This July, members of Congregation Agudath Sholom (CAS) in Stamford, Connecticut will embark on a unique and meaningful journey—not to Israel or a historic Jewish site, but to Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army base in North Carolina. The mission, taking place July 27-July 28 aims to strengthen the connection between local Jews and Jewish soldiers serving on the base. What began as a simple conversation with one soldier has grown into an initiative to bring Jewish learning and community to men and women seeking to rekindle their connection to Judaism while serving their country.
Rabbi Daniel Cohen of CAS in Stamford will lead the groundbreaking trip to Fort Bragg, home to a group of Jewish service members. The purpose of the mission is to launch a partnership with the Jewish soldiers stationed there, offering them the spiritual connection, learning and support. While Rabbi Cohen is bringing members from his community, the mission is open to anyone.
The idea for the mission took root during a conversation Rabbi Cohen had several months ago with Ryan Murphy, a Fort Bragg-based soldier who grew up in Stamford, graduated from Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, and recently found himself drawn back toward Judaism. He attended a Chanukah-themed day of study at CAS, where he shared his experience on the base with Rabbi Cohen. Murphy explained that there is a thirst for Jewish connection among the Jewish soldiers. Chabad sends tefillin and matzah, but most of the Jewish soldiers don’t know what to do with them. They want to reconnect with their Jewish roots.
Moved by this revelation, Rabbi Cohen, Murphy, and community member and veteran Lonnie Keene set out to create what Rabbi Cohen calls “a sister base” to their Stamford congregation—mirroring the way synagogues often twin with Israeli communities. “We’re test-running it by going down there,” the rabbi said. “We’ll share meals, I’ll offer teaching, and we’ll build relationships. This isn’t a one-and-done visit. It’s the beginning of something ongoing.”
The mission has struck a chord with people across generations who have already committed to going. “It’s a way to give chizuk—strength—to the soldiers,” said Rabbi Cohen. “And it’s a form of kiruv—spiritual outreach. They are American Jews who are serving, but feel their spark of Judaism within them. We are coming down to help ignite and fuel that connection.”
Murphy explained why he joined the U.S. Army. “I am extremely grateful for the freedom and opportunities my family and I have experienced as Americans, and I wanted to do a small part in ensuring that others can continue to do the same.” Murphy hopes that this mission will lead to a better understanding of the unique experiences of Jews in the American military. “I hope that Jewish communities will be able to better support the military community in ways which will improve service members’ opportunities for Jewish education and observance,” he said.
Rabbi Scott Klein, the chaplain at Fort Bragg, underscored the importance of initiatives like this. “These missions offer a chance for soldiers to engage with visiting rabbis, participate in specialized programming, and feel recognized and valued for their service while also having their religious needs met. It reinforces the idea that their faith is important and supported, which can be a huge morale booster and contribute to their overall resilience.”
The group plans not only to visit the base and its chaplain, but also to meet other military personnel and visit the nearby Fayetteville shul. Afterwards, CAS will encourage its young members to write letters and send holiday packages—laying the groundwork for future visits, shared Shabbat experiences and Torah study.
Rabbi Cohen reflects that most American Jews, especially those outside the Orthodox world, feel a deep allegiance to the U.S., but don’t see Israeli military service as part of their Jewish identity. “For many,” he said, “serving in the Israeli army feels like going to Mars. But there are 6 million Jews in this country. We can be there for those who are serving America—our Jewish soldiers.”
At its heart, this mission is about recognizing a need and responding with empathy, connection and action. “These projects start with a simple question: How can I help?” said Rabbi Cohen. “They’re not looking for money. They’re looking for Torah and community. That’s something we can give.”
To learn more about the Fort Bragg mission or to join, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org.
