PHOTOS: The Aleph Institute, an affiliate of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, held a military training conference this past weekend, that coincided with the “Shabbat with our Troops” at the Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside, Florida.

Over 50 US military personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines traveled to Florida to spend four days participating in important training sessions at the Aleph Institute headquarters.

Founded in 1981, Aleph meets the needs of the 5000 US Jewish Service members and their families, in addition to being in touch with over 4,000 Jewish inmates across the country.

Aleph prints and distributes thousands of Camouflaged Torahs, Prayer books, and Psalm books to military personnel all over the world. It is in the midst of packing over 2000 Mishloach Manos packages to be shipped to service members, including in Afghanistan.

The highest ranking Jewish American in the United States Military, 3-star General, Lieutenant General Howard B. Bromberg, U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, was the main speaker during services on Shabbos.

Chief of Chaplains of the U.S. Army, Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Donald Rutherford was the main speaker at the Friday night dinner where over 350 guests enjoyed an elegant Shabbat dinner with the troops. 

Florida’s Governor Rick Scott and his wife, first lady Ann Scott, spent four hours with the troops and the congregation.

Scott was presented with a plaque thanking him for championing Religious Freedom in the state, namely the Florida Department of corrections announcing on Thursday that it would provide kosher meals to all Jewish inmates in Florida.

The Governor and his wife toured the synagogue and spent time with Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar, Founder of the Aleph Institute and spiritual leader of The Shul, and the Aleph staff, getting a crash course on Shabbat and Judaism in general.

After services, Governor Scott addressed over 500 members of the Congregation. He spoke about his strong support for Israel and congratulated the Aleph Institute on its important work in supporting the troops. Governor Scott and his wife stayed and enjoyed a wonderful five course shabbat dinner with the Troops and the community. TLS.