New Center for Military Jews

By COLlive staff

A partnership between Chabad of South Carolina, Fort Jackson and the Aleph Institute has resulted in the building of a new center for Jewish men and women in uniform.

When the U.S. Army moved the Chaplain Center to Fort Jackson, a stream of Jewish chaplain candidates started arriving in Columbia for the training.

Recognizing the opportunity to service this new segment of the Columbia community, Columbia Shliach Rabbi Hesh Epstein met with Rabbi Aaron Lipskar of the Aleph Institute, which serves the spiritual and religious needs of Jewish service men and women for over 25 years.

“The match was made in heaven and the two organizations partnered to form the Chabad Aleph House,” said Rabbi Epstein at the ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony on Tuesday.

“All they needed was a home. That home was found in an unlikely place, just two years ago in a former Blockbuster building on Decker Blvd became available.”

Conveniently located less than a mile from the fort and on the neighborhood where Rabbi Epstein’s congregation was already living the 6000 square foot facility was perfect.

After a successful fundraising effort the property was purchased and the renovations began. The grand opening was a celebration for the faith community, and the military community as well.

The Chabad-Aleph Center will be run by Rabbi Hesh and Chavi Epstein and Rabbi Levi and Devorah Leah Marrus.