Rabbi Herschel Schacter, a US Army Chaplain in World War II, has died. Rabbi Schacter had been prominent in the Modern Orthodox movement with Judaism.  The Associated Press recalls a famous role he had in Germany 70 years ago:

Schacter served as an Army chaplain during World War II and was able to participate in the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp. In 1956, he was a member of the first rabbinic delegation to the former Soviet Union.

Yes, Jewish chaplains accompanied US forces into Germany in World War II, despite Hitler’s hostility to those of the faith.  Today, Jewish chaplains still follow US troops to all corners of the world — even corners where Judaism is viewed…unfavorably.

On a related note, the Air Force highlights Air Force Chaplain (Capt) Sarah Schechter, the only (active duty) Air Force female Jewish chaplain:

“Frankly, I could be the hundredth in my job,” she said. “I’m an officer, I’m a rabbi, and I want to do my best to represent the military and Judaism in the best light possible. My primary focus is not on being first or even female but on providing first class care for our Airmen and their families.”

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