Congregation Beth El’s Men’s Club had approximately 30 people attend a program to honor Jewish War Veterans and support its local chapter.
Several bicycle enthusiasts ventured out on the traditional 15-mile round-trip route between Beth El and Ocean View along Granby Street to honor war veterans, relatives or close friends who have served in the military. Once the riders returned to Beth El, a light brunch took place in the atrium and Capt. Lee Mandel (ret.) spoke about his new book, Unlikely Warrior: A Pacifist Rabbi’s Journey from Pulpit to Iwo Jima. Mandel shared the story of Rabbi Gittelsohn, who was the first Jewish chaplain assigned to the Marine Corps and was known for the powerful eulogy he gave at Iwo Jima following that bloody battle.
All proceeds from this event were contributed to the local Jewish War Veterans chapter. Joanna and Craig Schranz sponsored the brunch and Norman Soroko, Michael Efland, Joe and Diane Kaplan and Harold Zedd assisted with the brunch.
by Craig Schranz