<p>Actually, there is no mystery. There are fewer than 100 Jewish cadets at West Point. My daughter is a yearling and this is what I’ve noticed.</p>
<p>1) Since Beast began she has been to services nearly every Friday night. (She was not an eager attendee while in high school.) It has become a very important part of her West Point experience and she has made close friends within the community.
2) She has said several times that Rabbi Huerta is possibly the best human being she has ever met. He is an Army Chaplain, U.S. Army major, and an orthodox rabbi. His services are truly inspirational. The other cadets (and parents) agree. He has had a number of beautifully written articles in the Pointer View that you can search for and read.
3) Parents are so supportive that they will collect money to fund an Oneg or 2during the academic year.
4) During Beast, a number of Jewish war veterans from New York City come to West Point each Friday to ensure the new cadets are having contact with Jewish vets and really nice adults. Also, they want to make sure the kids are having a beautiful Oneg.
5) The Jewish Chapel Choir travels to services at a variety of venues along the East Coast. It’s a great opportunity to “break away” and the kids enjoy it very much. Last year they sang at the White House for the President’s Hanukkah Party. They were a big hit and got an awful lot of attention for it. Here are links to their pictures. <a href=“http://www.west-point.org/family/mem...D=10&offset=75[/url]”>http://www.west-point.org/family/mem...D=10&offset=75</a>
6) Right after the academic year begins, there is a retreat for Jewish cadets. It’s a weekend away and yet another opportunity to unwind. I believe the same is done for other religious groups.
7) Last year West Point sponsored the first Jewish Warrior Weekend. Participants were from other service academies, many ROTC programs and Israel. This will become an annual event.
8) My daughter is currently on a birthright trip to Israel with Jewish cadets from West Point, USNA, and USAFA. The largest contingent by far is from WP. Here’s a link to the pictures that have been posted so far. Just click on “individual pictures. <a href=“http://www.israelfree.com/group_trip.asp?tourid=556[/url]”>http://www.israelfree.com/group_trip.asp?tourid=556</a>
9) Rabbi Huerta has said this is a lifelong network that the cadets will enjoy.
10) Did you see “Surviving West Point”? One of the female cadets featured was a Jewish cadet from NY. She graduated in 2005.
11) Here’s a link to info about the choir at the White House. <a href=“http://www.americanthinker.com/2005/...kah_party.html[/url]”>http://www.americanthinker.com/2005/...kah_party.html</a>
12) And another… <a href=“http://www.usma.edu/publicaffairs/pv/051216/harmony.htm[/url]”>http://www.usma.edu/publicaffairs/pv/051216/harmony.htm</a>
13) A friend of mine has a brother-in-law who is a colonel and about to be promoted to general. He is Jewish and occasionally visits West Point. He told me that although the Jewish community there is small, it is very strong (he counts several faculty members as his friends).
14) Many non-Jewish cadets participate in the Jewish activities just because they are interested. (personally, I think it’s for the food.)
15) During Passover, the Mess Hall has kosher for Passover tables and food for those who keep Passover.</p>
<p>I was a very concerned parent before Beast. I thought there would be little opportunity to lead a Jewish life, even at a minimum level, and that she wouldn’t want to. A worst case scenario would mean there would be no support or even pockets of anti-Semitism. However, it has been one of the most pleasant surprises in this whole experience. If you have more questions or even if your parents have questions, please let me know.</p>
<p>Good luck to you and Happy Hanukkah!</p>