ADF Jewish Chaplains gather
The retreat featured a comprehensive planning session, focusing on developing strategic vision and priorities.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) recently held its inaugural Jewish Chaplaincy Retreat in Sydney.
“This is a critical time for the ADF as it looks into the future, the external threats and the challenges facing Australia as evident in the National Defence Strategy of 2024,” explained Senior Rabbi to the ADF, Rabbi Ralph Genende.
“It is envisaged that the workforce of the ADF will need to increase exponentially and in order to achieve the Defence Mission of ‘a generational uplift in capabilities with diverse teams reflecting current cultural challenges’ will be needed” he said.
The two-day gathering in Sydney, attended by Rabbis Dovid Gutnick, Yossi FrIedman, Ari Rubin, Raffi Kaiserbluth and Rabanit Judith Levitan, focused on the evolving role of military chaplains.
Rabbi Sammy Brygel who begins his Chaplaincy training this year joined some sessions on Zoom.
He was recently inducted as the second Royal Australian Navy Jewish chaplain.
Rabbi Genende emphasised that modern military chaplains serve as “multifaith experts who are comfortable to serve those with no faith as well.”
The retreat featured a comprehensive planning session, focusing on developing strategic vision and priorities.
“Over two days we discussed, debated and considered the future,” Rabbi Genende noted.
“We explored ways to show our community that the ADF is a good career path or a reserve activity which respects Jewish practices like kashrut and Jewish holidays. It is also a place a Jewish person can feel respected and proud of their identity”.
Currently, the ADF’s Jewish chaplaincy comprises four male chaplains and one female chaplain, Judith Levitan of Sydney, with two additional male candidates in consideration.
“We examined the possibility of attracting more Jewish chaplains, especially women,” Rabbi Genende said.
He says the ADF Jewish Chaplaincy is open to recruiting the best chaplains from all the streams of Judaism in our community.
Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth is a Conservative rabbi serving at the Progressive Emanuel Synagogue in Sydney.
Participants engaged in sessions covering pastoral skill enhancement, professional supervision, and discussions about the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The retreat also facilitated valuable networking opportunities, including a lunch with communal leaders from NAJEX (NSW Association of Jewish Service & Ex-Service Men & Women) and Sydney Jewish War Memorial members, who have been strong supporters of Jewish chaplaincy.
The finale included a special presentation to Rabbi Rafi Kaiserbleuth, recognizing his outstanding contribution to Jewish chaplaincy and ADF principles.
As the ADF moves forward with its ambitious plans for growth and enhanced capability, the Jewish chaplaincy’s commitment to serving both the Jewish community and the broader defence force stands as a testament to the dual dedication of these religious leaders.
Rabbi Genende said “”It’s a singular honour to simultaneously advocate for your community and serve your country. This may have been a Retreat but was no retreat from the challenges and privileges of being a Chaplain in the ADF!”
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