Originally Printed in the Jewish Journal
By Linda Chase | Associate Editor – Judaic Advisor
I was honored to experience a truly inspirational Shabbat at the Las Olas Chabad, the Fleet Week Shabbat Dinner.
The brave men and women of the US Navy arrive in port on their vessels annually during Fleet Week in Fort Lauderdale, seeking respite from shipboard duties during their stay here. The Fleet Week Shabbat, hosted yearly by Chabad, has become a tradition where the local Jewish community is given the opportunity to show their hospitality and gratitude to our brave men and women.
“Today more than ever, it is so important to support our military and law enforcement officers,” said Rabbi Chaim Slavaticki, spiritual leader of Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center. “It’s been an honor for all of us at Las Olas Chabad to show our appreciation by hosting this annual dinner which is made possible by our dear friends and community members, the Stahl Family. Our hope is that the heroes who serve and protect us will see the admiration and gratitude we have towards them, and that the community will have a deeper appreciation for all that they do.”
Alan M. Starr, Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician USN Ret, and past Chairman of the Fleet Week Board of Directors, served in the Navy for 28 years. He participates in this festive celebration each year.
When asked how he first got involved in the Fleet Week Dinner, Starr replied, “One of the Fleet Week sponsors brought up the idea to the Rabbi who immediately offered his support.
“We had 35 personnel members on hand for the occasion. They included US Navy Officers, Chief Petty Officers, and enlisted Sailors, Marines, and US Coast Guardsmen from local area commands, including Coast Guard Chaplain Rosenberg.”
During the dinner, Starr introduced each of his 35 military attendees followed by Stahl presenting plaques of appreciation.
When asked what he finds most meaningful about the Chabad Shabbat, Starr responded, “It offers service people the opportunity to attend Shabbat Dinner as a cultural event, not a religious event.
Often as a young sailor, I would find a Shul to attend to make me feel at home. When members of the military who are away from family and friends are welcomed by the Jewish community, it gives them a feeling of being welcomed home.”
During the week, Starr shared, tours were given of visiting ships. Over 5,000 people visited the warships USS Lassen and USS Black. Each ship has a crew of 350 men and women.
“Shabbat Dinner at Las Olas Chabad Center is a truly special occasion,” said congregant Dean Myerow, who was seated at my table. When members of the military who are away from family and friends are welcomed by the Jewish community, it gives them a feeling of being welcomed home.”
“Our goal at the synagogue is to make our proud service people feel like family regardless of their religion, background or ethnicity. During our Shabbat Dinner, our guests come to understand a bit about the Jewish religion, its customs, traditions and food. It’s one of my favorite events of the year!”
Another congregant, Eric Donner said, “It was wonderful having the service men and women of the United States Navy join our Las Olas Jewish Center for Fleet Week Shabbat Dinner. With many of them experiencing their first Shabbat ever, it was truly an unforgettable experience.”
For both the members of the US Navy and the congregants at Chabad, Fleet Week Shabbat was a deeply moving and meaningful experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
The Shul is located at 1302 E. Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.
Call (954) 780-6770 for more information.
