Written by Sgt. Katie Eggers
Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Baghdad, Iraq – Passover is one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays. It is an eight-day celebration that starts with a Seder meal commemorating the biblical story of when the Angel of Death passed over the homes of Israelites, sparing their first-born children and ultimately emancipating them from slavery in ancient Egypt.
From April 28th to April 30th, Jewish service members and civilian contractors deployed in support of Combined Joint Force Land Component Command – Operation Inherent Resolve celebrated Passover services and Seder meals provided by a rabbi at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Iraq.
Shulman provided Passover services with the help of Sgt. Xochi Risco, a chaplain’s assistant from 42nd Regional Support Group.
Shulman and Risco were put on 45-day orders to provide Jewish service members deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve the opportunity to exercise their faith during Passover.
Risco volunteered for this mission on Tour of Duty. Being a chaplain’s assistant has always been rewarding, said Risco. Even though she isn’t Jewish, Risco said she enjoyed learning about Jewish faith and Passover.
“I’ve never supported a Rabbi before,” said Risco. “I was very intrigued, and I started to study. It’s every bit and more than what I expected.”
Schulman said Risco was essential in completing the mission. When issues arose with supplies or providing hot food, Risco rose to and overcame those challenges.
Schulman came equipped to each Passover service with an Army issued Seder kit. The kit includes symbolic kosher food such as a lamb shank bone, an onion, a hard-boiled egg, horseradish and matzah. He was also able to provide wine or grape juice for the service members.
Less people were able to attend the Passover services as the week progressed due to logistical issues, but the people who did attend were very appreciative.
Becquie Berck, a contractor who has been working as a physician’s assistant at BDSC, said it’s the first time she has seen a Rabbi since she began working in Iraq two years ago.
Berck didn’t realize it was Passover right away because the days run together while working in Iraq, but it was a good reminder of home, she said.
No matter what challenges there are, it’s always worth it when someone says ”thanks for coming,“ said Schulman. It is important to support service members’ religious needs, especially when they are far from home. He chose to do this mission instead of serving a larger Jewish congregation elsewhere.
“It’s worth leaving that behind to come for one Soldier,” said Schulman.
Passover services were also provided earlier in the week at Al Asad, Iraq, and Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
