A wonderful first night of candle lighting for the “Festival of Light” at the United States Naval Academy, with special guests, the USNA Superintendent, LtGen Mike Borgschulte, USMC (USNA ’91), his wife, Gitte Borgschulte and son, and USNA Command Chaplain, CAPT Robert Johnson. Strong turnout of Midshipmen and Friends of the Jewish Chapel members, including Board Member Capt Gabe Sganga, USMC (Ret) and his wife, LtCol Audrey Callanan, USMC (USNA ’08) and FOJC founder Harvey Stein. Chanukah translates to “dedication,” celebrating the rededication of the 2nd Jerusalem Temple, approx 200 BC, a renewed commitment to Jewish life and God, victory over oppression, the triumph of light over darkness, and freedom of religious expression.
Pausing from festivities and delicious foods, Rabbi Yonina Creditor led a poignant “kaddish” (prayer of mourning) for those Australian Jews wounded in a horrific attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach yesterday. The wounded included her brother-in-law. The USNA Jewish community offers “r’fuah shlemah,” a Hebrew phrase meaning “complete healing,” and wishes all victims a full recovery of both body and soul.
January 12, 2026 10:26 pm
November 15, 2025 12:30 am
November 7, 2025 4:24 am
September 18, 2025 1:42 am