Israel, US Jewish military leaders launch training program for military rabbis
As Jewish service members around the world face increasingly complex religious questions while serving in modern militaries, a new international initiative aims to equip military rabbis and Jewish chaplains with the knowledge and resources needed to address them.The program brings together the International Halacha Institute (IHI), a Jerusalem-based organization that develops practical halachic guidance and educational resources; Aleph Military, the military division of the U.S.-based Aleph Institute, which supports Jewish service members, veterans and their families; and representatives of the IDF Military Rabbinate.Their goal is to develop training and practical halachic resources for rabbis serving Jewish soldiers, sailors and airmen facing unique military circumstances—from observing Shabbat during missions to maintaining kosher standards in remote locations.The initiative builds on years of cooperation between Jewish military chaplains and the IDF Military Rabbinate.‘Military life creates unique circumstances’Chaplain Maj. Elie Estrin, United States Air Force Reserve and director of Aleph Military, told JNS the…
A new international initiative has been launched by the IDF Military Rabbinate, Aleph Military (U.S.), and the International Halacha Institute (Jerusalem) to train military rabbis and Jewish chaplains. This program aims to address complex halachic (Jewish law) challenges faced by Jewish service members globally, such as observing Shabbat during missions or maintaining kosher standards in remote locations. Chaplain Maj. Elie Estrin of Aleph Military stated, "Military life creates unique circumstances, and we need rabbis who understand how to respond."
- A central component will be translating and adapting the IDF Military Rabbinate’s comprehensive guide, Torah Machane, into English for use by chaplains in different military systems.
- The program will offer two tracks: one for advanced rabbinic scholars and another for chaplains seeking practical understanding.
- Col. Rabbi Chaim Weissberg of the IDF Military Rabbinate noted the initiative shares halachic expertise and operational experience, particularly valuable since the October 7th attacks.
- The partnership is reciprocal, with Israeli rabbis learning from American chaplains about issues like Jewish identity verification, which are less common in Israel.
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