Shlucha is Also Air Force Veteran

By COLlive reporter

Jewish war veterans living in Arizona were treated to a special sukkah party in Phoenix on Sunday, October 8th, hosted by Chabad Shluchim Rabbi Dan and Rochel Hayman.

Despite being outdoors in the desert heat, the veterans felt at home.

After all, Mrs. Hyman is one of their own. Hayman spent 6 years in the U.S. Air Force as a broadcast specialist and served in Japan and Greece. She is now the Commander of the Jewish War Veterans Department of the Southwest – Post 210.

This year, the Hymans extended an invitation was extended to the members of the Department of the Southwest, composed of 5 Posts covering Arizona and New Mexico.

Upon arrival, guests were given a tour of the spacious sukkah by Rabbi Hayman, Director of Russian Programs at Chabad of Arizona. Almost everyone took the opportunity to shake the lulav and etrog; a few members very excitedly mentioned it was the first time in their life to have ever done so.

Veterans, family members and guests enjoyed a beautiful buffet while both Rabbi and Mrs. Hayman both gave Dvar Torah on Sukkot and especially its holistic inclusiveness.

Department Junior Vice Commander Lenore “Lee” Katz, guest and new member active duty Lieutenant Commander Moshe Bennett, and other JWV members shared interesting anecdotes of their holiday experiences on active duty and beyond. Frequent L’Chaims were shared as well.

Mrs. Hyman said that Veterans Day weekend is November 10-12th this year. “It can be an opportunity for Shluchim to reach out to Jewish Veterans throughout the county,” she said. She can be contacted at [email protected].