Being Jewish in the CAF

[ZeiGezunt]

So I'm not entirely sure where to put this, but I'm a mildly observant Jewish future OCdt (in two weeks, no longer "future"). I know the CAF has no Jewish chaplains currently, so I'm wondering what Jewish spiritual life is like in the CAF. Are there support groups, minyanim, or things like that for Jewish CAF members? Are COs lenient about things like taking the High Holy Days off? (obviously not the Ten Days of Repentance between them, just the two actual holidays) Are Passover Sedarim held on military bases? What about kosher/vegetarian food, where available? All these questions and more I have, so any Jewish milnet posters, PM me and let's discuss this!

EDIT: I have been informed there is a Jewish chaplain currently serving in the CAF, which is excellent news.

 

[mariomike]

So I'm not entirely sure where to put this,

Religion in the Canadian Forces & in Canadian Society
http://army.ca/forums/threads/25815.0
25 pages.

What about kosher/vegetarian food, where available?

All Things Vegetarian/Vegan (merged)
http://army.ca/forums/threads/30884.225
11 pages.

CF food services do not accommodate for religious reasons.  This does not mean we force Jews or Muslims to eat pork and for the most part, our standard menu planning practices (e.g. choice of three main courses) will enable people to avoid certain foods and still eat, but we do not specifically accommodate for religious diets.  We do not keep kosher or hel-al kitchens.  In other words, if one wishes to not eat pork, one can do so without going hungry, but if you want a kosher meal, you can pretty much forget it.

The only things we accommodate for in food services are medical requirements.

I am quite sure that it is really impossible to get a true kosher meal in the military, the best you can hope for is to get a none pork showing option.  Even when I have asked for eggs, no bacon it has often been on the same grill with the same utensils used so guess what - small amount of pork on it.

I like how for IMPs kosher is lumped in with the vegeterian meals.  As such in a unit that has members regularly reminding them of dietary requirements there is no excuse not to have IMPs available for those members to eat.  I know I can walk down to my QM right now and he will have the kosher/vegeterian in stock just in case needed.  How hard is it really to include a box or two in your orders when stocking the shelves. 

On ship it is easier to stick to a vegetarian or vegan diet than in the field as there is a full kitchen with a good stock of rations but it may involve eating the same salads quite often (and being called bugs while offered a carrot).

Ultimately be prepared to make do the best you can - the only rule I have stuck to is not eating any visible pork.  No pork chops, hot dogs (military ones always have pork in my experience), ham, bacon, sausages (unless true turkey bacon/sausages which do exist but are hard to find and I do read the package).  Easy enough as there is always other choices available.

 

[LightFighter]

I know the CAF has no Jewish chaplains currently

http://crownheights.info/chabad-news/27825/rabbi-joins-canadian-armed-forces-full-time/

https://www.facebook.com/32CBG/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1661192554128897

 

[ZeiGezunt]

http://crownheights.info/chabad-news/27825/rabbi-joins-canadian-armed-forces-full-time/

Oh wow, that's cool. I had no idea Rabbi Danzinger was still serving.

 

[Staff Weenie]

While I'm not Jewish, I have had a few Jewish soldiers under my command over the years, and we had Rabbi Mendelsohn in my home unit of 28 (Ottawa) Field Ambulance.

Kosher/Halal rations packs are available in the field, not certain how well the kitchens on base can produce kosher meals. I would doubt that they are so strict as to have entirely separate food prep areas and utensils.

Observance can be an issue, depending on your degree of Orthodoxy. For example, trying to have strict observance of every Shabbat may not be possible. What if you are on an operation?

For holidays, I would expect that there is a measure of reasonable accommodation (again, as long as it doesn't conflict with operations, and even training) - the CAF is so diverse now, that we cannot ignore these things.

For spiritual life on base, I simply don't have enough information. My experience is that Jews are very under-represented in the CAF, and thinly spread across the country. But maybe this leaves fertile ground for you to start something wherever you are posted.

I wish you all the best in your career, and I hope you find the CAF a welcoming environment.

 

[ZeiGezunt]

Thank you! I am not currently Shomer Shabbat (one who keeps it to a full extent), but hopefully at least ten interested Jews can be found on a given base, enough to conduct a prayer service with. I do enjoy Shabbat services.

A much more observant friend of mine is currently serving as an infantryman in the USMC, where he formed and led prayer and study groups for the Jews in his unit. If I could connect with a rabbi or two to provide support, I would certainly do the same.

 

[Staff Weenie]

Rabbi Danzinger is in Toronto I believe, and he can assist you in networking in to Rabbis in whatever area you are posted to. Rabbi Mendelsohn is in Ottawa, and while he released from the CAF several years ago, he maintains strong support for CAF members, and will always be willing to meet with any service person who would like spiritual guidance.

Are you going to RMC this fall? Where are you from right now?

I was a member of the McMaster University Jewish Students Union for six years (even got elected President one year) - they used to call me their token Goy. I was pulled in because I'd worked a summer as an archaeology student in Israel - and they promised me good food..... I miss a good Shabbat dinner every now and then.....

 

[mariomike]

Are you going to RMC this fall?

RMC selections are over and I didn't make it.

I was a member of the McMaster University Jewish Students Union for six years (even got elected President one year) - they used to call me their token Goy. I was pulled in because I'd worked a summer as an archaeology student in Israel - and they promised me good food..... I miss a good Shabbat dinner every now and then.....

My wife says, "If it tastes good, it’s probably not Kosher." 

 

[captloadie]

8 Wing Trenton has a Jewish Padre, Rabbi Bowley. He actually lives down the street from me. He would also be able to provide information on services in the local area to Kingston.

 

[ZeiGezunt]

I didn't make it into RMC, but I will be doing ROTP at the University of Winnipeg. There's a strong Jewish community there, but I was wondering what life would be like when I get into the "real Army" as it were. However, my questions have pretty much been answered!

Also Mike, I invite you to come down to ours for a Shabbat dinner sometime. We'll see if we can't change your mind. 

 

[mariomike]

Also Mike, I invite you to come down to ours for a Shabbat dinner sometime. We'll see if we can't change your mind. 

My wife said that, as a joke, not me. 

I never ate so good until I got married! ( Never had to make a decision again, either.  )

ZeiGezunt, what StaffWeenie said about wishing you all the best in your career goes for me too! 

 

[ZeiGezunt]

Thanks Mike! And I know, just playing along.

You guys have been too kind to me! Thanks for all your help.

 

[mariomike]

Adding this,

Jewish Canadian Military Museum
http://jcmm.ca/
The Jewish Canadian Military Archives is proud to honour the Jewish men and women who have served unselfishly and courageously in the Canadian armed forces from the earliest days of Canada's history, through the World Wars, Korea to the present.