Hi,

I'm a freelance writer and a regular contributor to Washington (DC) Jewish Week and some other Jewish newspapers. I'm writing an article about Hanukkah in the military, and I hope some of you can help me. If you know of any Jewish service people -- in any branch -- who have celebrated Hanukkah in some unique way (like making a menorah out of ice in the Arctic) and might like to share their story with my readers, please let me know. Also, if you know of any local outreach programs in the NJ or DC area, I'd appreciate it if you could forward my contact info to anyone who might be able to furnish some facts.

I've got lots of questions, and here are a few:

1.Are menorahs, candles and gifts provided by the Chaplains Board or other organizations?
2. Do they serve latkes and doughnuts at big bases or on carriers?
3. Is there a place where people can send cards and gifts to Jewish service personnel?
4. What can citizens do to help make this Hanukkah brighter for our military men, women and their families?

And if anyone would like to share Purim or Passover stories, I hope to write another military-themed article about one or both of those holdidays, too. I'm sure my readers would be interested in learning about what it's like to celebrate those festivals in the service.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Pearl Salkin
63 Wellington Road
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-238-5430
Prosencon@aol.com