2014 Aleph Shabbaton & Training LOI

Aleph as released their Letter of Instruction (LOI) for their seventh Annual Military
Training Course and Shabbaton scheduled for the weekend of 5-9 February 2014. What follows is the actual instruction:

To: All Military Chaplains, VA Chaplains, Lay Leaders and all Jewish Members of the US Armed Forces and Allied Forces.

From: Chaplain (COL) Sanford L. Dresin, USA RET, Director of Military Programs-Endorser, The Aleph Institute

A major component of the Aleph Military Jewish Chaplain and Lay Leader Training Program consists of programs of worship and experiential learning, whose focus is on spiritual growth and renewal amid an atmosphere of trust and collegial sharing between selected faculty, military rabbis and Jewish lay leaders. These events therefore, cannot be replicated or their learning and spiritual objectives achieved in the absence of actual travel to the training venue, Aleph’s historic synagogue, The Shul and its Torah Study Center. Web based communications, teleconferencing or any other similar means will not facilitate the terminal learning objectives of this training event and denominational requirements. Participation in this and similar such events is called for in DOD Instructions and Regulations of the respective Military Departments as they apply to their respective Chaplaincies. Failure to attend may jeopardize ecclesiastical standing.

This event is geared to military chaplains (Jewish and non Jewish) and lay leaders, however, all Jewish military personnel are invited to attend and would benefit from participation.

Military spouses are welcome to attend and participate. There will be special sessions offered for them during the course of the event.

As in the past this we look forward to presentations and participation by senior military and government leaders. At our last event we were privileged to have had a visit and presentation by Governor Scott of Florida, LTG Howard Bromberg, Army G-1 and Chaplain (MG) Donald Rutherford, Army Chief of Chaplains.

Location:
The Shul / The Aleph Institute
9540 Collins Ave
Surfside (Miami) FL 33154

Airports: Miami or Ft. Lauderdale

Arrival and Departure Times: Plan to arrive NLT Wednesday 5 February 2014 Sessions will begin promptly at 0800 hrs 6 Feb. The program concludes Sunday 9 Feb at 1200 hrs.

This Year’s Theme: “Training in Tactics and Strategy for Ministry in a Changing Military.”

Background: Given the many actual and projected challenges to our nation and its Armed Forces, changes in mission, force size and force structure will inevitably follow. This training event will seek to explore the following issues and present training and guidance for military chaplains and lay leaders on how to provide thoughtful, pragmatic and theologically considered responses in the form of strategies and tactics for addressing these challenges and the turbulence that they are likely to engender.

Training Courses:

  1. The enhanced role of the chaplain as a resource to the command(er), as a source of information and expertise on issues of indigenous religions, resilience and suicide prevention.
  2. Problem solving exercises and methodologies.
  3. Addressing the alleged delta between the beliefs and practices of the force and their military clergy.
  4. Lessons from the Bible and Talmud on responding to and coping with change.
  5. On outreach and its First Amendment implications.
  6. Vicarious warfare-the use of high tech and its spiritual and psychological implications.
  7. The repeal of DADT and DOMA and its effect on ministry.
  8. The Experiences and lesson learned by other Militaries to include The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Allied Forces.
  9. USMA/West Point, A Paradigm for a Changing Military.

Fees: Registration: $180

Registration reimbursement is authorized in accordance with the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR)

Orders should indicate that this is a reimbursable fee.

Funding: Active, Guard, Reserve, VA Chaplains and Lay Leaders should submit requests for fully funded orders (TDY, TAD, ADSW, ADT, FTTD, IDT or AT) to their command.

If you request funding from your command in a timely manner and are denied, please contact Rochel Katz, rochelkatz@aleph-institute.org or 305-864-5553 ext 27.

Financial assistance will be determined on a case by case basis and is in short supply.

Justification:

  1. Aleph conducts chaplain professional development Training in support of and in concurrence with Chief of Chaplains guidelines.
  2. These training courses will be announced through the major subordinate commands of the Military Departments.
  3. This memorandum will serve as your LOI.
  4. Regular attendance at training courses as outlined in this memorandum is a requirement for maintaining Chaplain Endorsement and Lay Leader Approval.

Submission: Submit this LOI with your request for orders.

Uniform: The uniform for all military participants will be Class A or its equivalent for Shabbat, ACU/BDU’s or similar service uniforms for all classes.

Application: Please complete the application below and submit it ASAP by e-mail to: rochelkatz@aleph-institute.org or via FAX to:305-864-5675 Attn: Rochel

Upon receipt of funded orders, Rochel Katz should be immediately notified.

Rabbi Sanford L. Dresin
Chaplain (COL) USA Ret
Director of Military Programs-Endorser
Cell (302) 494-7080
Email: dresin@comcast.net

ALEPH TRAINING COURSE AND SHABBATON APPLICATION 5-9 February 2014 :

Name: _______________________________________________________________

Branch of service: _____________________________________________________

Rank/ pay grade: ______________________________________________________

Military installation: ___________________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________________________________

Phone:

Cell: ___________________________________________________________

Duty: __________________________________________________________

Home: __________________________________________________________

Fax: __________________________________________________