Pentagon 9-11 Memorial Chapel Hosts Historic Torah Dedication
WASHINGTON D.C. – On the sacred ground at the Pentagon in the spot where on September 11, 2001 terrorists crashed a plane into the Pentagon killing 189 people, a Torah scroll now resides in an ornate Israeli-built ark whose steel door is secured by a safe lock.
On Monday, September 28th, over 150 military personnel, guests and dignitaries gathered at the Pentagon Memorial Chapel for the dedication of the Torah, recognizing the Jewish members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In front of the standing-room-only crowd, Rabbi Shmuel Wolfman of Jerusalem, completed the last letters of the scroll.
The dedication of a Sefer Torah in the mightiest fortress in the most powerful country in the world validates true strength, which is the strength of Torah which is a moral and ethical power, said Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar, founder and chairman of The Aleph Institute who presided over the ceremony.
The Torah dedication, a first for the home of the U.S. military establishment, was a cooperative effort between The Aleph Institute, a Miami-based national non-profit Jewish organization devoted to Jews in the military and the Pentagon. The Torah scroll was donated by Jacob Hank Sopher, a prominent New York real estate magnate.
There is no better way for Jews to express their gratitude to America than to place a Torah in the Pentagon, which has preserved our freedom, said Sopher.
“The Torah is the source of all monotheistic faiths,” said Dov Zakheim, former undersecretary of Defense. “That’s where we all began.”
In the past two years, Sopher has sponsored two other Torahs, also written by Rabbi Wolfman. One was for The Shul of Bal Harbour, Fla., the other for the Chasam Sopher Synagogue on Clinton Street on the Lower East Side. A third Torah, also sponsored by Hank Sopher, travels around the world for the use of Jewish military personnel at various military bases.
“The significance in the room was palpable,” said Lipskar. “I stood next to the chief of the army chaplains and saw goose bumps on his arms. He was saying ‘this is the real word of God.’ He kept repeating that.”
The Chief Chaplain of the Pentagon, Chaplain (Col) Ralph Benson said that, “this day is the answer to a prayer, to have the Torah, the word of God, in our building, as part of our chapel at ground zero. It is especially gratifying to hear the concerns that guests of The Aleph Institute expressed for our service men and women.” “It is not just an historic event,” he said, “but a blessing.”
“It was an awe-striking experience,” said Moshe Barouk, Aleph’s Director of Operations. “The room was filled to capacity with military personnel and out of town guests all in honor and respect of this new Torah dedicated at the Pentagon [chapel.]”
Chaplain Andrew J. Cohen of Bolling Air Force Base in Maryland called it a triumph of good over evil. “In this spot, where the plane struck on September 11, here we choose to place our Torah,” he said in his address to the crowd. “Not as a museum piece, not on display, but to be used in worship, honored with dignity, to guide, inspire, and empower all peoples to the great cause of freedom.”
“It was especially moving to complete the Torah in the place where the Pentagon itself was physically wounded, and then repaired and completed,” said Major Elizabeth Robbins, a Jewish service member.
After the ceremony, rabbis, guests, chaplains, generals and military personnel gathered for a catered, glatt kosher celebratory meal – a first for the Pentagon Executive Dining Room, preceded by the National Anthem accompanied by the Color Guard. At the dinner, a welcoming greeting was given by the President of The Aleph Institute, Lloyd S. Rubin.
Rabbi Aaron Lipskar, Executive Director of The Aleph Institute said, “The Torah dedication is a high point in The Aleph Institute’s commitment and service to the United States defense forces and will always be treasured by Jews worldwide as a symbol of our freedom. It was truly a memorable experience.”
For more information about The Aleph Institute, please contact Rabbi Aaron Lipskar at (305) 864-5553 or visit www.aleph-institute.org
I use to be a member of a Chabad until I donated $18,000.00 so an ark could be built and dedicated in the memory of my beloved husband. Oh the Ark was built for $2,000.00 the “Rabbi” his wife pocketed the rest of the money and went to Israel with his entire family. This man is suppose to be a “Messenager ” for G-d and to guide us with the Laws of Moses when he stole. Building an ark and telling me it cost only $2,000. and he’s not going to dedicate it and giving a member the credit for it because he’s an amature cabinet builder and an Israeli who is a personal Friend of his wife who is also an Israeli. The Chabad members believed this Ark was his creation and his donation. Then the Rabbi and his Wife wanted more money out of me after insulting me by making me feel my husband memory was not worth $18,000.00 but their trip to Israel was worth $16,000.00 on me!
I went to many lawyers both Jewish and Christain who refused to sue this man “Rabbi” and his wife. At the time I “donated” the $18,000.00 he wasnt even a non or not for profit corporation. No one will take the a case against a “HOLY MAN” This is how for many years nothing was done about stealing. Holy man dont steal.
I educated myself in how to write a complaint, researched and presented it in Circut Court. I am suing this “Rabbi” and his Wife and the “BOARD” who is made up of Rabbi’s from other Chabads. I have found in my reseach all your Chabads are franchises purchased from 770 in NY or from other “Rabbi’s” This Chabad is a business. no different from the Catholic church or any other Church or religion we all point our fingers at.
It is a Cult! They are taught to suck money out of their members pockets for what a meal on Shabbat. PLEASE! I cook better and my food dont taste like rearend Chicken. Modesty Please! they permit their daughters to run arround the house naked and when dressed without underwear! And the Rabbi’s wife puts the daughter on KITCHEN COUNTER with her naked rear end touching the counter where the Food is prepared for Shabbat. And they talk about Kosher and Clean! My idea of Kosher is a clean heart without plotting and planning on stealing from Widows, Widowers and Orphan Children so they could travel to Israel on a 2 month vacation. Thank you
That is an awful story. I can only hope that this was a bad apple of the group. I have only had limited experience with Chabad, but it has always been a good one.
While Chabad can seem a little “cultish” sometimes, they always make themslevles available to people in remote areas. Especially in the military, it is nice to know that most places you go, there is usually a Chabad house that can take care of your needs.
I don’t mean to take anything away from the horrible experience you went through. That would be a horrible act by any person, let alone a rabbi. It certainly sounds like there were plenty of problem issues at your area Chabad. I just want to point out that this is probably not a reflection on Chabad as a whole.
Has anyone else had such a bad experience with Chabad? I always thought so highly of the group.
mazal tov on the Torah dedication!
For educational information on Torah scrolls, tefillin and mezuzah scrolls check out http://www.stam.net