Pentagon 9-11 Memorial Chapel Hosts Historic Torah Dedication

On the ground at the Pentagon in the spot where on September 11, 2001 terrorists crashed a plane into the Pentagon killing 189 people, a Torah scroll now resides in an ark whose steel door is secured by a safe lock.

Over 150 military personnel, guests and dignitaries gathered at the Pentagon Memorial Chapel for the dedication of the Torah, recognizing the Jewish members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In front of the standing-room-only crowd, a Rabbi, completed the last letters of the scroll.

Chaplain Andrew J. Cohen of Bolling Air Force Base in Maryland said our Torah is Not as a museum piece, not on display, but to be used in worship, honored with dignity. The Torah dedication, a first for the home of the U.S. military establishment, The Torah scroll was donated by a prominent New York real estate magnate.

After the ceremony, rabbis, guests, chaplains, generals and military personnel gathered for a catered, glatt kosher celebratory meal -- a first for the Pentagon Executive Dining Room, preceded by the National Anthem accompanied by the Color Guard. At the dinner.