Kosher in combat – Aleph Institute’s crucial work supporting Jewish service members

For the approximately 15,000 Jewish individuals serving in the U.S. armed forces, maintaining their religious identity while fulfilling military duties can be challenging. Observing religious practices such as keeping Kosher, observing Shabbat, and celebrating Jewish holidays can be difficult, especially in remote locations or during deployment. Some soldiers may also experience feelings of isolation or estrangement due to their observance of Jewish customs, like wearing beards, which were once prohibited for soldiers.

To address these challenges, Jewish military personnel, chaplains, and their families gathered earlier this month in Surfside for a large conference organized by the Aleph Institute, a nonprofit supporting Jewish military members. The conference covered various topics, including “Kosher in Combat” and “Judaism and Post-Traumatic Growth.” Rabbi Aaron Lipskar, CEO of Aleph, highlighted the institute’s support for Jewish service members, offering spiritual, emotional, and practical assistance, especially during difficult times such as deployments.

Aleph Institute reaches over 3,500 Jewish military personnel worldwide annually, helping with the specific needs of Jewish soldiers, such as coordinating food shipments during Passover or delivering care packages to remote locations. It also helps train military chaplains, endorsing 47 Jewish chaplains and contract rabbis who provide spiritual guidance to soldiers of all faiths.

While the U.S. Department of Defense allows soldiers to observe their religious beliefs, requests for religious accommodations can vary by military branch. The Air Force and Army have more streamlined systems, while the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps have fewer allowances due to operational constraints.

Rabbi Elie Estrin, a military chaplain, emphasized the importance of chaplains in supporting soldiers through challenging times, such as dealing with PTSD or delivering difficult news. He also noted that building trust and offering emotional and spiritual support are critical for helping service members cope with the stresses of military life. The conference also addressed the impact of religion and faith on soldiers’ mental health, with an emphasis on the importance of chaplaincy in preventing issues like PTSD and suicide by fostering trust and providing a support system for soldiers struggling with their mental health.

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