Through a request from U.S. Army Chaplain Rabbi David Becker, Aish Global livestreamed Megillah readings via Zoom to U.S. military troops stationed in Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq on both Purim evening and Purim day.
Rabbi David Rosman, director of the Aish HaTorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem, read on Thursday night when the holiday began at the yeshivah in Jerusalem’s Old City. Friday morning’s reading was streamed by Aish New York, in conjunction with and read from the Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center in Livingston, N.J., in order to best accommodate the time difference.
“The rabbis teach that the point that triggered the miracle of Purim was the moment that the Jews of Persia united as one to fight our enemies,” said Rosman. “What an amazing opportunity it is to join together in our yeshivah at the Kotel [Western Wall] in the Old City of Jerusalem with Jews so far away we have never met. What unites us is our commitment to Judaism, and we are thrilled to help out the troops in such a way that truly expresses the essence of the holiday.”
Becker noted that “it’s hard enough for our troops to be away from home and family at holiday time, so feeling connected to Jewry around the world like this is wonderful to be able to give them. The fact that Aish is there and operating all over the world so that we can reach out when we need to is exceptional.”
Rabbi Elliot Mathias, Aish Global COO, said that being a U.S. soldier in Kuwait, but also to be a proud Jew and joining together for the Megillah reading, is “something that really I think elevates not only [your] courage of being on the front lines defending this country but is also a kiddush Hashem—a sanctification of G-d’s name.”
He added that “it is our honor to join together with you for the Megillah reading.”
“On behalf of our community, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you are doing to protect our country. It means so much to all of us and to all Americans and all Jews here,” said Rabbi Elie Mischel of Suburban Torah. “It’s unbelievable, so a big thank you to all of you for going to all the far reaches of the world to keep us safe. Good Purim!”
