Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carney | The final day of Hanukkah was celebrated with a candle lighting ceremony at...... read more read more
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA — The final day of Hanukkah was celebrated with a candle lighting ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Dec. 19.
Jewish Lay leader Sgt. Jennifer Sheldon, a combat historian with the 311th Military History Detachment, attached to the 34th Infantry Division as an administrative non-commissioned officer, led a celebration that culminated in the lighting of all nine candles of the Menorah — one for each day of Hanukkah and the Shamash, or guardian candle, which is used to light the others.
Although the event was small, it drew supporters from around the base.
"There are not a lot of Jews in the Army. Actually there are not a lot in armies around the world, outside of Israel that is," said Staff Sgt. Paula Merns, from Minneapolis, a 34th Inf. Div. analyst.
Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Macapagal, St. Paul, Minn., a budget NCO in the 34th Inf. Div., attended to show support but he is not unfamiliar with Hanukkah.
"My kids are Jewish and they celebrate every year. So I've seen this a few times," Macapagal said.
"Being able to see this helps with being away from my kids," he said.
Others came for the opportunity to witness the Menorah lighting for the first time.
"This is just something that I've always wanted to see," said Maj. Kimberley Venable, budget officer with the 34th Inf. Div.
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.23.2009 06:10 |
| Story ID: | 43082 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 205 |
| Downloads: | 145 |
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