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August 23, 2002/Elul 15 5762, Vol. 54, No. 49
Following military orders
Chandler rabbi won't be home for High Holidays
LEISAH NAMM
Assistant Editor
As part of her duties as an Army Reserve chaplain, Temple Beth Sholom's Rabbi Bonnie Koppell will conduct High Holiday services for Jewish soldiers instead of her Chandler congregation.
Koppell, who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel, reported for duty to Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista Nov. 28, 2001, and expects to be released on Nov. 27, 2002. "The command here has been very supportive in allowing me to continue a relationship with my congregation throughout this year, but this is my primary place of duty," Koppell said in a written statement. "As an active duty Jewish chaplain, I am charged with providing religious support to the Jewish soldiers here."
Koppell has been an Army Reserve chaplain for 24 years and was called to active duty for one year following the events of Sept. 11. She is currently serving as the Brigade chaplain for the 112th Military Intelligence Brigade and is responsible for the spiritual welfare of 1,500 soldiers and their spouses and Department of Army civilians. In addition, she is also responsible for approximately 25 Jewish soldiers on the post, she said.
During her service, she's able to return to Chandler three weekends a month for Saturday morning Shabbat and b'nai mitzvah services and Sunday membership events, said Kay Lapid, synagogue administrator.
"Temple Beth Sholom is deeply blessed with many wonderful volunteers who have kept the shul going throughout the year and who will ensure that there are meaningful services for the holidays," Koppell said in the statement. "Throughout my time of active duty, the congregation has been incredibly supportive and has exhibited an exemplary patriotic spirit."
In her absence, Hazzan Isaac Levy and High Holiday Cantorial Soloist Howard Weinstein will lead High Holiday services for the Conservative congregation. Professors Norbert and Hava Tirosh Samuelson are preparing sermons, and Barbara Gold is coordinating children's services, Koppell said.
"She'll be sorely, sorely missed," Levy said. "She's our spiritual leader, and even if we have excellent (substitutes), it's not the same as having our own rabbi there."
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