Beth Am honors Veterans Day

Congregation Beth Am in Longwood invites all Jewish Veterans, military men and women on active duty and their families to attend the Shabbat Morning service at 9:30 a.m. on Nov.14, 2015 in recognition of Veterans Day. Included in the invitation are the surviving families of those who have served our country. This year Beth Am encourages the families of our young men and women currently stationed in American, Afghanistan, Iraq, and on military posts throughout the world to attend this special service. This invitation is also extended to the Jewish members of ROTC in high school and beyond. Rabbi Rick Sherwin believes that the Jewish community must acknowledge those who have served our country through the years in times of peace and times of war and those who protect and defend the ideals of our country.

Commemorating the armistice for World War I that went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Nov. 11, 1918, that day has been set aside each year to honor America’s Veterans and those who serve our country. In 1926, Congress issued an agreement inviting the people of the United States to observe Nov. 11th in schools, in houses of worship, and in the marketplace, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

Simon Mendel, a Beth Am member who served in the United States Air Force in Southeast Asia added, “We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have stepped forward to serve our country and, in some cases, put their lives on the line. Veterans Day is the perfect time to show them and their families how much we appreciate them.”

All military personnel, past and present, ROTC members, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans and spouses of veterans will be honored during this service. A “Kaddish” prayer, which will be honoring the memory of the departed men and women who served with courage and sacrifice in the many wars of the United States, will be offered. Those serving in our military deserve the recognition of their service and their willingness to fight for the ideals that make our country the beacon for freedom in the world. Rabbi Moe Kaprow, Commander, Chaplain Cops, U.S. Navy (Retired) will be the guest darshan.

Beth Am is located at 3899 Sand Lake Road in Longwood, Seminole County. A map with directions to Beth Am can be found on the congregation’s web site at http://www.CongBethAm.org.