LINK to JIG story.

Is anyone going to attend the dedication of the new Jewish chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy?

What do you think about this amazing project?

I was not able to attend the dedication, but I can tell you that the new Jewish chapel is beautiful, wonderful and so meaningful.  For anyone familiar with the Naval Academy, the Christian chapel is a symbol of that campus, and beautiful as it is, it was always difficult for me to know that my son didn’t have something equally as special.  He’s graduated, but it’s very meaningful to know that the Jewish chapel is now a reality.

It’s especially amazing when you realize that, on average, there is rarely more than 120 Jewish Midshipmen (out of a Brigade of 4,000).

By the way, it isn’t a little building.  It’s quite big and includes classrooms and meeting rooms as well as the chapel itself. 

Here’s a link to pictures from the dedication ceremony
http://www.usna.edu/JMC/Dedication.html

navybasket - 31 January 2006 10:07 AM

By the way, it isn’t a little building.  It’s quite big and includes classrooms and meeting rooms as well as the chapel itself.

Yeah, I was pretty amazed when I saw the overhead view of the chapel.  It is a major fixture of the Academy campus.

I have a close friend getting married at the Academy (not in the Jewish chapel though) this year and I’m looking forward to visiting the Jewish chapel and finally meeting Rabbi Elson in person.

When will you be there, Lt. Rubin? My Marines reservist son—the boy who wrote the article posted on this website, based on a speech he delivered at Temple Beth El, Lancaster—will be starting college in Annapolis, MD at St. John’s College in late August. St. John’s is literally across the street from the Naval Academy. If you’re in the area when Ethan is in Annapolis, I know it would be meaningful for him to meet you.

Lynn, PMM of Ethan
MOS 6821 Keesler Air Force Base

It should either be the last weekend in April or the first weekend in May.

I will let you know.  I would like to meet your son as well.  Perhaps we can even go to a Friday night service together at the Academy chapel!

Semper Fi!

If that is April or May coming up, he’ll still be in his MOS training at Keesler. In fact, he’s still waiting there to class up, hoping it will be in the next week or two. Then, it’s 11 weeks to go to complete the training. Now, if it’s NEXT April or May (2007), he might be in Annapolis....

Lynn, Ethan’s mom