Holiday Season 5773 at Ft. Dix (Part 1)

by: Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

This is the first of a few parts to a review of the Holiday Season 5773 here.

I would like to share with everyone a review of the Holiday Season at Ft. Dix - West.  As we stand now
and look back over this period of time, we thank Hashem for the great merit which He gave us, despite
the deep galus with all of its difficulties and challenges each and every day.  To write of all of the
challenges would take many, many pages; and each person has his own challenges that he goes through.

Before we entered into these Holy Days, we were scared whether we would have all that we needed: the
Chapel being open, time to daven, to be allowed in the Sukkah throughout the days, challah, grape juice,
holiday food, etc.  Lockdowns at this institution are unpredictable, where we can't go outside of our units
for an indefinite period of time.  And there are many other worries each and every day.

But I am here today to express great thanks to Hashem for His great kindness, even in this deep darkness. 
We had the merit to daven all days, 3 times/day with a minyan.  We had a shofar throughout, we said
Slichos each day, we (also!) had kapparos, we fasted for Yom Kippur, and we ate all meals in the Sukkah,
had the arba minim, hoshanos for Hoshana Rabba, and made hakkafos for Hoshana Rabba.  We also had
the merit to dance hakkafos for Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah!

*                *                   *                   *                     *                   *                 *                 *

As each day passed, we thanked Hashem for this day, and asked for the following day.  Each day had its
challenges, as previously mentioned.  But at the end of the day, the day finished with much kindness.

At the beginning of the Month of Elul, unfortunately the Chaplain instituted new decrees, cutting the time
we were allowed to be in the Chapel, and other decrees regarding not being allowed to eat the Shabbos
meals in the Chapel.  As a result of this, we were quite worried about what would be throughout this
Holiday Season.

We came together and encouraged each other, that because of the Yemei ha'Rachamim v'ha'Ratzon, that
we  should do the prayers.  And even with all the problems, there were miracles that the minyanim occurred. 
Before Slichos, we asked the Chaplain to open the Chapel earlier so we could say Slichos.  Of course we were
denied.  But we did say Slichos anyway at 8am before davening Shachris.  Each day after davening Shachris
was a shiur.  One shiur was sponsored by Kollel Maharam M'Rottenburg; and this shiur was given by Yossi.
There was a Kol Torah.  At the time he was saying the shiur, it was so geshmak that we didn't feel we were
in jail.  During all the days of Slichos, Yossi was the Baal Tefilah.

Erev Rosh Hashanah fell on a Sunday.  There are many Slichos said before the morning prayers on this day,
and we had to finish everything by 9:30am because of the Institutional Count at that time.  So we asked the
Chaplain to open the Chapel a little early, as he sometimes does.  But the Chaplain didn't arrive until 8am.
So at that time we started the Slichos, cutting much out, and rushing the rest.  And we davened.  Yossi led
the Slichos.  B'chasdei Hashem, we squeezed it all in, and finished by 9:30am.

As is the custom to make a Hataras Nedarim on Erev Rosh Hashanah, after davening Shachris and prior to
9:30am Recall, we were able to squeeze in a quick Hataras Nedarim as well, be"H.

Some members of the community were busy preparing the food.  Others were cleaning the Chapel.  Everyone
did their best to prepare for the New Year's Judgment Day.

Originally it was arranged by L'Asurim that a Chazzan should come to lead the tefillos.  Reb Feivel Klein, shlita
took his time and efforts to come for us.  This can truly be defined as a sacrifice to be away from his family.
Even if everything were to work out as scheduled, it would be great mesirus nefesh in itself, and we commend
him and bless him greatly for his efforts.  He was here with us two years ago as Chazzan.

But at the last minute, as he was already here, there were some problems that the Chaplains did not make the
proper arrangements as they were supposed to do.  And regretfully they didn't allow him into the institution to
lead our prayers.  This is part of the rishus which we deal with every day, with the Head Chaplain especially
making many problems for us.  Unfortunately, Reb Feivel Klein had to daven b'yechidus each of the days, and
we all felt very badly for him, feeling his pain in spending the great Holy Days alone.

At about 5:30pm, all of the members of our community were gathered together, awaiting the arrival of the
Chazzan.  And the Chaplain was still telling us he would be here.  We didn't know what to do, to begin
davening Mincha or not.  There was worry and frustration for both us and the Chazzan.  The bottom line is
that we got the notification that he would not come.

As usual, we cannot trust the authorities here.  As an alternative, we had prepared that Yossi should lead the
great davening of Rosh Hashanah.  But for other reasons, Yossi could not daven for the Amud.  At the last
moment, "b'makom she'ein ish, hishtadel lihyos ish", another member of the community arose to lead the
services for Maariv.  B'siyatta d'Shmaya, it kept the community strong, and the davening was a hisorerusdige
davening.

After we finished davening, there was another crisis that we had no challah or matzos for the holiday.  And
the reason for not having these is only due to mismanagement by the Chaplaincy.  Even the minimum that we
normally receive, we did not have.  In the end, we found one box of matzah, and no challah at all.  But Chaplain
Harden was kind enough to make calls to the kitchen to arrange what he could.  He was able to arrange that
the kitchen provide us with rolls.  They were kosher, though not Pas Yisroel.  But we made-do with what we
could.  Some of the members of the community do have the chumra to eat only Pas Yisroel, however, so they
were not able to partake of these.

As well, all past years the Chaplaincy has provided us with honey for Rosh Hashanah; but this year, they only
provided us with half the normal allotment.  The kitchen also provided us with apples.  So we did have apples
and honey to make the blessing.  We also had pomegranate, though not any other of the minim.

But, the problems were even greater than not having the challah and matzah.  In the past, the kitchen used
to deliver our meals to the Chapel for Shabbosos and Holidays.  But over the past year, the chaplains have
put an end to this practice, only allowing us to pick up our meals ourselves from the kitchen and to bring
them to the Chapel.

BUT, now for this Rosh Hashanah, the Head Chaplain ordered that the kitchen not allow us to take our meals
out of Food Service (the kitchen).  Basically, we would have to go to Food Service to eat the meals before
(and during the time of) davening; otherwise we wouldn't have food to eat.  Of course this was not practical,
as we are not allowed to eat before davening.  And if we took out the time to go there and do this, we would
not have enough time to finish the many prayers of the day.  So most of the members of our community
decided to remain in the Chapel and skip the meals.

It should also be pointed out, when we say "meals", these aren't real "holiday meals".  They are regular Meal
Mart trays which they give for each day.  As the first day of Rosh Hashanah was on a Monday, they gave us
the regular "Monday tray".  This really isn't the place to discuss the quality of the Meal Mart meals which are
provided here.  But suffice it to say, they are exceedingly low quality, which no one outside would ever buy
or eat (and Meal Mart wouldn't provide this level of quality to people outside anyways for that matter).
Moreover, no one outside would each such low-quality food for a Shabbos or Holiday.

BUT, b'chasdei Hashem, the community attempted to prepare a good meal for the Yom Tov.  The meal was
made the best possible that we could prepare here, considering the circumstances.  Nick was the chef, and
everyone loves his cooking abilities.  Avrohom HaKohen (Albir Alkhabbaz) did the serving.  And we wish to
express special thanks to them both, along with everyone who made these meal preparations and all other
things possible. 

We finished the holiday meal around 8:30pm on the first night (Sunday night).  Chaplain Harden was kind
enough to give us the extra half-hour because of the delay while waiting for the Chazzan who hadn't been
allowed in, as well as while we were searching for challos and matzos.  Besides the sign we had made with
the Holiday Schedule, we announced publicly that Shachris would begin the following day at 8am.

Monday, Rosh Hashanah morning, at 8am we started saying Brochos.  The Baal Tefila for Pesukei D'Zimra
was Arye Yitzhak Goodman.  At "HaMelech", Yossi was scheduled to lead, but for some reason he was not
able to lead at that point.  So another member of the community stepped up and led all the services up to
and including Avinu Malkeinu.  Avinu Malkeinu was recited passuk by passuk.  Krias HaTorah was at about
9:50am.  Yossi put in many hours to prepare for all the readings for the Torah.  But for some reasons, he
also could not lead this part of the service.  So Malkiel Amos was the Baal Korei.  Aliyos were given for the
members of our community.  The section of Kohen was given to Albir - Avrohom HaKohen.  Levi was given
for Eric Levine (Yisroel ben Yosef).  Shlishi for Mr. Tesler.  Revii for Arye Yitzhak Goodman.  Chamishi for
Yaakov Moshe Mertz.  And Maftir was given for Amos.

About 10:30am, we finished the Krias HaTorah.  We set out a Kiddush Table for those who wanted to make
Kiddush.  At this point until about 12 Noon, some of the members of the community helped to prepare the
Yom Tov meal.  Unfortunately, to remind again, we could not have the food from Food Service, as the
chaplains forbid Food Service to allow us to take out the meals.  So a few members of our community went
to eat in the kitchen, but most stayed behind in the Chapel, not feeling it proper to eat in the kitchen
without a holiday atmosphere and Yom Tov table, and having to eat prior to Tekias Shofar in the kitchen.

At about 12 Noon, a short speech was given, as is customary prior to Tekias Shofar, reminding everyone
that today was the day of Judgment.  We have no judge or prosecutor besides the King, Whom we today
announced as "HaMelech".  And now was the time to achieve a yeshia, as today was the true Day of
Judgment.  We don't know truly what Tekias Shofar is (in its true, sublime meanings), but Hashem
commanded us in this commandment.  In fact, blowing the shofar is not even truly defined as work.  And
the main mitzvah is truly not to blow, but to listen - we merely need to hear it.  Hashem is teaching us that
this mitzvah doesn't require effort, and yet it is still fulfilling Hashem's Will; and we should imagine even
how great the other mitzvos must be which do require effort.

We close our words with blessings.  Following the speech was, therefore, Tekias Shofar.  And b'chasdei
Hashem, the whole Tekias Shofar service went well, baruch Hashem, along with the rest of the services. 
Yossi came to the Tekias Shofar, and he was the Chazzan for Musaf, and did an excellent job.  His davening
was very inspiring, and he led us in beautiful melodies.

We finished Musaf about 2pm and served the Yom Tov meal, eating all together as a family in the Chapel.
Divrei Torah were said by the meal.  We davened Mincha at 3pm, and it was announced that we would recite
Tashlich at the 10-Minute Activity Move (about 5:30pm).  We said Tashlich together at the Track (Running
Track), as there was a water fountain there where we could let the water faucet run and form a puddle (our
improvised body of water).

The second day of Yom Tov went about the same.  The main difference was that Yossi was there to lead
Shachris and Krias HaTorah as well.  His leadership was very inspiring.  We could see the difference between
one day and the next.  Those who received aliyos on this second day were: Kohen: Avrohom HaKohen; Levi:
Yaakov Lackner; Shlishi: Yossi; Revii: Michoel Olsen; Chamishi: Mark Goldman; Maftir: Yaakov Moshe Mertz.

We all give thanks to Hashem that Rosh Hashanah went well, without lockdowns and other things, except
matzah and challah and the food from the kitchen of course.  But Baruch Hashem for all of His kindnesses.
Of course, we also missed the Chazzan, Feivel Klein's presence throughout Yom Tov, and we wish him all
blessings for a sweet, happy, healthy New Year.

BS"D Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Parshas Bereishis (In the Beginning), Shabbos Mevorachim (Blessing the New Month of) Cheshvan, 26 Tishrei 5773, October 12, 2012

Shabbos Shalom u'Mevorach (A Peaceful and Blessed Shabbos),

A good Shabbos, a happy Shabbos, a Shabbos with all good influences for us and all around us.  This Shabbos is the Shabbos of the Portion of Bereishis (In the Beginning).  This Portion begins with a letter Beis rather than Aleph (second letter of the alphabet rather than the first).  There are many commentators who ask why the Torah starts with a Beis rather than an Aleph.  Also, it is asked, why does it say "Bereishis bara Elokim" (in the beginning, G-d created), rather than "G-d created in the beginning"?

I think we can say that just now, after we finished the holiday season (which were great days from the beginning of Elul, up through Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, which included the shofar, arba minim (4 kinds), sukkah, etc.)....  These are great mitzvos which we don't have all year around.  We stand now, and think over whether we took the great opportunity to do the mitzvos as they were supposed to be.  Sometimes we feel as if we lost the time, didn't put it to proper use, and ask what we can do.

Therefore the Torah starts with "Bereishis", with a letter "beis" for bitachon (trust).  No matter how the past went, now we start again with a frishkeit (freshness).  The "beis" also symbolizes being in the middle - never beginning and never ending.  It also says "bereishis bara".  "Bara" includes the letters "beis", "reish" and "alef", which stand for bitachon (beis) (trust), and emunah (alef) (faith), and ratzif (reish) (non-stop emunah and bitachon).  With constant faith and trust we can overcome all challenges.  With this we start the weekdays, the regular days of this new year.

May Hashem help, in the merit of this Shabbos, as we go out from the great days from which we came, the influences should be with us all year around with faith and trust, including simcha (joy).  And we should merit all good influences for us and all around us.  And in the merit of these 3: faith, trust and joy, we should also have the other 3: banei, chayei, mezonei (good children, health and sustenance).  A git Shabbos, un a git Chodesh!

Please remember to have us all in mind.  Whoever wishes us to have them in mind, please send your Hebrew names.  We also remind everyone to take the opportunity to send Bar Mitzvah and Birthday cards.  It's a great mitzvah.  Thank you and a git Shabbos!

BS"D 25 Tishrei 5773 (Great Yohrtzeit of the Holy Berditshever, Levi Yitzhak ben Sara Sosha, zy"a)

We all know, just reminding of the great name of Levi Yitzhak ben Sara Sosha is a great merit for salvations, refios un yeshios!

So I am here now to offer all of you a great mitzvah.  And perhaps we shall all do this in the merit of Levi Yitzhak ben Sara Sosha, and then it'll be a real vessel to gain the refios un yeshios.  As everyone, wherever they are, are looking for refios un yeshios - each person in his matzav/situation.

Here, a member of our community is making the Bar Mitzvah of his first son.  Unfortunately, no one can understand how difficult it is for them not to be together.  One thing we can do to relieve the situation is to send him a card, and wish him mazel tov.

The Bar Mitzvah will be this coming Sunday.  And the name of the Bar Mitzvah bochur is Jack (Yaakov ben Avrohom HaKohen Alkhabbaz).

To send a card to the father of the Bar Mitzvah bochur, the following is the name/address:

Albir Alkhabbaz #57010-054     (Avraham ben Nasan HaKohen)
FCI Ft. Dix - West
P.O. Box 2000
Ft. Dix, NJ 08640

Please take the opportunity and do this wonderful mitzvah.  Put a card in the mail.  And you have no idea the greatness of the deed.  Please do not miss this opportunity.
_________________________________________________________________
MITZVAH GORERUS MITZVAH

We would still like to remind you at this moment, there are two members of our community who have birthdays in this month of Tishrei.  Please send a card or note for them as well.  It would be another great mitzvah to bring chizuk and simcha to our brothers who are presently in this double choshech of galus b'galus.

Charles Schwartz #62504-050   (Kaddish ben Avrohom HaLevi)
FCI Ft. Dix - West
P.O. Box 2000
Ft. Dix, NJ 08640

Mehdi Gabayzadeh #68419-053   (Meir ben Eliyahu)
FCI Ft. Dix - West
P.O. Box 2000
Ft. Dix, NJ 08640

BS"D Erev Sukkos 5773; September 30, 2012

Hello,

A freilichen, listigen Yom Tov.

Like all of Klal Yisroel, we here are busy preparing the Sukkah with the Arba Minim.  But there is a big difference between our preparations and those in the free world.  So we are here to give and share the blessings that we should all have the merit to fulfill the mitzvah of sukkah as it is supposed to be.  Unfortunately, we are not allowed to sleep in the sukkah.  And for some of us, this is very painful not to be allowed this.  And of course we don't have access to the sukkah 24 hours/day.  And some of us of course will not eat chutz from the sukkah.  We must do extra prayers that we be able to eat always in the sukkah, and there shouldn't be lock-downs or recalls.  And then we can do all the mitzvos in the best way we can, be"H.

Therefore, we ask everyone to keep us in their prayers, praying that we should be able to perform all of the mitzvos.  And in the merit of the mitzvos of this Chag, we should be free, be"H.

The Torah gives a reason for the Mitzvah of Sukkah.  Although the Torah doesn't always give a reason for mitzvos, it does for this one.  And the reason for the mitzvah is "l'maan yeidu l'doroseichem".  This means that we should remember that likewise as Hashem took us out of Egypt when we were in exile, any time in the future when we're in exile, He shall take us out.  And any time when we're in exile, we are even more obligated with mitzvos like these.  And we must therefore remember that just as Hashem helped us when we were in Egypt, He will help us here as well.

So we here give blessings for all Yidden, especially for those who have us in mind and pray for us.  May Hashem help that in the merit of all the mitzvos, we should zoche zein to all hashpuos tovos, and have a zisse gebentsht yohr mit alle gitte hashpuos, and with a git kvittel.

Whoever wishes that we have them in mind, please send your Hebrew names.  As well as may everyone have us in mind.  Thank you, and a freilichen Yom Tov!