An Israeli rabbi in uniform wrapped up a two-week East Coast speaking tour, leaving audiences in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania pondering the role of religion in taking up arms.
Rabbi Shalom Hammer, who moved to Israel from Monsey, N.Y., in 1990, visited a slew of Chabad-Lubavitch centers in such locations as Atlantic City, N.J., and Philadelphia, and related stories and observations from his time in the Israel Defense Force.
Anne Pinzow, who attended a July 18 lecture at Chabad of Old Tappan, N.J., said that Hammer’s talk about the growth of spirituality in Israel’s military and the resilience of Israel’s residents in the face of terrorism was inspiring.
“I came because I’m interested in what’s happening in Israel,” said Pinzow. “He really got me to feel that we’re one people. We’re together in this.”
Benjamin Lessmann also attended the Old Tappan lecture.
“I was also attracted by the fact that he was an IDF rabbi,” said Lessmann. “I was looking to hear experiences, comments that related to some connection between Jewish identity and [military service].
“I enjoyed it very much,” continued Lessmann. “Usually we hear about the situation from a more secular Israeli population. He really put the fact that the army is an organization where both worlds relate into context.”
Hammer estimated that Chabad Houses make up 25 to 40 percent of his lecture tour hosts.
“I have a very good relationship with them,” said Hammer, who was ordained at Yeshiva University and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in communication and education, respectively. “I find it very important for us to partner together because, at the end of the day, we’re concerned about the same thing: getting Jews involved and affiliated.”
Start a Discussion