Friday night was the first night of Chanukah. We have a Soldier in my unit who's trying to be an observant Jew, which has been tough thus far back during this deployment, as we don't have a Rabbi nearby.
My Soldier really wanted to celebrate Chanukah, so I sent the request 'up the chain' to see whether we could get a Rabbi here.
No go.
So I found a menorah, looked up the prayers using The Google, and had the Soldier come to the office Friday night so we could light the menorah together. Much to my surprise, though he was Bar Mitzvah, he can't read Hebrew, so I did the best I could (it's been years since I have done this).
May light shine in your darkness during this season, and throughout the year.
Blessings and peace to one and all,
Fr. Tim, SJ
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5 comments:
Hi: I think Bat Mitzvah refers to a girls coming of age of accountability. Bar Mitzvah is the male ceremony. You referred to the soldier and all but did say he & I lit the candles. You are wonderful for bringing this opportunity to your troops. Trying to accommodate other beliefs. I am very attached to the Jewish Faith and people. Loved the Kaddish prayer a few days back. So sorry for the grief it represents. Thank you for your dedicated service. Lorraine
Lorraine -- thanks for pointing that out to me; I knew that, and had even mentioned him being *Bar* Mitzvah in a note to my cousin yesterday. I'm thinking more and more these days that I joined the Army after a series of transient ischemic attacks, and I just keep on having them, with more and more frequency! Blessings to you, Ma'am!
Fr. Tim, SJ
Fr Tim,
This is why I love the jebbies, and am proud to be an American. Understand you taught at Stanford. Bellarmine boy here. You've got a big fan! AMDG!
Jim Vasconcellos, Lt Col USAFR
Deployed to Iraq.
And God who sees the heart was surely pleased...
mamaworecombatboots
Much of my family is Jewish, and I thank you for caring for this Soldier, there in Kosovo! Blessings upon you, Tim.
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