US Army Chaplain (Lt Col) Avi Weiss has previously been profiled here.  The Defense Department has a new article out that notes the challenges he experiences not only as a Jewish Chaplain serving all faiths, but also as a Jewish Chaplain serving the unique aspects of the Jewish faith.

Like all chaplains, he serves Soldiers, civilians and family members of all faiths, but the wide variety of Jewish traditions among his faithful adds an extra level of complexity.  Weiss is personally “very traditional Orthodox,” but many of the military members he serves are not.

For example, the traditional Orthodox have separate seating for men and women at services, but other denominations do not…

Weiss provides what he calls a “collective Jewish service,” analogous to the collective Protestant services offered at many chapels.

“It’s very challenging,” said Weiss.

In his role as Chaplain, he is also coordinating a retreat that coincides with Rosh HaShanah.  As one might expect, the intent is to provide the retreat–which comes at a significantly reduced cost–to members of the Jewish faith.  Others may be included on a space-available basis.

The focus is on Jewish Americans associated with the military in Europe – active-duty military, civilian employees and their family members – but, space permitting, it is open to non-Jewish people who “wish to share the experience.”

The retreat is free to military, family members, DoD civilians and regular attendees at military chapel services, but a donation of $10 per overnight stay and $10 per meal is suggested. Person not affiliated with the military may attend by paying €120 per person directly to the organization which owns the retreat center.

Chaplain Weiss’ efforts to support his troops’ free exercise in a uniquely challenging environment are commendable in every respect.