When most people think of Jews in the military, they think of the IDF. But many aren’t aware that there are over 15,000 Jews currently serving in the US military. Waging a war on two fronts, these Jews serve in the world’s most powerful military while also fighting for their right to remain identifiably Jewish while on duty, especially after Oct 7.

This February 11-15, more than 200 of these Jewish service members will gather in Miami for the Aleph Military Symposium, the largest gathering of Jews in uniform outside of Israel.

Hosted by the Aleph Institute, which endorses over 50 chaplains and supports Jewish service members in all branches of the military, the 19th Annual Aleph Military Symposium provides professional training and community-building opportunities to help Jewish service members navigate the unique challenges of maintaining Jewish observance while serving in uniform. 

“This conference brings together chaplains, service members, and military leadership to ensure every Jewish service member has the support they need to serve their country and their faith with excellence,” said Chaplain, Major Rabbi Elie Estrin, Director of Aleph Military Programs. “It’s an opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills and build meaningful connections with chaplains and fellow Jewish service members.”

The symposium convenes at a critical time, as Jewish personnel report mounting challenges amid massive changes to military chaplaincy and in the wake of October 7, 2023. In December 2025, Aleph Institute’s endorser Rabbi Sanford Dresin testified before the Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty, where he documented how in hundreds of cases, the Aleph Institute intervened to help Jewish service members overcome systemic challenges in the religious accommodation system—from denied access to kosher food to restrictions on Sabbath observance—to ensure that they can maintain their faith while serving.

The symposium, taking place over five days, will feature sessions such as practical guidance on maintaining halachic observance during deployment, navigating religious accommodations, how Jewish ethics addresses AI and autonomous warfare, and responding to antisemitism in the ranks. Dedicated programming for military spouses addresses topics including maintaining equilibrium during deployments and successful military relationships. Attendees will hear from U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. Trent Davis, Counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty Michael O’Brien, Chief Judge Matthew Solomson, officials from the IDF Chief Rabbinate, and many others.

Beyond professional development, skills training, and spiritual enrichment, participants use the symposium to build meaningful friendships with fellow Jewish service members. Following the events of October 7, Jews in the military—like much of broader society—have reported increased antisemitism within the ranks. Many describe feeling like the only Jew in their unit or on their base, far from any Jewish community, making Aleph’s support more critical than ever.

Staff Sergeant Benjamin Craig, a U.S. Marine, arrived in Okinawa believing he was the island’s only Jew. After connecting with an Aleph-endorsed chaplain who taught him the basics of Judaism and began mentoring him, Craig embarked on a journey from minimal Jewish knowledge to observance of Shabbat and kashrut, and recently celebrated his marriage to a Jewish woman, herself a member of the National Guard.

The program will also feature a communal Shabbat dinner, joyful prayer services, and opportunities to ask questions to experts in Jewish law and practice. 

“Aleph is dedicated to supporting Jews in all branches of the US military and from all affiliation levels,” said Estrin. “Whether it’s helping soldiers access kosher food on a deployment in the Middle East or supplying a Pesach seder for Jews at a base in Guam, Aleph wants every Jew in the military to know they’re not alone,” said Rabbi Estrin.