JWB Jewish Chaplains Council

Join JWB Jewish Chaplains Council and Virtual JCC in celebrating the modern State of Israel and it's many accomplishments on Yom Haatzmaut, Israel's Independence Day.

Join JWB Jewish Chaplains Council and Virtual JCC as we commemorate Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day.

JWB Jewish Chaplains Council, a signature program of Jewish Community Centers of North America (JCCs), recently awarded scholarships to two HUC rabbinical stude...nts, Elias Chajet and Matt Derrenbacher. These students are chaplain candidates in the military reserve and have demonstrated enthusiasm for military chaplaincy through their endeavors. Congratulations! Learn more about the scholarships and students: huc.edu/JWBscholarship

JWB Jewish Chaplains Council is pleased to share this Dvar Torah written by CH (COL) Bonnie Koppell (Ret.) Rabbi Koppell is the chairperson of JWB's Plenum, the body that brings together the leadership of different Jewish denominations to advise the JWB professional staff and make the decisions that best serve our Jewish men and women in uniform. Rabbi Koppell, thank you for your service and for your longstanding commitment to U.S. service members, their families and veterans. Shabbat Shalom.

Today we observe Yom HaShoah and remember 6,000,000 innocent Jews killed in the Holocaust. In this video, CH (MAJ) Aaron Rozovsky of the D.C. National Guard, shares footage of the undeniable horror that was the Holocaust, and the role of the U.S. service members and allies as liberators and witnesses. Never Again. We will remember and never forget.

JWB Jewish Chaplains Council is a signature program of Jewish Community Centers of North America (JCCs). Please join us in commemorating Yom Hashoah VeHagvurah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

It is a pleasure to share this Passover Dvar Torah written by Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz, Director of Operations, JWB Jewish Chaplains Council. It appeared in the most recent publication of the Jewish Veteran. As we enter into these last holy days of Passover. We extend wishes of Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach - Happy Passover.

Chag Pesach Sameach! Happy Passover!

During the COVID pandemic, many of us remain separated from friends and family. This Passover Seder, featuring Jewish military chaplains, will take you through the steps of the Seder at your own pace. JWB Jewish Chaplains Council wishes all Jewish military personnel, their families and veterans a very happy and healthy Passover.

As a JWB National Guard Chaplain deployed to Washington DC, Rabbi Jordan Hersh keeps us and those he serves inspired by these words of hope.

JWB is proud of National Guard Chaplains Jordan Hersh and Aaron Stucker-Rozovsky who have been called up to care for those who protect the citizens of our nation’s capital. Shabbat Shalom - May this be a Shabbat of peace.

JWB Jewish Chaplains Council extends a hearty yeshar koach, congratulations, to Chaplain Sean Gorman and Rabbi Jennifer Gorman, on their article, "A New Paradigm for the Rabbinate," which recently appeared in EJewish Philanthropy.

Enjoy this video from AFN Okinawa about JWB Chaplain Yonatan Greenberg. Rabbi Greenberg is originally from Greece and served as a Greek Navy Commando before making aliyah to Israel and then moving to the U.S. Upon immigrating, he answered the call to serve, first as enlisted, and then as a chaplain.

JWB chaplains are tasked with caring for all, no matter their faith and even if they are of no faith. Chaplain Levi Welton, USAFR, exemplifies this commitment to all. In this article, he reflects on how the holiday season, taking place during the darkest time of year, when risk factors for suicide and self-harm increase, is a time to care for the spiritual well being of those around us. https://www.dover.af.mil//2452/be-a-light-against-suicide/

JWB Jewish Chaplains Council is pleased to share this article published in EJewish Philanthropy by Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz, JWB's Director of Operations. Read on to learn about our pilot initiative, funded by PJ Library, to support grassroots Jewish military communities. We have only begun to realize the tremendous impact this approach will have. Naval Base Kitsap, Fort Riley, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Naval Base San Diego

For our final post of this Hanukkah season, we are proud to share these images of JWB Chaplain COL Larry Bazer, National Guard Bureau Headquarters, lighting the Hanukkiah at the Congressional Hanukkah Party. It has been a wonderful holiday. Thank you for celebrating with JWB Jewish Chaplains Council, our chaplains, lay leaders and the Jewish men and women who serve our country in uniform every day.

Here's something you don't see everyday. JWB Jewish Chaplains Council's Chaplain Karyn Berger recognized that a Jewish officer at U.S. Army Armor Basic Officer Leader Course was not going to have a chance to celebrate Hanukkah back at the chapel. So, she, together with his chaplain, Ch (CPT) Waller, supported him to light candles while in the field. He also got Chaplain Berger's own homemade latkes and treats from the Jewish Soldiers Project.

From all of us at JWB Jewish Chaplains Council, we extend wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and a Chag Sameach. May the holiday of Sukkot bring with it joy for you, your family and your community. Enjoy these photos of military sukkot from Columbus AFB, MS; Fort Hood-Army Base and Ramstein Air Base, Germany

JWB Jewish Chaplains Council supports meaningful engagement with Jewish life for service members, their families and veterans. We have never worked alone in achieving this mission. JWB endorsed chaplains and JWB certified lay leaders are on the front lines, providing men and women in uniform with Jewish resources that include everything from minyanim - services, to a listening ear. We are honored by the service of lay leaders like Gerard S. Hodge Jr. at US Army Fort Sill, Ok...lahoma. And we are thrilled that he has been recognized for his years of voluntarism for the installation Jewish community. https://www.swoknews.com//article_595bef0f-29f6-550b-a73e- See more

Each year, JWB Jewish Chaplains Council publishes a list of names to be added to Yom Kippur's Memorial Service, Yizkor. These are the names of the United State's fallen military heroes within the past Jewish year. We share the list again, with the prayer that next year there be no more names to add. Gmar Chatimah Tovah. May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Ever wonder how Jewish service members ring in the New Year? Enjoy this photo gallery of Rosh Hashanah celebrated on military installations from Colorado to Kuwait. (photos.app.goo.gl/3XLyRC7WB4aSWXeAA). Happy 5781!

As we enter 5781, may the apples and honey of the season bring us healing and sweetnessnow and throughout the year. Shabbat shalom and shanah tovah u'metukah! Wishing everyone a good and sweet new year!