Sunday, August 14, 2011

Re: [Shefa] It Must Be Us

 

Dear ENS Creditor,

As a physician working in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia with veterans and active duty service members who are struggling with the sequelae of military engagement in the current conflicts and the Global War On Terror (with both physical but also spiritual challenges) I would add that there is also a desperate need for sensitive, informed and energetic rabbis trained in the Conservative tradition to serve in chaplaincy positions within the VA.  There is clearly a very important spiritual aspect to the mission of the VA in serving those who have served the country in the armed forces and who have been willing to put everything on the line to protect our freedoms.
During this interval of consolation and reflection between Tisha B'Av and the High Holydays, the value of service to the spirit for those seeking comfort and direction in their lives takes on even more significance.

Thank you for what you are doing and for setting an important and courageous example for your peers.

Best,

Gary

On Sun, Aug 14, 2011 at 4:19 PM, Yonina Credi <yonicred@hotmail.com> wrote:
 

I always knew I wanted to be rabbi - just not a pulpit rabbi. 
With some encouragement from friends and a visit from the NAVY recruiter, I took my commission and went to Officer Development School (ODS) for naval officers this summer. I expect to go active duty this June after ordination from JTS.

Here is what I have come to understand. 

The NAVY needs rabbis - Conservative rabbis. 


1) There are Jews in the military and there are not enough rabbis to minister to them. 

I have heard from so many people that while they serve, there are no rabbi available. If there is a chaplain, they are usually Chabad-like Christians on a mission and make the Jewish service-people uncomfortable. They have no one to turn to when others try to get them to convert. There is no one to explain and educate them and others, to lead services, to run Seders. These Jewish service-people spend their days putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom and we must now take up the call to strengthen their ability to be Jews - however they define themselves.

2) We are a Halachic movement which can work within the structure of military life. 

We are not so rigid that we can not integrate ourselves with the sailors around us and we are flexible enough to maintain standards of Jewish observances within the military framework. We believe in Klal Yisrael and extend our hand to other sects at every opportunity.  We are creative in maintaining a Halachic structure while being welcoming to all at the same time. 
I was able to keep Shabbat and Kashrut and have that bond within my unit. It was inconvenient, not impossible at ODS. My presence gave other Jews the strength to openly identify as Jews. 
 

3) We are confident in our Judaism so that we can happily co-exist with other religious groups.

I became close with other religious Christians in my unit. We had a mutual respect for each other and I did not feel the need to defend Judaism and its existence. There was also a built-in understanding by Christians that Judaism was the basis of their religion.
We had interfaith dialogue where we taught each other the unique parts of our religions. Through these discussions, our respect for each other grew.  We as Conservative Jews focus on interfaith dialogue to build strong relationships with our spiritual brothers. 


We are too few rabbis/chaplains trying to a yeoman's job. 

Navy chaplains serve as hospital chaplains, marriage counselors, social workers, teachers, preachers, preside over life cycles and service leaders. We are responsible for everyone in our unit, regardless of religious affiliation.

Where else can I do every aspect the rabbinate has to offer?

To do this does not mean that I love Israel any less. It means that Israel is my spiritual home and I am taking care of Klal Yisrael and those who serve alongside her in defense of democracy around the world. 

Yes, the job comes with some challenges and discipline but that sacrifice is worth it when it means I can serve God and Country and be a light unto all people as a rabbi/chaplain.

Consider this if you are contemplating the rabbinate. 

ENS Yonina Creditor
ODS Class 11070 Kilo Company
CCPO, USN


______________________________________
Gary Goldberg BASc MD
Medical Director, PolyTrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program
Medical Director, PolyTrauma Network Site Clinic
Physical Medicine and Rehab. Service (117A)
McGuire VA Medical Center
1201 Broad Rock Blvd.
Building 509
Richmond, VA 23249
Phone: (804) 675-5117
http://www.richmond.va.gov/services/pmr.asp
http://www.polytrauma.va.gov/

Professor,
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Medical College of Virginia / Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
http://www.pmr.vcu.edu/directory/faculty/ggoldberg/ggoldberg.aspx

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