Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Dyxan Williams | 220410-N-NA545-1186 NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (April 10, 2022) – A Torah sits in its Ark...... read more read more
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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (April 10, 2022) – The command religious ministries department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Community Camps (JCCs) Association of North America hosted a Torah and Ark inauguration ceremony in the ship’s foc’sle April 10.
The Torah was presented to the ship in 2011, while the ship was Forward Deployed Naval Forces in Yokosuka, Japan. In 2017, the Torah was sent off ship for restoration when George Washington entered refueling complex overhaul (RCOH). The newly-restored Torah scroll and custom-designed ark inaugurated for use in the ship’s new chapel were funded by the Sillins family.
“It makes me happy that all religions are acknowledged,” said Jessica Sillins, daughter of Bernard and Joyce Sillins, who restored the final letters of the Torah by hand. “Sailors should have somewhere to go when they need some sort of guidance. Whether it’s a Bible, a Torah or whatever it is that they need.”
Much like the milestones that the ship must complete to return to sea, this is a milestone that supports the religious freedom of the ship’s crew.
“The reason why we are here today is because of George Washington Sailors,” said the ship’s Chaplain Cmdr. David J. Jeltema, from Kalamazoo, Michigan.“It’s a tangible reminder every time you walk by the chapel that there are people in your spiritual community who care about you, and who desire to see you remain connected to the faith you share.”
Attending the ceremony were the ship’s Commanding Officer Capt. Brent C. Gaut, from Stockton, California; rabbi and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Irv A. Elson; the JCC Association of North America board chair Gary E. Jacobs; the incoming JCC Association of North America board chair David Wax; and president and CEO of the JCC Association of North America Don Krakow.
After the ceremony, the attendees were given a guided tour of the ship, which included crew living spaces, mess decks, and chapel.
The command religious ministries department aboard the ship provides religious services and functions, accommodating the many different religious beliefs of the crew. Having a Torah dedicated aboard a ship shows strength in diversity of all religions.
“It is important to recognize and support the spiritual life of every single Sailor, regardless of creed,” said Elson. “Events like the Torah re-dedication hosted aboard reinforce that religious diversity is valued in the U.S. Navy, and makes the Navy stronger.”
George Washington is currently conducting RCOH at Newport News Shipyard. RCOH is a multi-year project performed only once during a carrier’s 50-year service life that includes refueling the ship’s two nuclear reactors, as well as significant repairs, upgrades, and modernization.
-GW-
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| Date Taken: | 04.10.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 04.15.2022 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 418291 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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