xt7mcv4bsd2j https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7mcv4bsd2j/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2016-11 Newspaper of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, previously named the Central Kentucky Jewish Association and Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. Published ten times annually. The Federation seeks to bring Jewish community members together through holiday parties, lectures, Yiddish courses, meals, and other celebrations of Jewish heritage and culture. They also host fundraisers and provide financial assistance for Jews in need, both locally and around the world. This collection is part of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records, 2016ms010. newsletters 2016ms010 English Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Inc.  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records Jews -- Kentucky -- Lexington Jews -- History Shalom, November 2016 text image Shalom, November 2016 2016 2016-11 2025 true xt7mcv4bsd2j section xt7mcv4bsd2j Volume XV
Issue 9
Tishrei-Cheshvan
5777

Newspaper of
November 2016

w i E . l 9 OF THE’BLUEGRASS

Global Day of Jewish Learning: Study with the world!
By Rabbi Sharon Cohen

 

On Sunday November 20, the Lexington Jewish community once again has the opportunity
’~ _ to be a part of an international program designed to unite Jews through the study of our
‘ \‘ ' ancient texts. Now in its 7th year, the Global Day of Jewish Learning is celebrated in over

a
’)

~ \ / 1' 500 communities across 43 countries, allowing JeWs of diverse backgrounds to explore the
u w§ g; :3 same Jewish foundational texts on the same day. Regardless of our background, location.
i”. , fl‘w ‘ (9 or connection to Judaism, the study of Torah and traditional Jewish texts reminds us of the

V“ v
[7? l‘ The Global Day of Jewish Learning is a project of The Aleph Society and Rabbi Adin Even-
xS‘H pfll Israel Steinsaltz, a leading Jewish scholar who has worked tirelessly to advance Jewish
L E scholarship and make Jewish text accessible to all. Rabbi Steinsaltz’s mission has been to
“Let My People Know” and his challenge to Jews everywhere is “to take a step ahead in Jewish learning and commit—
ment.” Fostering Jewish unity, creating meaningful shared experiences and empowering individuals through increased
Jewish knowledge are the guiding values of Global Day.

‘\‘ 3 unique heritage all Jews share.
‘3"

This year’s Global Day theme, Under the Same Sky: “The Earth is Full of Your Creations,” explores our world and nature
and the human beings place within it. Through the richness of Jewish texts and discussion, participants all over the globe
will have the opportunity to examine such topics as the tension between God as healer and the practice of medicine. the
blessings and curses of rain, the concepts of sh’mita and planting, and the human being as ruler, steward, or servant of the
natural world. In addition, live video broadcasts will be available on the web from around the world in several languages
to provide fresh perspectives from global thinkers.

Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, the Lexington Jewish community’s participation in the Global Day
ofJewish Learning will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2016, from 10:00 am. to noon, and hosted this year by Ohavay
Zion Synagogue.

This year, Global Day will be structured a bit differently than in the past. The first hour will include an introduction to
the Global Day theme through a short, recorded video lecture given by Rabbi Steinsaltz himself, followed by discussion
in pairs or small groups based on the Rabbi’s lesson. During the second hour, (continued on p. 2)

Campaign News
By Tamara Ohayon and Daniel Baker

The #GoodGivingGuia’e Challenge: A fun and important way to support your Federation

The #GoodGivingGuide Challenge is an online fundraising event which benefits over 100
local nonprofit organizations in Central Kentucky. Launched in 201 1 by Blue Grass Com—
munity Foundation and Smiley Pete Publishing (producers of Southsider and Chevy Chas-
er, among other local papers and magazines), the GoodGiving Challenge will begin its sixth
giving season on Giving Tuesday, November 29 at 9:00 am. and will end at 1 1:59 pm. on
December 31. Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass is excited to be participating for a fifth
time in this wonderful online event.

This unique online fundraising event encourages donors to contribute through credit card
transactions via the bggivesorg website, hosted by web fundraising platform Razoo. The platform allows for completely
safe and secure credit card donations to be made to your charities of choice. It also means that you can give a minimum
of $10 through your phone, tablet, or other web accessible device at any time, and as many times as you want, during the
five weeks of the Challenge.

This year, we are excited to implement components which will make the Challenge a successful and unique fundraiser.
We have asked the members of the Young Bluegrass Jews (YBJ) group to contribute through promotional efforts, and to
assist in the planning of a kick-off event (continued on p. 3)

1

 

 

 (Global Day, continuedfrom [9.1) participants will have the opportunity to choose from among several topics of
interest offered by facilitators from our Lexington Jewish community. Facilitators to date are: Jon Glixon, Deb
Flomenhoft, Austin Cantor, and Art Schechet representing a diversity of expertise and experience within our own
community.

There will also be a special Global Day PJ Library program offered during the morning, and the students in the
TA] and OZS religious schools will study together using an age-appropriate curriculum. The diversity and vibran-
cy of global Jewry working together for the sake of Torah is reflected in the participation of our entire Lexington
Jewish community in this fabulous program. We hope to see you on November 20!

For more information about the local Global Day program, visit wwmjeivishlexington.org or contact Rabbi Sha-
ron Cohen at the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass at (859)268-0672. Additional information and access to the
live and recorded video learning series can be found at www.theglobaldayorg.

 

President’s Message
By Evalyn Block

Take just a moment and exhale, the month of Tishrei is over. When we look at
the Jewish calendar, we note that Tishrei is unique in that it is full of momentous
and meaningful days of celebration and events; Rosh Hashanah, Tashlich, the
Fast of Gedaliah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. We
have been busy praying, asking for forgiveness and making vows to become bet-
ter people and to do more by turning our words into actions.

As eventful as Tishrei is, it is followed by Chheshvan which has no Jewish holi-
days. This is by design as we are given this month not so that we can lounge
around and say, “Ok, I’ve done my ‘Jewish’ part for the year, I can now relax.”
It is just the opposite for Cheshvan, a month for introspection and a time to put
into action all the hopes, prayers and resolutions we made at the start of the Jew-
ish New Year.

Cheshvan is a time of great opportunity. We can start with our selves by making

a commitment to not sit on the sidelines and get involved in Jewish activities
which will enrich our lives. In our community there are numerous opportunities for enrichment. There are pro-
grams through the Jewish Federation, OZS, TAI and through UK Jewish Studies as well as the Moosnick Lecture
Series. On behalf of the Federation 1 encourage everyone to take advantage of our Lunch and Learn programs.
There is no better way to engage with the various rabbis in our community than through a wide variety of top-
ics from different perspectives. Also, the Federation would like to invite everyone to the Global Day of Jewish
Learning on November 20 and One Book Jewish Lexington on February 12. It is never too early to plan ahead so
mark your calendars.

Cheshvan also provides us with time and space to think about tikkun olam, repairing the world. Sojust as we ex-
haled when Tishrei was over, let us now take a deep breath and say, “Now is the time.” Social action is one of the
cornerstones of Judaism. Individually we can do small things but collectively we can do great things. Now is the
time to be an active participant and opportunities abound in our community. First, I encourage you to participate
in the Federation’s Tzeason of Tzedakah and to make a statement by walking in the MLK Jr. March for Freedom
on January 16. Furthermore, when it comes to tikkun olam perhaps no other country in the world exemplifies this
more than Israel. Politics aside, Israel has been in the forefront of medical and technological advances that have
helped countless individuals. She is there with a helping hand in every disaster, although the world press doesn‘t
cover it. That is why it is so critically important to support Israel through your Federation.

Everyone has an opportunity to make a statement by supporting the Federation starting November 29 at the J FB
GoodGiving Challenge Kick—Off or by attending the mid-challenge Open House on December 14.

The blast of the shofar was our wake-up call. Let us shake off our complacency and reconnect and recommit to
our Jewish identity and ideals. Let this be the year of engagement and involvement.

Evalyn Block
President

 

  

Moosnick Lectures

JOn behalf of the Moosnick Lectureship in Judaic Studies Committee. we welcome as our “lecturer" for the
2016-17 academic year. Professor Reuven Firestone. Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam at
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. CA.

Dr. Firestone is one of the country’s leading authorities on the relationship ofJudaism and Islam, and the author
Iof numerous books: including Journeys in Holy Land: Jihad: the Origin ofHo/y War in Islam; Children of
Abraham: An Introduction to Judaism for Muslims; An Introduction to Islam for Jews; and Who are the Real
Chosen People: The Meaning ofChosenness in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

On Tuesday. November 15 at 7 pm. in Carrick Theater. Transylvania University, he will present on “How the
Birth Pangs of Religion Complicate Peacemaking Between Faith Communities.”

En Wednesday. November 16 at 7 pm. at Ohavay Zion Synagogue. he will present on “Diversity of Religious
xpression in Islam.”

Please mark your calendar. as well as inform your respective communities of this special event. The lectures
are free and open to the public.

 

 

 

 

(Campaign News, continuedfrom p. I) to be held November 29 (details will be sent by email and on social media
soonl). YBJ members. the next generation of Jewish leaders and community supporters. are those in the 2 l -40 age
range. These young adults are the target audience of the Challenge. though everyone is encouraged to participate
and donate.

We want to keep the fun at the forefront of the event. and so we are also planning an Open House at our office
during the third week of the event. On Wednesday December l4. make plans to stop by JFB after work to see
friends. enjoy a nosh. and learn more about how your contributions are supporting all of our programs.

Additionally. we are obtaining contributions for three separate match challenges. one each during the first. third.
and fifth weeks. which will help secure extra funding for our programs and services. Week I will be the $500
Launch Match. Week 3 a $500 Board-sponsored Match. and Week 5 will be our $l.000 “Miracle Match" during
the festival of Hanukkah. During these weeks. we must achieve our target fundraising goal in order to receive
the match. We will need everyone’s help to make this successful. and encourage you not only to give. but also to
share with friends and family why you give to Federation and encourage them to give as well.

In past years we have been fiexible about our supporters paying Annual Campaign pledges through the Challenge.
This year. we would like to discourage you from doing this and ask that your donations during the Challenge be in
addition to your pledge. as the GoodGiving Challenge is geared more toward new and unique donors. If. however.
you prefer to give your Annual Campaign gift through the Challenge. we of course appreciate the support and
only ask that when you give through the Challenge. you select the option to add a donation covering the process-
ing fees. as well as make it clear in the transaction that it is toward your pledge.

Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass is incredibly excited for our community to be able to support us during the
Challenge with any amount they are willing and comfortable. The funds raised during the GoodGiving Challenge
will help us to continue to provide quality programs and services for the local Jewish community. for Lexington.
for Israel. and for the world. Through your generosity. Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass will be able to continue
supporting Jewish families. regardless of background and affiliation. while fostering the next generation of Jewish
leaders and securing our Jewish future in Kentucky and beyond.

Please consider supporting Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass through an online donation during the GoodGiving
Challenge. Please share our posts on social media. forward emails to family and friends. and consider the impact
your gift will have on our community today. tomorrow. and always. We need your support to make this fundraiser
successful. Please give generously!

See you online. November 29 — December 3 l !

If you have any questions about the GoodGiving Challenge. or if you will need help making a donation online.
please contact Daniel Baker. Director of Marketing. at daniel@jewishlexingtonorg or by calling (859)268-0672.

3

 

 

 

 Creative Compromise: A Shabbat service at Singletary
B) Rabbi Daiid Wirtschafler

There will be no Friday evening services at Temple Adath Israel on Friday. No-
vember l l. Shabbat worship that night will be at the President’s Room of the
Singletary Center for the Arts at 6 pm. The reason for the change in venue is a
unique opportunity and the need for compromise. The opportunity is the chance
to hear the Lexington Philharmonic perform the Holocaust Oratorio “To Be Cer—
tain of the Dawn.” This powerful piece of music was debuted by the Minnesota
Orchestra, where Maestro Scott Terrell was Associate Conductor before making
. the move to the warmer climates of the Bluegrass. The piece was a gift given to
Temple Israel of Minneapolis, the congregation where I became a bar mitzvah
and was confirmed and served as summer rabbinic intern, by the Basilica of St.
Mary’s, a focal point for the Twin Cities Catholic community. The compromise
is that Friday evening is admittedly not the time we would have preferred to see
this happen. Despite serious and repeated efforts to find a different day of the
week to perform. the Philharmonic was ultimately unable to do so. Therefore, we had to find a way to avoid a
conflict between the obligation to honor the Sabbath and the opportunity to support a piece of music that honors
the memory of the Holocaust.

As Mayor Jim Gray reminds us, “we cannot allow the perfect to be the enemy ofthe good." There is no such thing

s “a perfect compromise." Real compromise is by definition imperfect. The balancing act we have organized
allows for the show to go on without putting people in a position of choosing between attending services or at-
tending the performance. It doesn’t resolve the discomfort of the Philharmonic playing on Friday evenings. Mr.
Terrell, accompanied by Lex Phil Board and TA] member. Ellen Karpf. have assured me that playing on Friday
evenings is something the orchestra does due to logistical challenges and limitations, that they deeply regret the
discomfort this causes in our community, and that they are committed to finding alternatives in the future. Juda-
ism teaches us to practice the obligation of giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. It seems unwise and unrea—
sonable to allow discomfort over scheduling to eclipse the powerful statement that bringing this profound piece of
music conveys to the entire Greater Lexington Metro Area. We thank the Philharmonic for making the President‘s
Room, across the hall from the performance space, available to us for services at 6 pm. The performance begins
at 7:30 pm. Everyone is invited to the Boone Center for a post-performance reception with the Librettist for the
work, Michael Dennis Brown. who will take questions from audience members. A fifty percent discount is avail-
able to all Temple members. Just use the code letters TAI when you call the box office or order online I hope to
see those who value Shabbat those who study the Holocaust, and those who love music at Singletary that evening

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for discounted pricing, please mention this all when calling the
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 Rabbi’s Column
By Rabbi Sharon Cohen

> Make books your companions; let your bookshelves be your gardens: bask in their
beauty, gather their fruit, pluck their roses, and take their spices and myrrh.

-— Judah Ibn Tibbon

This charge by Judah Ibn Tibbon, the great 12th Century Spanish Jewish translator
and commentator of Hebrew literature, describes the approach Jews have always
taken regarding the written word. Jews have been called, “People of the Book,” —
. “Book” most often referring to the Hebrew Bible. While the Bible certainly serves
as our foundation, Judaism, as we practice it today, is built upon volumes of com-
" mentary, legal writings, and interpretations, in particular, the Talmud. Of course,
the Bible provides the roots, but it is the Talmud and subsequent scholarship up to
our day that has allowed Judaism to evolve, survive, and flourish.

Using a broader definition of “Book,” I, nevertheless, would argue that we may
still be rightly called “People of the Book” as Jewish Tradition’s emphasis upon reading and studying have made
the written word a powerful and cherished gift. Throughout Jewish history, books have always been considered
treasured companions which are to be treated with care and respect. For Jews, books are given a place of honor
as they are our conduits to improving ourselves, to learning God’s message for the world, and to discovering our
history and identity. Unlike many other cultures, Judaism even has a special way of handling books. Siddurim
(prayerbooks), Humashim (the Five Books of Moses used for study in the Synagogue), Talmud, and other Sifray
Kodesh (holy books, especially, with God’s name in them) that are no longer in usable condition are not to be
thrown away or stored, but, rather, are to be buried. Just as we give honor to a loved one through burial, we give
honor to our beloved books by providing for them a safe and final resting place.

I wonder what Judah Ibn Tibbon would say if he visited us today and saw us reading, not only from actual books.
but from iPads and Kindles? Nowadays, volumes of Talmud, books on Jewish Law, or traditional commentaries
on the Torah, as well as popular consumer literature, can all be found in “virtual” form. CDs/DVDs, electronic
book subscriptions, or Internet databases have made both traditional Jewish texts and Jewish literature in general
much more accessible.

At the same time, there is still something very powerful about pulling a book from a shelf and turning its pages
to find the answers we seek. One only needs to look at how successful our PJ Library program is both here in
the Bluegrass and nationally, to know the impact physical books can have on both our kids and their parents. Al—
though using the Internet for research and information is vital in this day and age, for me, it can never truly replace
the physical sensation of touching and reading from an actual book. My bookshelves are, indeed, my gardens.

Books are so important in our Jewish tradition that each year during the fall/winter, the American Jewish Com-
munity observes Jewish Book Month, highlighting the vast treasury of Jewish literature that exists, both physical
and virtual. What makes a book “Jewish” you may wonder? Aside from the obvious, a book may be “Jewish” if
it contains Jewish themes, promotes Jewish ideals, includes information on Jewish culture, or was simply written
by a Jew. As such, this special month is not only a time to celebrate books, but an opportunity to acknowledge
those Jewish authors who have ably promoted the use of the written word.

Jewish Book Month is credited to Fanny Goldstein, a woman who devoted her life to books and to community.
Born in 1895 (some sources say 1888), Goldstein became the first female Judaica librarian and the first woman to
direct a branch library, the West End Branch in Massachusetts. Goldstein created programs and collected books
that appealed to the multi-ethnic and multi—religious populations of the area and which brought them together
as one community. The West End Branch, which she directed from 1922 to 1957, offered a model of the public
library as a community center.

Goldstein founded Jewish Book Week which began when she organized a display of Jewish books at the Boston
Public Library in 1925. Goldstein worked tirelessly to bring authors to participate in Jewish Book Week in Bos-
ton and to expand the concept to other cities. In 1940, Jewish Book Week, (continued on p. 6 )

 

Our local Rabbis write columns pertaining to a variety of topics. We encourage you to submit suggestions for columns
you would be interested in reading to shalom @jewishlexington.org.

 

 

 

5

 

 (Rabbi 's Column. ('(mtinuedfrom p. 5) under the auspices of the Jewish Welfare Board (JWB). became a national
project designed to increase awareness of American Jewish literature. Goldstein served as the first chairperson for
this national effort.

Eventually. National Jewish Book Week evolved into Jewish Book Month. celebrated during the rnonth—long
period leading up to Hanuka, which this year runs from November 24th through December 24th. Jewish Book
Month is observed throughout the country with exhibits. lectures. and discussion groups in synagogues. schools.
libraries. and Jewish Community Centers. We owe a sincere “thank you“ to Fanny Goldstein whose love of books
and education have left a legacy for all of us to appreciate.

During Jewish Book Month this year. take your place as a part of the “People of the Book” and follow the wis—
dom of Judah ibn Tibbon: “make books your companions.” Take time out to explore a good Jewish novel or Yid-
dish tale. Read a book on Jewish ritual. philosophy. theology. or a topic you have never studied before. Study a
commentary on the Bible. or thumb through the pages of a Siddur and study its prayers. Take time to read a PJ
Library book with your children. grandchildren or students. Find a "classic" or read a non-fiction or fiction book
that includes Judaism or Jewish characters in its focus. Challenge yourself to learn more about Jewish authors.
ancient and modem. who have had an impact not only upon the Jewish world. but the wider world as well. May
your bookshelves. whether physical or virtual. become your beautiful gardens bearing the fruit of knowledge and
the sweetness of enjoyment and learning. HAPPY READING!

 

ASK JFS: News To Use

By Mimi Kaufman
The 2016 Pathways Guide for Older Adults in the Bluegrass Area is now available. The
Pathways Guide is a wonderful resource booklet that is produced every year by the Blue—
grass Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living. It is a comprehensive resource
containing reliable information on the wealth of services and resources available to assist
older adults. adults with disabilities. their families and caregivers.

Please feel free to pick up a copy. The guide is free. There is a stack of guides located in
both congregations and the Jewish Family Services office.

Some other interesting and exciting Jewish Family Services news is that the Bikkur Cho—

lim Volunteer group has officially had their first meeting. There was a wonderful first

showing of fantastic volunteers! If you are interested in participating you can join the

volunteer group at any time. Volunteer training will continue throughout the year. The

first half of the meeting will be a re—cap of policies and procedures and the second half
will be an invited guest speaker to educate our volunteers on relevant topics. The future Bikkur Cholirn trainings
will be listed on the Federation’s community calendar as they are scheduled.

Please feel free to call JFS at (859) 269-8244 to find out more about this program. whether you are an interested
volunteer or if you or a family member who could benefit from the extra companionship of a friendly visitor.
ASK JFS is a monthly column covering a wide range of issues. If you have a problem or a concem that you would like
addressed in this Shalom column. please send them either by mail to Jewish Family Services at [050 C hinoe Road Suite
112. or by email to ifs@[ewishlexingtonorg. You can also always call with your confidential questions at (859) 269-8244.

 

Show Your Support

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 Reminiscences of a Jewish Navy Officer
By Lou K root, Commander. U. S. Navy (ref. )

I was on active duty in the US Navy from 1971 until my retirement in I993. My motivation for enlisting was
twofold. While serving in the military in World War 11. my father had been wounded in the Battle of the Philip-
pine Sea. He was full of praise for the physicians and corpsmen who treated and cared for him. Also. my father
was a public school teacher and did not have the funds I needed to complete medical school. Therefore, I applied
for a Navy scholarship to medical school. which I received.

My first experience of being Jewish and in the Navy happened while I was in medical school and in Washington.
DC. during the High Holidays. When I called a nearby shul and said that I was on active duty. I received free
tickets to all the services. My next significant experience occurred during my first deployment in the Pacific. in
Okinawa. Being in a foreign land and hearing a different language is one thing, but being surrounded by an en-
tirely alien alphabet that I could not decipher made me understand being “a stranger in a strange land."

Just before we returned to the United States. the ship received a message that High Holiday services were to be
conducted across the island. at Kadena Air Force Base. Our ship was loading vehicles and cargo to take back to
the US. a time when most injuries occur. Therefore, I assumed that I would be needed on the ship. My command-
ing officer received the message about the High Holiday services at the same time. and he asked if] had seen the
message. I replied yes, but that I assumed that I was needed aboard the ship. Not to worry said my CO. The senior
corpsman had had plenty of experience as a marine during the Vietnam conflict and could handle any situation.

That afternoon as I left the ship to catch the bus to Kadena. the CO’s driver was at the foot of the gangplank and
told me the CO had directed him to drive me to Kadena and to pick me up after the services. He also had arranged
quarters for me at the bachelor officers quarters.

The large number of civilians at the services came as a big surprise. It turned out that Jewish students graduating
from architecture and engineering schools could not find employment with US companies in the l940s and 50s.
Their skills were needed. however. in a country levelled by bombs and artillery. Thus they came to Okinawa.
married local women who converted to Judaism and established a Jewish community. Trust me. if you have never
heard the Shema recited with a Japanese accent, you are truly missing something.

On my first ship. I was off the coast of San Diego during Passover. I had asked the supply officer to order matzah
for me. and he assured me that this was no problem. On the first day, I went to the mess desk to get matzah but saw
none. I went to the supply officer to enquire. He blushed and said that he had put all of the matzah out assuming
that only Jewish personnel would take them. As it turned out, the crew saw the “new giant crackers” as something
different and took all of them. I understood that the matzah was a huge hit. So I refrained from leavened bread
for that week.

The next year I was on a ship homeported in Subic Bay, the Philippines. That year I attended High Holiday ser-
vices at Clark Air Force Base. There I discovered that the US. Navy had been providing mohels for Manila since
World War II. Manila has a significant Sephardi community because it was a Spanish colony. Look at a map.
How far away is the Spanish Inquisition? While on the ship. I attended services at the 32nd Street Naval Station
when we were in port.

While in residence at Camp Pendleton in California. I met my wife. Kathie. We were married in the base chapel
on June 7. 1980. Ours was a Navy wedding. and we left the chapel under the raised sabers of my fellow residents.
Unfortunately, the wedding planners forgot the glass to break at the end of the ceremony. I still owe the senior
chaplain a light bulb which I borrowed from his desk lamp to use instead.

Shortly after our wedding. I received orders to 29 Palms, California. which is the Marine Corps” training facility.
It is not the end of the world. but if you stand on your tiptoes you can see it. (Continued on p. 8)

 

CONTRIBUTORS WANTED
We are always looking for contributors to write articles on a wide variety of topics!

To include YOUR voice in Shalom, contact Barbara Goldman, Editor-in-Chief, at
shalom @jewishlexington.org.

 

 

 

 

 (Reminiscences Ufa Jewish Navy Officer, continued from p. 7) There were Jewish personnel and civilians in the
desert. and we formed a friendship group to hold services. My father built a portable ark for the social hall of the
base chapel. One congregant brought a Holocaust Torah back from England for the ark. My eldest son. David.
had his bris there. and the Jewish chaplain from Camp Pendleton officiated.

My next move was to Patuxent. Maryland. to the Naval Air Station. The test pilot school for the Navy and Air
Force is located there. My youngest son was born in the Naval Hospital and had his bris there. We were unable to
find a mohel. so I performed the bris myself. Yes. there was a lot of pressure!

My strongest memory was a Passover while the Navy Seabees CB construction battalion was working on a nearby
base. Several were Jewish. from New York. asking where the Seder would be. The base chaplain called and asked
if] was aware of any Seder held nearby. Kathie and I hosted four sailors. The rabbi assigned to Bethesda Naval
Hospital would come once a month and hold services at Patuxent.

The battleship USS IOWA 88-61 was my next assignment. I was the Jewish lay reader. When in port at Norfolk.
my family and I attended the Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy Chapel on the naval station. This is the only specifi-
cally designed Jewish chapel in the US. Navy. It commemorates Uriah Phillips Levy. the first Jewish flag officer
in the US. Navy. the man who abolished flogging in the US. Navy. and who saved Monticello after Thomas
Jefferson died. He is also famous for the statement: “I am an American. I am a naval officer. and I am a Jew”.

Once again I was overseas during the High Holidays. this time in Le Havre. France. The chaplain notified me
that the Jewish community had invited Jewish personnel to attend services with them. As the only practicing Jew
aboard my ship. I accepted. The original Jewish community there had been deported and exterminated during
World War II. The new community consisted of Moroccan Jews who worked in the petrochemical industry in
Northern France. I had a wonderful Moroccan meal at the home of t