No fighting required.

I have been in commands where I have had to fight for everything from: 

 -an office (so I can actually do my job and counsel Sailors and Marines)

-a parking spot (because I need to run around, and cannot waste time finding a spot when there is a crisis, and because I am a department head, and thus am entitled to one like the other DHs)

 -an RP (my enlisted counterpart, a Religious Programs specialist)

-office supplies (because why should I be the only one to have to buy my own)

You name it. 

I arrive on deployment, and I am assigned an cubicle in a large work center. The guys assigned there are great, and funny. The problem is, I cannot counsel people there. Confidentiality is impossible. 

The HMCS (Senior Chief hospital Corpsman) walks in, sees my space, and was unhappy. 

I had decided I would simply counsel people ouside the building, getting coffee... somewhere else. 

She had other plans. 

Within 2 days, I had a real office with a door that closes. 

All because THEY understood the importance of what I can do. 

I did not have to fight. 

Medical fought for me. 

That is when I KNOW when the chaplain reputation - not mine - but chaplains as a whole, have done something right. 

Thank you, God, for allowing me to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me, and may I continue that legacy of service for those who come after me.  

Challah on deployment

 Just because I am on deployment does not mean I will not bake Challah for Shabbat. 

I made a cinnamon raisen, garlic, and a "everything but the leftovers" from Trader Joes. 

Surprisingly, the Trader Joe's spice tasted EXACTLY as Thanksgiving stuffing!!!

Am I that short?

 I banged my arm on the bathroom door knob. Twice. 

I realize I am smaller in stature, but this is ridiculous!!!

Lesson learned. 

Prayer for earning your Navy Wings (Aviation)

 Once upon a time, I was a youth director of a synagoge. There, I met a wonderful family, and the wife was a RK (rabbi's kid) like me. In fact, our families knew each other from our days on Long Island. 

Her oldest son decided to join the Navy as a pilot. 

She asked me if there was a blessing for that moment. Besides the "Shehecheyanu" prayer, no. But I'd happily write one for him. 

Who knows? Perhaps one day, Arik and I will serve together. Wouldn't that be something!

==========================================

If you would join me in prayer.

 

Mekor Chayim, Source of Life,

 

We are so proud to be present at this holy moment with Arik, as he earns his Navy wings.

 

With Your support, he overcame the adversities of every trial, physical and mental - like our ancestors Avraham and Daniel.

 

From aerial attacks and defense at the Battle of Midway, to support of ground troops in Okinawa, to anti-submarine warfare, and humanitarian relief, Arik joins the legacy of Naval Aviation that is rooted in heroism.

 

He joins the likes of Butch O'Hare, David McCampbell, Thomas Hudner, President George H.W. Bush, Senator John McCain, Neil Armstrong, LT Miroslav “Steven” Zilberman, and so many others.

 

We ask, Hashem, that you bless Arik as he takes on the mantle of Navy pilot, and the holy mission of Naval Aviation  - of making the world a safer place for all,  with the blessing that Moshe bestowed upon Yehoshua…

 

“Chazak V’Ematz,” be strong and of good courage.

We pray that You continue to guide Arik, as he continues to embody those words with every new step his Navy journey takes him.

 

Protect him, as he protects us.

 

And may he always have fair winds, and following seas.

 

Amen.  

 

The time you forgot to tell everyone you were on deployment

 Your phone rings at midnight. 

It's your brother. 

You maybe forgot to post somewhere that you are not home, and finally on deployment.

Your phone rings at 4 AM.

It's a colleague.

See above. 

I Do Not Have Jet Lag

 Step 1: you are picked up at 0630 in the morning. You think, “I am totally fine. No jet lag.” I slept in the last 24 hours.

After checking in with the command, going shopping, you go home to shower, and take a nap. 

A: The internet password is wrong. Now you can’t reach anyone.

B: You can get the hot water to come out the spigot in the shower, but not make it come out of the top of the shower.

(Did I mention that you haven't had hot water in your apartment in three weeks, and was looking forward to deployment ... so you could have a hot shower...)

C: Your clothes are gross and need to be washed. You do not know how to switch on the power to the washing machine. 

No, you’re not tired at all. 

It’s only when the house cleaners come to do you find out the answers to A, B, and C. 

You are having a hard time stringing a full thought together, but NOOOOOOOOOOOO, you don’t have jet lag. 

  

How to Start off Your Deployment Correctly

See if you can follow this. 

Step 1: get to the airport in SD with lots of time to check in for a flight to LAX with (insert airline one name here)

Step 2: Arrive at LAX, confirm your bags will meet you at your final destination.

Step 3: Wait on line at ( insert airline 2 name here) for an hour, because they only have one person working the “help desk,” and since you are on orders, you have to check with them. international flights require that you check in early, but the line is moving as slowly as molasses.

 

Step 4: Arrive to Terminal B (international terminal) to get a seat assignment, only to find out, that (airline 1) did not update their manifest, so it looks like you missed your flight. (insert international airline company A) already pulled your bag, because it's ALL ONE TICKET / MISS ONE LEG, YOU MISS THE OTHER TWO LEGS OF THE TRIP, and you now need to rebook. They tell you to come back and get your bag when you rebook your flight

Step 5: Return to (airline 1) that they messed up, and tell you it's on (airline 2) they send you back to (airline #2)

Step 6: stand in line for (airline #2), and let it take over an hour and half to sort things out and get you on a new flight with (insert international airline company B here).

Step 7: return to (international airline company A) to get your bag, but there is NO ONE at their ticket counter. They will show up to assign seating at the gate… but you have to check in to YOUR international flight in time. Bag is now still with (international airline company A).

You have exactly one change of underwear, and one pair of socks. 

And some breath mints. 

This is going to be great.

Step 8: work with (international airline company B) to get trouble ticket for your baggage. There is a snowball's chance in hell that (airline A) will help and get your bag onto (airline B)'s flight.

That's right, the snowball is uncessfull, forcing you to have to wait until you land at your final destination to request that (international airline company A) finally send your bag. 

Step 9: fly from LAX to second location.

Step 10: wait 8 hours to get onto final flight.

Step 11: arrive at last leg, and report “bag did not arrive.”  The nice man behind the counter lets you know that it will take two weeks to get your bag. 

You misheard him.

He said two days.

You still need to go on an unplanned shopping trip when you get picked up.  

It might be nice to brush your teeth for the first time in 24 hours.

I work here.

 I work here on Coronado island.

Sometimes I just want to pull over while driving down the Silver Strand and take pictures of my commute. 

It can be breathtakingly beautiful. 

Which is why getting orders to my next command was hard. 

I am not ready to leave such an amazing place. 

Good thing I’ll have some time after deployment to absorb as much as I can.

THINK

 This idea is not mine. 

Before you speak, THINK.

Is it thoughtful?

It is honest?

Is it interesting?

Is it necessary?

Is it kind? 

I did this without knowing the framework while I was bullied by my roommate on my first deployment.

I did not think she was emotionally healthy, and certainly not mentally tough. 

I THINKed every time she would verbally attack me or spread lies about me behind my back. 

I chose to remain silent, because I understood that in that moment, what I would say would not be kind, and not thoughtful, but for someone who was hurting and damaged, the pain I would inflict with my words would be more destructive than anything she had ever said or done to me.

 

I am glad I THINKed before I spoke. 

I always want to be able to look myself in the mirror, and know I made the right choice not to speak. 

Perhaps there was another way to defend myself, but in that moment, the thing for me to do, was bear my pain in silence. 

Added bonus: I actually got to see karma in action. 

Sushi in the Sukkah

 Sukkot is over.

Covid is not, and so I always choose to eat outside.

It makes me feel more comfortable. 

So, this really good sushi place in Old Towne set up their outside seating. 

Sure, I’ll eat in your Sukkah.

Take your family with you on deployment

 During my first deployment, my brother sent me a mug with our family’s pictures on it. 

It was the best gift he could ever send me. 

This time around, he sent me a travel mug, with updated pictures, so I can bring my family with me for this, my third deployment in three years. 

Edible Sukkah

 I have a children’s pop-up Sukkah I use at MCRD and at my house. 

But for the first night, I went to a friend of mine’s house for Erev Sukkot dinner. 

Since I did not need to bring my Sukkah, I thought I’d make one instead.

The Sukkah challah is made of up of the following: 

Side panels, chairs and table: Garlic flavored

Schach: zaatar flavored

Hanging decorations: sugar flavored

High Holiday Success at MCRD!!!

 MCRD moved its services to Sundays. 

Leading up to the High Holidays, we had 8 Jews consistently attending. 

And, by working with the leadership, chaplains and RPs at MCRD and Pendelton, all 8 successfully attended Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur services. 

For these Marine Recruits, and those to come after them, celebrating the High Holidays CAN BE DONE!!!! 

It just requires lots of pre-planning, confirming and reconfirming, and sometimes, sending the RP to round them up, because the DIs did not dismiss them on time. 

Exploring Balboa Park for FREE!!!!

 I learned something new. 

If I want to explore all the museums in Balboa Park for free, I can order a pass. 

I did.

Right before I left for deployment. 

It takes 6 weeks to process, and will be waiting for me when I come home. 

I do not actively seek out military perks, but this was a BIG win!

Home-Made yummy goodness... and the friends who make them

 I love those friends you make along the way while stationed somewhere. 

Maggie and I talk, sometimes joke about life at 2nd RadBn, as she was the former SUPPO (Supply Officer) while I was the chaplain. 

I may have mentioned that when I get back from deployment, I am going to start pickling my own pickles. 

She already was, when we were on the phone. 

And she wanted me to try hers: pickles, peppers, and home-made peach jam.

Unapologetic that most of what she sent did not last before I left for deployment. 

The Californians

 My brother asked me a question about a year ago, and I laid out the directions, which was NOT what he asked of me. 

Then he told me about a sketch on SNL called, “The Californians,” and realized… I DO THAT NOW!

Well, I found where they live. Point Loma, California!

Promotion Selection

 Last year, I was passed over for promotion.

Only 28% were selected in zone (10 LTs), while the rest were above zone (26).

My stress levels have been quite high, as I waited once again, for a group of Line Officers to decide my future in the Navy.

I walked into the area-wide training, and during the training, a chaplain sent me a congratulatory message. I did not realize the results had come out.

I remember all the emotions I felt when I was passed over the first time. This time around, I was somewhere between stunned, and feeling vindicated.

I was glad that my work was seen as “worthy enough” for promotion.

But the lesson here is, that being picked up for promotion is like roulette.

Just glad I landed on the right spot this year.

Looking forward to September 1, 2022.

The Power of Art / Leave is important Part II

 I don’t remember when I fell in love with art. 

But at some point, I recognized the power of the image, and what it could invoke within me. 

Every time I go the city (NYC, there is no other), I try to go to either the MoMa or Met. This time, I went to both. 

Once again, I go to spend time with one of my favorite painters, Monet. 

I sat and looked at the three paneled water lilies, and allowed the calmness of the water, and the slight breeze that moved the lilies ever so slightly that I saw in the painting into my heart. 

MoMa / Monet / Water Lilies

The met / Monet / The Manneporte

COVID has been hard. And though I think I have had a much easier time of it than others,

 I could not, and still cannot escape the anxiety it created, and continues to impact.

I needed to see Monet, and Van Gogh.

MoMa / Van Gogh / The Starry Night

Like old friends, I knew they would lift my spirit, and bring me some much needed peace. 

Cheering for the home team / Leave is important

 Due to “the ‘Rona,” I have not left San Diego since March of 2020, except for a mini-deployment over the summer. 

As a part of my pre-deployment leave, I made my pilgrimage to New York. 

I got to go to Yankee Stadium and watch the Yanks with a come from behind win!

And of course, I watched the game from my beloved bleachers. Because the Bleacher Creatures are my brand of crazy excitement.

Oh the places you’ll go

June 27th

I met Daniel and Jen Dawson on my second day in Okinawa, at an area-wide religious ministries social event. That night, Jen told me about her desire to convert to Judaism. 

A year later, she, and eight others completed their journey to become Jews. 

During that time, Daniel would attend services with Jen - - and I KNEW - - that one day, he would walk his own path to Judaism. 

I watched him during services, falling in love with the beauty of the services, the prayer, the theology, the culture, and the people. It was that day, while still in Okinawa, I chose his Hebrew name. 

I had hoped that I would be in his orbit when he took his first steps as a Jew.

More than a year of study, Daniel leaving the Navy for a second time, the two of them leaving San Diego, I presided over Daniel’s conversion. 

Three weeks before his conversion, I told him the story of why and when I chose his name, Akivah. I also shared that on the first day we studied together at the dining room table, and saw the Talmudic mind that wrestled with the texts, and asked brilliant questions, that like his namesake, he is already on a path to become my colleague. 

Oh the places I have been, and continue to go, the people I meet, the family I create, and the journeys of so many that are intertwined forever. 

The Next Generation

While in Okinawa, I made some of my closest friends.

Bruce used to be a Marine. 

His first child joined the Coast Guard.

His second child decided to join the Marine Corps. 

I was surprised, and proud to be with him on this journey, as we prayed together at MCRD's Jewish chapel during his time at boot camp. 

It was amazing to watch him transition from civilian to Marine. 

I got to see him begin to wear the mantle of Marine, and made it his own. 

Akira, I am so proud of you!

Self Care... and the Zoo

 The San Diego zoo is free for active duty personnel. 

So, I had the day off, met up with friends who were stationed in Okinawa with me, and we toured the zoo.

I did not take it very seriously. 

A lesson to everyone. When you invite me to go with you to the zoo, I will find the most ridiculous pictures to take. You have been warned. 

He was sleeping.

No, seriously. He was just sleeping, using a rock as a pillow. That does NOT look comfortable.

Did they name him Jacob?

Sleeping, or drunk. Not sure. If drunk, he may become dehydrated. That headache is going to hurt.

The largest ROUS (rodents of unusual size) I have ever seen!

Mmm-hmm. I am just going to turn around now, and go back from whence I came.

Everyone is sleeping!!!!!!! 

They're so lazy!!!!!

USS Midway

 I lived in NY for a combined 26 years. 

I visited the Intrepid, and remember walking around, not connecting to where I was or what I saw. 

I decided to visit the Midway. 

I have run or walked passed it for two years, and figured it was time to go in. 

And it's free for the military. 

www.midway.org

After living on a ship for two years (small by, not a carrier), I laughed at how much has not changed since the 1990s - regardless of ship platform. 

Allow me to show you.

This is just cool. And he named his airplane after his wife.

We have those same letters painted on our ship, except that we earned the Green "H". Guess they didn't care about their health program!

ADM Halsey fought in the Battle for Guadalcanal (1942–1943) and all the way up the Solomon chain (1942–1945)

We still use this same document for inspecting spaces!!!

I hope my ICs and ETs have an updated handbook.

View from the hanger bay of the famous statue of the sailor kissing a nurse. 

Our POD (plan of the day) looks a little different, but it's not too far off.

Yup! We have that sign, AND the enlisted do swab the deck in "O Country (officer country)".

We didn't have that sign hanging out outside our Wardroom.

Farewell Captain

 We had a retired Captain who was the case manager for many of our injured team members.

She treated every case with care, and was so supportive in her role. 

She passed away from an illness, and as a sign of honor for her service to NSW, some team members free jumped with a flag that was then presented to her family. 

Rest in Peace, Captain.

 

Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial

There are lots of military memorials all over the world, but this one is different. 

The plaques are of people who served - not only those who died. 

I looked for the most interesting ones I could find. 

soledadmemorial.org

Winston Churchill was given honorary US citizenship by Congress. 

I did not take pictures of every Jewish veteran plaque I found... yes I did.

She outranked him. Hoo-yah!

Author of "First to Fight"

Hopi Indian woman who served.

For all that Bob Hope did to take care of the troops, he was made an honorary veteran.

Thank you for your service, Bob. 

At least one of the 11 got it right. Hoo-yah Navy!

Another Jew, but with the most amazing call sign!!!!

This is just too cool!