on We're just very poor. My husband enough for us to celebrate just their big sleds, bringing enough and I have both been out of work like we had in years past.” wood to supply your customers for some time, and we are under with all their needs for the tremendous financial pressure. In winter?" she cried. "So what can I order to explain to the kids why do about it?" protested poor pita and hummus has become our Chaim. meal for breakfast, lunch and Elijah's Cup supper, we decided to tell them "You know the situation as well that we were experimenting with as I. It's just our bad luck. All we nce upon a time, in a a new vegetarian diet. can do is hope for the best." "And small townlet in Eastern what about Passover that will Europe, there lived a poor “We have nothing at all for O soon be upon us?" continued woodcutter named Chaim. Passover, and we're not the kind to Breina. "We haven't any money stick our hands out and beg. We Although he was poor he was even for matza and wine, not to decided to have our Seder over at held in respect as a good, honest mention fish or meat."
42 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR Jewish Tales
"The Almighty will surely help us out in laughter. Elijah's cup gives us no milk, sell to celebrate the wonderful that!" festival of Passover in a worthy "You know full well that we manner. He will not forsake us," pawned my silver candlesticks "Heavens forbid," retorted said Chaim in a confident voice, long ago, and we sold our pillows Chaim, "it's out of the question." and returned to his Tehillim. and blankets. The only thing left The night before Passover Chaim Chaim was no big sage, but he is our poverty, and I hardly think got busy with "Bedikas loved to devote all his spare time you'll find any ready customers Chometz." He went through his to his precious Tehillim (Psalms) for that!" she ended bitterly, small abode searching carefully book . bursting into tears. for chometz, though there was little chance he'd find any left. As Breina continued to fret, he Chaim felt so downhearted; he emitted a deep sigh. "Sighing turned for comfort to his He then went to the Rav to "sell" won't conjure up for us matzos Tehillim. Suddenly he realized his Chometz. "Do you have any and wine; not even potatoes!" that his wife was tugging at his flour left? asked the Rav. "No, she said. "Why don't you do as sleeve. She had stopped crying Rabbi," answered Chaim. "Any other poor Jews do before and was talking to him in quite a cereals?" "No, Rabbi," again Passover? I'm sure the Gabbai subdued voice. r e p l i e d C h a i m . " A n y will not refuse you a share in Chometzdige utensils?" "Yes, Maos Chittim in which you "You know, Chaim there is Rabbi, we have a few pots and yourself always contribute every something of value we still own. pans." The Rabbi then wrote year." We still have Elijah's silver wine Chaim's name on his list and cup. Don't you think you should concluded the "sale" in the "I know," answered Chaim pawn it so that we can at least required manner. wearily, shaking his head. His buy matza, wine and potatoes?" heart felt heavy at the thought of "Do you know what you are As Chaim still remained his changed fortune. saying?" exclaimed Chaim. standing, the Rabbi asked him: "What sort of a Seder could we "Rabbi Chaim, is there something True, the sum he gave yearly to celebrate worthily without you wish to ask me?" "Yes, the Maot Chittim Fund had not Elijah's goblet?" Rabbi," said Chaim, shuffling his been large, but it was a nice sum feet nervously. "I was wondering considering his modest means. "Look Chaim, don't get so . . . Can you tell me if the Torah And the fact that he contributed excited. Elijah will surely permits one to use milk instead always gave him a good feeling, understand and it will not stop of wine for the 'Arba Kossos' (the knowing what a big Mitzvah it him from coming to our house at four cups of wine) at the Seder?" was. And now? What now? Seder time as always." "Breina, I cannot do it! Imagine when Elijah The Rabbi looked thoughtful as "Well Chaim?" Breina cut in on comes to us and his wine cup is he slowly began to stroke his his thoughts. "Why so silent? missing! What will it look like? silver white beard. So poor What about my suggestion?" "I No, I'll not do this to Elijah. G-d Chaim was not only lacking in shall not accept charity," replied will show us a way out of our wine for Passover but apparently Chaim firmly. "Really! Then tell problem. We can depend on he had no meat either, otherwise me how your stubborn pride is Him." he would not be talking about going to provide us with our using milk at the Seder. needs for Passover? Think of our Suddenly a thought struck children, if you don't choose to Chaim. "The goat!" he called out Who knows? Maybe he did not think of yourself or me! softly, as if afraid the goat might even have fish or matza? And not hear. "Breina, listen. Perhaps we a word of complaint. Why C h a i m d i d n o t r e p l y should sell our goat?" "Are you couldn't he have turned to the immediately. Then he slowly out of your mind?" yelled Breina. Maos Chittim Fund if he was in said: "Do you know if there is "The goat is our only means of such great need? The answer is anything in the house that we sustenance! Where else will we obvious: he was ashamed to ask can sell or pawn?" Breina burst get milk for our little ones? Look, for charity.
JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 43 Jewish Tales
"See here, Reb Chaim," the Rabbi saw the matza, the wine and the When he could not see him said, as he opened his drawer money. This was no dream, but anywhere he began to ask if and began searching for beautiful reality! anyone had seen the venerable something. "You have given me a stranger, but all looked at Chaim hard question to answer, and I "I told you that the Almighty wonderingly. "What stranger? have no time right now to look would take care of us and our There's been no stranger here!" into the matter; it is too close to needs," said Chaim as he told her Yom Tov. Do me a favor and wait what had taken place at the "What do you mean? I had this until after Passover, by which Rabbi's house. "You see, Breina, man, with the face of an angel, at time I will have had an we still have Elijah's silver my Seder table." Chaim turned to opportunity to study the goblet, we did not have to sell the Rav. "Tell me Rabbi, did you problem. Meanwhile, here is the goat, and still we'll have a see the stranger?" "Surely," some money which I give you on regal Seder! We surely have a answered the Rabbi. "He visited loan. Go and buy wine and merciful G-d in Heaven!" me too. In fact he visits every whatever else you need for Yom Jewish home at the Seder, but Tov; the money is lying here Chaim, Breina and their children not everyone has the merit to see doing no good over Yom Tov really had a Seder which, in all him. You, obviously are worthy." anyway. You'll give it back to me their lives, they had never at your convenience. Don't enjoyed as much. When Breina After Passover, the snow long worry; I'm not worried. I know went to the door with a candle in forgotten, Chaim again took his you to be an honest man. Go in her hand to open the door for wheelbarrow and went into the peace, I wish you and your wife Elijah she beheld an old Jew woods to gather wood and twigs. and family a kosher, joyful Yom standing there. "Good Yom Tov," He filled the wheelbarrow and Tov!" he said. set off for home. But the load must have been heavier than Chaim expressed his gratitude to At first she was somewhat usual for the wheels got stuck in the Rabbi and hurried off to the startled, but his gentle voice and the soft soil and refused to Matza Bakery which was still manner reassured her and she budge. open. He bought a plentiful invited him in. Chaim recognized supply of matzos and also him as someone he had seen in Chaim tugged and pushed; all to managed to buy wine. Shul that evening; must be a no avail. Reluctantly he began to stranger passing through town throw away some of the wood he With a light heart he rushed and "stranded" somehow. had gathered, to lighten the load. home, and as he entered he He gave a sudden push and out called out gaily. "Breinale! Good Chaim invited him to join them at shot the wheels! Yom Tov! Look what I've the Seder, but the stranger said brought!" he could only stay a while as he Say, what was that thing shining had already been invited there? He bent down and, to and "What do you mean `Good Yom elsewhere. As the guest sat at the behold, a shining golden coin Tov'?" his wife asked sleepily, table his glance fell admiringly met his astonished gaze! rubbing her eyes as she came on Elijah's goblet, which Breina towards him. "Yom Tov is had polished until it sparkled He quickly began digging in the tomorrow." "For me it is already and shone. "What a lovely wine same spot, and out came a Yom Tov, dear wife. Look, we have cup!" he said. rotting bag, spilling out its matza, wine, and money for the contents a whole lot of lovely, herbs and all else we need for "May your Mazal shine and glittering golden coins! A fine Sedorim and a wonderful sparkle like this goblet!" After veritable fortune! Yom Tov!" Breina thought her chatting with Chaim for a little husband was either not in his while longer, he got up, excused From that time on, no more was right mind or was day dreaming. himself and left. The following Chaim "poor Chaim," but his day Chaim looked in Shul for the Mazal shone for him and his But she opened her eyes wide, stranger. He wanted to invite him family, as did Elijah's precious and became fully awake as she to join him for the second Seder. goblet at their Seder table.
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https://www.chabad.org/multimedia/video_cdo/aid/1106330/jewish/Yeshiva.htm VOL. XVIII NO. 4 JEWISH-AMERICAN WARRIOR 45 45 NISSAN-IYAR 5774 / APRIL-MAY 2014 45