Shalom everyone, Chaplain (CPT) / Rabbi Scott Klein here, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. In my role, I have the distinct honor of supporting the spiritual and religious needs of our brave Jewish service members. My connection to the broader Jewish community, and my work with fellow chaplains, has illuminated a truly inspiring initiative made possible by the collaboration between the Jewish Community Legacy Project (JCLP) and the JWB Jewish Chaplains Council.
As many know, the JCLP is uniquely dedicated to providing resources and solutions for small Jewish congregations in the US and Canada, helping them navigate the challenges of today and build a lasting legacy for tomorrow. The JWB, a long-standing pillar of support for Jewish military personnel and veterans, has joined forces with JCLP in a way that brings tangible blessings to our military chapels and the communities we serve.
One of the most impactful aspects of this partnership is the journey of sacred objects from synagogues that are sunsetting or downsizing to our military chapels. Imagine a Torah scroll, filled with generations of prayers and readings, finding a new home within a military community eager to learn and connect with their heritage. This is becoming a reality thanks to the thoughtful “matchmaking” efforts of JCLP and JWB. Thanks to recent survey results, these connections will continue to grow and bring even more positive results to base communities around the world.
Through this collaboration, items such as Torah scrolls, arks (the cabinet housing the Torah), siddurim (prayer books), shofars (ram’s horns), megillahs (scrolls for holidays like Purim), and other meaningful ritual objects are being identified and carefully transferred to military chapels across the country. These are not just artifacts; they are tangible links to Jewish history, tradition, and community.
For our Jewish service members, many of whom are far from their home communities, the presence of these familiar and sacred items can be deeply comforting and meaningful. Holding a siddur that has been used by generations in a synagogue, hearing the resonant call of a shofar that once echoed in a sanctuary, or reading from a Torah that carries the weight of Jewish history creates an immediate connection to something larger than themselves and their current circumstances. It fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens their Jewish identity while serving our nation.
Moreover, these donations provide invaluable resources for military chaplains as we strive to meet the diverse spiritual needs of our personnel. Having access to multiple Torah scrolls allows for more frequent and accessible Torah readings. Possessing a variety of siddurim caters to different Jewish traditions and personal preferences within our military community. The availability of shofars and megillahs ensures that Jewish holidays can be observed fully and meaningfully, even in remote locations or challenging operational environments.
This initiative gives a beautiful “second life” to objects that hold immense spiritual and cultural significance. Instead of being stored away or forgotten, these items continue to serve a vital purpose, enriching the lives of Jewish military members and helping to build vibrant Jewish communities within our armed forces. It’s a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of the Jewish people, where the legacy of one community directly supports and strengthens another.
The JCLP and JWB collaboration is a shining example of how thoughtful partnership can yield profound and positive results. It is ensuring that the spiritual needs of our Jewish military personnel are met with dignity and respect, while also honoring the legacy of Jewish communities across the nation. This is a connection that strengthens us all.
Chaplain / Rabbi Scott Klein
82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg