by Jill Huber
NJJN Bureau Chief/Monmouth

June 9, 2009

High school students at Temple Beth Torah in Ocean learned about Jewish life in the military and presented a Jewish chaplain with care packages for soldiers stationed overseas.

Maj. Yaakov Bindell, a member of the air national guard’s 108th Air Refueling Wing at McGuire Air Force Base in Burlington County, accepted the packages on behalf of men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bindell spoke to the students May 4 as part of the Conservative congregation’s high school open house program. Since joining the service in 2000, Bindell has traveled throughout the Middle East to minister to the men and women stationed in the region.

“That’s what a Jewish chaplain does — travels all over the world to serve Jewish troop members,” Bindell told NJ Jewish News after talking with the students. He was last in the Middle East in 2007 and will return this fall in time for the High Holy Days.

“The military cares about religious freedom and makes sure that Jewish service people get what they need,” he said. “I’ve never experienced any anti-Semitism, and within the military, there is deep respect for Judaism.”

He also has engaged with Jewish civilian contractors working on projects in the Middle East.

“I’ve led services for them and had many heartfelt discussions,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot of their personal stories. I hope I’ve provided comfort, and I’ve certainly learned a lot from them about compassion and respect.”

Bindell has conducted Passover services at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and religious services and counsel for troops who responded to Hurricane Katrina. He said he has learned that Jewish men and women, regardless of where they are stationed, require a variety of services from a military chaplain. Among the requests are kosher food, Hebrew classes, observance of Sabbath and holiday services, and a confidant who understands their religious needs and beliefs, Bindell said.

‘Ready to reconnect’

“There are not many Jews in the military, and there is loneliness because they’re not within a Jewish community,” he said. “When I meet them, they are extremely ready to reconnect.”

His own sense of patriotism compelled him to become a military chaplain, he said.

“I wanted to serve my country,” said Bindell. “I was always patriotic and I have a strong sense of gratitude for growing up in the U.S.”

Bindell, who is married and lives in Highland Park, was ordained in 1999 at Beth Medrash Govoha Yeshiva College in Lakewood. His appearance at Beth Torah was in conjunction with the Monmouth County branch of American Recreational Military Services. The national organization was founded in 2003 by volunteers who wanted to assist U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. ARMS has shipped more than 20,000 care boxes — containing more than 200,000 pounds of necessities — overseas.

The Beth Torah students gave Bindell an additional 60 care packages containing toiletries and snacks. The students purchased the items with money obtained from donations and fund-raising activities.

“These care packages really make a huge difference; I can’t emphasize that enough,” Bindell said. “Besides providing material things the service people need, they boost morale and reassure them that people at home care about them, support them, and are grateful for the sacrifices they are making on our behalf.”

Bindell also said the packages help strengthen relationships between those serving in the Middle East and those on the home front.

“Sometimes, the boxes contain cards and letters that can be sent back and forth,” he said. “I think they’ve kept relationships together during difficult circumstances. People in the service can’t call their loved ones very often, and there can be a long wait to send e-mail messages. These cards and letters provide a way to keep the personal connection going.”

Additional information about ARMS is available at www.supportarms.org.

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