Being Jewish in the Navy...

[YoniHarari]

Hey Everyone,
So I'm looking to join the Navy, and have a date to take the ASVAB test and everything. My problem is my family.... I am an Orthodox Jew and as such cannot work from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown (Sabbath). I also have dietary restrictions (kosher food) that are easy to be taken care of. My recruiter is telling me that there is a Jewish Clause in the Navy, but it seems as if it is taking her a long time to find it. Does anyone know anything about this?:huh:

[MM1 Sloniker]

I was a recruiter and I never heard of that but Good Luck and Shalom.

[YoniHarari]

Thanks. I'm going to see what happens in the next few days. She told me that they would put it in my contract before anything happens. They're also trying to get me into the Nuc program, where its 2 years training and a good chance of no work during that time anyways.

[Retired Navy Chief]

Ummm .... whatever you get in writing on that one ... please send me a copy. I have NEVER heard of any kind of clause that will get you out of work because you are Jewish. Dietary things are definitely workable ... but duty is duty.

Cheers,
PISTOL

[YoniHarari]

I totally understand that duty is duty, and that it comes with the job. I was told that I might be able to get around it, which would be amazing, but it is what it is and I will do what I have to.

[Retired Navy Chief]

Here's what the Master Chief came back with .... "Pistol, I have never heard of that, I have had several jewish shipmates in my commands that we made exceptions for, but that was command specific. The Mission takes priority. thanks for asking Brother. If he has duty on his sabbath and unable to swap he is responsible to stand his duty.
Very Respectfully, Kraig"

We do duty swaps all the time ... but that is something worked out between sailors and not something that we are required or obligated to do. Maybe one guy has a kids birthday that he can't miss .... or some gal has a special guy meeting her in the next port ... etc. So it IS something that can be worked out but not something they are going to guarantee in your enlistment contract.

Like I said ... if it is put in writing, please send me a copy.

Cheers,
PISTOL

[DK3]

I had several shipmates that were Jewish. I can't say for sure how dedicated they were to following their religious dogma, however, they stood their watches on Friday's and Saturday's like the rest of us. If you don't do your duty, then you are shifting the workload on the remaining shipmates that aren't Jewish. That would be similar to all Christians shutting down at 0000 Sunday morning and not working again until 0000 Monday morning. Just not feasible or capable of being followed.

I agree with Chief, please, if you get that in your contract, please post an image for us to see because that would be amazing....

[MacSteve]

I understand that to some, religion is VERY important. Good on you. However, Sometimes exceptions must be made in order to hold a good job. I'm jewish and I have worked mon-fri since i was 16 because I understood that what has to be done, has to be done.

I strongly encourage you to not let your religion get in the way of you joining the Navy because you simply must have fridays & saturdays off. I can ASSURE YOU 100% you will not have these days off while in bootcamp.


I worked on Rosh Hashanah

[YoniHarari]

Thank you everyone. I am going to take my ASVAB soon and I am going to see what rank I get. I may still join even though my religious standards cannot be met. MacSteve, good to hear your doing well in the Navy Brotha.

[Retired Navy Chief]

Thank you everyone. I am going to take my ASVAB soon and I am going to see what rank I get. I may still join even though my religious standards cannot be met. MacSteve, good to hear your doing well in the Navy Brotha.

That's the right attitute .... We all make our own sacrifices ... God always understands. :angel:

Good luck on the ASVAB ... let us know how you do !!

Cheers,
PISTOL