150 Attend Winter Shabbaton in Central New Jersey

First a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Force, then a Chaplain in the IDF and finally an accomplished Torah scholar, Rabbi Shalom Hammer shared his unique experiences and extensive background when he served as Scholar in Residence at the winter Shabbaton of Chabad of WMC in Manalapan, NJ.

Rabbi Hammer clarified and underscored the serious challenges facing Israel today: those it faces from outside its borders and those from within its growing diversity of cultures and religious practices.

Speaking to an audience itself diverse, he was succinct and explicit in the importance of greater education and support by Diaspora Jews for Israel.

He spoke about his responsibility as a Chaplain in the IDF – to infuse troops in Jewish identity and ideology – and how that knowledge has brought about a significant increase in religious observance and Torah study by all branches of IDF soldiers.

He spoke about radical Islam and the imminent danger it poses to Israel.  He spoke about the danger of extremism and religious fanaticism and the importance of tolerance and understanding.

As he spoke about the need for unity and togetherness amongst the Jewish nation, he brought all the attendees together as one people, united in their support and conviction for Israel on that cold and rainy Shabbos.