Administrative Law

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier U.S.S. Harry S. Truman is carrying a wooden ark and torah scroll (see a U.S. Navy photo here) that was rescued from the Holocaust by Lithuanian Jews. The item is on loan to the ship and is available throughout the carrier?s commission.

Likewise interesting the carrier?s Commanding Officer, Captain Herman Shelanski, is an observant Jew who hosts kosher meals in his quarters and participates in Shabbat services with other Jewish sailors and airmen aboard the ship.

Those connections are particularly meaningful in light of the fact that President Harry S. Truman was among the first leaders to recognize Israel in 1948 ? issuing a recognition directive just hours after the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed the new State of Israel. And, as Providence would have it, the carrier named for that President, with its Jewish Captain, was steaming by Israel?s shores during Israel's 60th Anniversary celebrations in May ? prompting an opportunity for Israeli dignitaries to have a ceremonial visit the ship by way of fighter aircraft.

Good shabbos, everyone.