How do I get kosher meals/food for Passover?

If you are on COMRATS and INCONUS, your local grocery store in your community should be your first choice. If you are stationed outside of the United States and on COMRATS, have your Jewish Lay Leader meet with your Commissary at least six months prior to Passover to order Passover foods. If deployed or at sea, Multi-faith rations for Passover are also available from DLA through the NSN system, but again, must be ordered through your Supply chain at least five months in advance. If you are not on COMRATS, then working thru your Chaplain and/or Lay Leader, special food may be requested thru your Dining Facility. In addition, your Commander may authorize COMRATS for the Passover timeframe. In any case, your Chaplain and/or Lay Leader will be your best source for advice.

Where would I find a Passover Seder to attend?

If you are CONUS, first check with your base and see if the Jewish Chaplain or Jewish lay leader will be conducting a Seder. If not, ask the Base Chaplain if local families have offered to invite military members to their home for a Seder. Finally, check with all of the local synagogues for their schedule of Community Seders.

Will a Passover Seder be offered in a combat zone or aboard my ship?

 Even though Jews make up a small percentage of military members, your Chaplain will make every effort to locate the Seder that will be taking place on your ship or base. If there is no Jewish Chaplain or Lay Leader, your Chaplain can help you get all the supplies you need to make your own Seder.

How can I be excused from work or duty to celebrate the Passover Seder?

Regulations in all the uniformed services permit and encourage commanders and supervisors to give time off for religious observances. In some cases, this may involve the service member’s taking leave. In certain situations, particularly in a combat zone, military requirements may not allow for a full day off. Working with your unit’s chaplain, the local Jewish chaplain or lay leader, or, when necessary, consulting with JWB by phone or e-mail will smooth the process.

Will my Passover seder include 4 glasses of wine?

On board ships and in combat, it is unlikely that you would have more than a small glass of wine from which you could have 4 sips. Even in Moslem countries or aboard ships where alcohol is forbidden, wine for sacramental purposes is allowed.