Many faiths are represented at Bagram Air Field.  The diverse, combined Chaplaincy of the various branches of service and Coalition forces means you will find a celebration for every holiday, including my favorite: Passover.

We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic Rabbi (Captain Heather), a core group of dedicated regulars at Shabbat services each week, and countless boxes of donations from stateside volunteers and sponsors who ensure that we have everything we need to conduct services, eat Kosher, and put on two fantastic Pesach Seders.

Captain Heather gets things started:

Where the mission could spare the troops, the military released Jewish service members from duty and flew them to Bagram from outlying bases and camps to celebrate Passover with our Rabbi.  How awesome is that?

We had quite a crowd — over 30 people the first night:

Bagram Air Field is officially “dry”, but wine is allowed for religious services and holidays.  On Passover we each drink four cups of wine during the Seder, and we had plenty on hand.  No leftovers, though.

Looking for the Afikomen:

The winner claims his prize (amongst other things, Afghani cash and cans of matzo ball soup!):

In addition to all the wonderful edible goodies sent to us by Kosher Troops (a Jewish-oriented offshoot of Operation Gratitude, source of many Love Notes From Strangers), we got packets of hand-written Passover greetings to take with us:

Handwritten notes and pictures (especially from kids) are one of my favorite things to get here, so I thought my packet was an absolute treasure trove!  And check out the awesome artwork on this hand-colored matzah cover I scored:

Thanks to everyone here at Bagram, those who traveled from afar, and those who sent us love, good wishes, and treats from home for making this Passover one I will remember warmly for the rest of my life!

Chag Sameach!

MM