A US Soldier by the name of Issac Greenberg who is currently deployed in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban wrote to Yeshivaworld. Besides his story (which you should all read) his personal message is “It would be my honor if you you post my email. The Orthodox are the majority of Jews that support us. Thank you. Shabbt Shalom.”

I was deployed to Afghanistan in late July to join the armys 10th Mountain Division, which has been here since February in order to support the global war on terror and help rebuild the country. I arrived late to the unit after completing the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. and in-processing at Fort Drum, N.Y.

The weekend before I left for Afghanistan, I went home to Arizona so I could spend time with family and friends. What inspired me the most were the reminders to keep my Judaism close to me as I embarked on this new chapter in my life.
 
Judaism has always played an important role in my life. As I grow older, I am even more aware of how my Judaism affects me on a daily basis. During my visit at home, my best friend, Adam Kwasman, gave me his personal pocket siddur so I will always have something Judaic to refer to. Rosie Eilat Kahn gave me 18 cents, representing chai (life). This is a tradition her mother routinely practices to wish family and friends a safe journey. Rosie’s son Gilon, another close friend, wasn’t able to see me that weekend, but he sent me tehillim (psalms) in the mail. I keep all three of these in my uniform at all times, as a constant reminder of my Judaic heritage.
 
My brother Aaron, who lives in Israel, also sent me Psalm 121 to give me strength and guidance as I embark on my journey. I read it every day.
 
“I lift my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot give away; your guardian does not slumber. See, the guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps! The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your protection at your right hand. By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night. The Lord will guard you from harm; He will always guard your life. The Lord will guard your going and coming now and forever.�?
 
The day before I left for Ft. Drum, I went to synagogue with my family at Congregation Anshei Israel.  Rabbi Eisen and the rest of the congregation offered heartfelt thoughts with prayers for my safety and well-being. The day before I left for Afghanistan, Rabbi Becker from Congregation Chofetz Chayim called offering me a blessing for my safety. Rabbi Oleisky often writes me e-mails. Since my deployment, I have been extremely impressed by the support of the Tucson Jewish community.  Many have adopted me with packages, letters and e-mail. A lot of you are not supporters of the war, yet your support of the troops has been a huge morale boost.  Thank you! Todah Rabah!
 
On the drive to Fort Drum, I stopped to see my alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point. I visited with my chaplain, Rabbi Carlos Huerta, an amazing man whom I have always looked to for words of encouragement and advice. During my tenure at the academy he was deployed to Iraq twice. He emphasized the responsibility we have as Jewish soldiers to join other deployed Jewish soldiers to conduct Shabbat or other services while we are away from home. 
 
When I arrived in Afghanistan, before I was sent to my assigned post, I attended Friday night services with three other men who have been in the army for several years. We lit the Shabbat candles, conducted an hour-long prayer service, discussed the Torah portion of the week and talked about our experiences in the army. 
 
The following week, I observed Shabbat with another Jewish officer and a man who was interested in learning about Judaism. At first, I took a backseat to see how services were conducted. By the time Shabbat ended I was leading services. I was more familiar by far with the service than the other soldier, owing to my rich Judaic upbringing.  Not only did my family gather around the table for Shabbat and chagim (holidays) when I was growing up, I also attended Anshei Israel’s nursery-kindergarten, Tucson Hebrew Academy and Tucson High School for Jewish Studies. In addition, I was involved in United Synagogue Youth, Camp Ramah in Ojai, Calif., and the Jewish community at West Point, and I have been to Israel three times. Observing Shabbat halfway across the globe in a country where Judaism isn’t practiced was awesome; after all, Afghanistan is a Muslim country.
 
When I finally arrived to my unit, I quickly learned I was the only Jewish soldier in my battalion.  This was surprising, yet I wasn?t going to let it stand in the way of practicing my Judaism. Each Friday night I welcome the Shabbat in song and prayer. I take pride in doing this service for myself; I actually sing out loud as if I were among other Jews. Sure, it seems a little awkward; however, it feels good and I am finding it gives me tremendous strength.
 
The unit I am in is the most active unit in Afghanistan; things are often very chaotic. As the High Holidays approached I was faced with the predicament of how I would observe them. I spent Rosh Hashanah at the base I went to when I first arrived in Afghanistan. For Yom Kippur, I will observe the Day of Atonement by myself and continue the tradition of fasting and conducting Kol Nidre. Much has changed in my life over the past year. I am thousands of miles away from home or a synagogue, but I?m drawn closer to my Judaism. I look forward to when I can come home to share my experiences with family, friends and others.