Dozens of Jewish sailors and Marines are deployed aboard U.S. Navy warships currently on patrol around the Middle East, and the Aleph Institute is playing a vital role in supporting them.

Aleph-endorsed U.S. Navy chaplain Lt. Yehoshua Rubin, who serves aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is the spiritual guide for Jewish service members—not only on his ship but across the entire task force. Despite the challenges of a high-stress environment with an estimated 6,000 sailors aboard, Rubin has fostered Jewish life with the help of Aleph, ensuring they have access to tefillin, Shabbat services and other religious observances.

The USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Theodore Roosevelt, currently in the southern Arabian Sea, are ready to defend U.S. and Allied interests, including Israel’s security. Their presence serves as a powerful message of protection, and amid this military force, Aleph’s work provides unending spiritual and moral support to Jewish service members.

“We have two Jewish pilots aboard who are really appreciative; they try to join me on Friday nights for Kabbalat Shabbat and we all make kiddush together,” Rubin said. “Before our deployment, I reminded both pilots to bring their pairs of tefillin. One had never even used his before—now we put them on regularly.”

Aleph’s consistent support has been invaluable in Rubin’s chaplaincy work. “Whatever the request is, Aleph is right there to help,” he said. “They send us Jewish books and resources constantly, always ensuring we have everything we need for the holidays. Before my deployment, I asked if there was a Sefer Torah available to take with me, and it arrived at my door, ready for the ship out. It’s brought us all such a deep sense of pride and security.”

Petty Officer 2nd Class Edmund Di Liscia, an Aleph-certified lay leader who previously served aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, also shared how impactful Aleph’s work has been. “I met many sailors who had never met a Jew before. Being a representative of our people on board allowed me to clear up misunderstandings and instill a deep sense of pride,” he said. “I know from talking to Jewish sailors aboard and on other vessels that they feel blessed to be able to protect Jewish and Israeli lives in Israel. Obviously, it’s war, and we want it to end as soon as possible, but there’s a profound sense of purpose in what we’re doing.”

From providing Jewish books and holiday materials to ensuring Jewish and halachic needs are met while on duty, Aleph is meticulous in its care for Jewish service members worldwide, especially those on high-risk missions.

“In this unique time of war, Aleph is incredibly proud to stand with our Jewish fighters,” says Rabbi Aaron Lipskar, Aleph’s CEO. “We are committed to keeping their morale and faith high, ensuring they are equipped to carry out their mission with physical and spiritual resilience.”

As these carrier strike groups stand ready for action in a tense region, Aleph’s support ensures that Jewish sailors aboard these vessels can carry their faith with them, no matter the distance from home or the challenges they face. 

Visit www.aleph-institute.org and www.alephmilitary.org.