A

s a patron of the Jewish 
War Veterans (JWV), 
Department of Michigan, 
I’ve had the privilege of writing 
about its membership for the last 
several years. I know firsthand how 
grateful the JWV is for the JN’s con-
tinued support.
My military buddies are a busy 
bunch, and no time of year is busier 
than in and around Veterans Day. 
Congregation Shaarey Zedek 
(CSZ) held its annual Veterans 
Shabbat service on Saturday, Nov. 9, 
now in its 17th year. A large gather-
ing of the JWV was in attendance. 
The city of Southfield Police 
Department’s Color Guard opened 
the official ceremony, leading the 
processional of JWV, members of its 
Women’s Auxiliary and family mem-
bers down the long center aisle. 
It was a grand entrance. In uni-
son, the congregation waved small, 
handheld American flags as we 
made our way into the sanctuary 
accompanied by patriotic music. 
At official JWV events, we wear a 
blue blazer, white shirt, red tie, gray 
slacks, black shoes and our JWV 
post hats. Just prior to entering the 
synagogue, a volunteer with a big 
smile pinned boutonnières on our 
lapels and greeted us with a “thank 
you for your service.”
I was very appreciative for the sal-
utation but explained that although 
I’m a proud patron of the JWV, I 
didn’t actually serve. When mistak-
en for a veteran, I tell people that 
my civic duty only included being 
a crossing guard as a sixth-grader 
at Glenn Schoenhals Elementary 
School in Southfield. My tour of 
duty ended in 1967.
The boutonnières have been gen-
erously provided for years by long-
time CSZ members Dr. Paul and 
Linda Gold. Dr. Gold is a member 
of the JWV who I had the privilege 
of featuring in a cover story in the 
Nov. 5, 2020, edition of the JN — 
“The Docs of War.” It chronicles the 
bravery of Gold, as a captain in the 
U.S. Army Medical Corp., and other 
local Jewish physicians, who saved 
countless lives in Vietnam.

VETERANS SHABBAT SERVICE
The salute to veterans follows 
CSZ’s regular Shabbat service. Bill 
Glogower, JWV Dept. of Michigan 
Sr. Vice Commander, member of 
CSZ and retired Sergeant, U.S. Air 
Force, officially opened the program 
by announcing the posting of the 
colors by the Southfield Police. 
Donald Wagner, Judge Advocate 
of JWV, retired Captain, U.S. Army, 
and husband to Dottie, a past pres-
ident of CSZ, provided welcoming 
remarks. Wagner expressed his 
“pride and gratitude” in chairing the 
last 10 years of the Veterans Shabbat. 
“Just as the military teaches 
teamwork, this event could not be 
brought to our community these 
many years without the efforts of 
so many,” Wagner said. He thanked 
the clergy, the CSZ staff and congre-
gants for their unwavering support, 
including member Linda Cohen 
“who 17 years ago developed the 
vision for the Veterans Shabbat.”
Retired Brigadier General, U.S. 
Army, Don Schenk, Commander of 
Lt. Raymond Zussman Post 135 and 
CSZ member, paid special recogni-
tion to the “millions of others who 
contribute to keeping our country 
secure by what they do in support.” 
He referred to those who treat our 
service men and women at health 
care institutions and to those who 
continue to man the Arsenal of 
Democracy. “These people provide 
the material with which America’s 
military and its allies and friends, 
like Israel, are able to defend them-
selves,” Schenk said.
The keynote guest speaker was 
Major General Scott Hiipakka. He 
is what is referred to as a “Citizen 
Soldier,” who has dual responsibil-
ities both within and outside the 
military. In mid-2023, he assumed 
the prestigious role of Commanding 
General for the 46th Military Police 
Command of the Michigan Army 
National Guard.
Prior to this role, he served as 
the Commanding General of Joint 
Task Force Guantanamo, where he 
was responsible and accountable for 
major tactical and operational activ-

Shaarey Zedek hosts 
17th annual Veterans Shabbat.

Honoring 
Our 
Veterans

ALAN MUSKOVITZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

OUR COMMUNITY
Major General Scott 
Hiipakka (L) and Retired 
Brig. General and 
 
JWV member 
Don Schenk (R) in front 
of the sanctuary at 
Shaarey Zedek.

28 | NOVEMBER 28 • 2024 

