A Jewish Lay Leader (Distinctive Religious Group Leader) works with the installation chaplain team to provide religious and holiday services and support to all Jewish service members on the installation. His or her primary role will depend on the circumstances: it may involve advocating, educating, teaching, organizing or actually running programs. The exact parameters of any particular Lay Leadership must be worked through and with the installation chaplain.
A Lay Leader (DRGL) must be certified as an upstanding member of a religious organization such as the Aleph Institute. The DRGL must also be in good standing with his or her command, and have a working knowledge of basic Judaism.
First, identify yourself to the installation chaplain team as a potential DRGL. Ensure with your chain of command that you have their support in taking on this responsibility. Afterwards, fill out the contact form on this page so we can identify you as a potential DRGL and arrange an interview. Then, to receive training, first read the DRGL Manual and then listen to this presentation. When you complete that, contact us, and you will receive your certification.
Once you have been confirmed to this role, begin collecting contact information of all Jews on the installation. Some branches allow chaplains access to the Religious Preference Roster, which lists the religious preferences of all service members attached to the base. They can contact each of these Jews individually and ask if they would be interested in attending your events.
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The primary role of the Lay Leader will depend on the circumstances: it may involve advocating, educating, teaching, organizing or actually running programs. The exact parameters of any particular Lay Leadership must be worked through and with the installation chaplain; however, the Aleph Lay Leader Manual gives an excellent overview of the possibilities. It should be used as a tool to create the Jewish program.
No. However, one must have a working knowledge of the basics of Jewish services and holidays.
No. A Chaplain is a military officer with a very specific role. A DRGL works with the Chaplain team, but s/he is a volunteer, similar to the president of a synagogue.
Certification only applies to each individual installation, so one must apply for new certification when one reaches their new installation.
Possibly. On certain installations, the Lay Leader replaces the chaplain when he is not available. A Lay Leader can certainly fill their duty with a Contract Rabbi attached to the installation, as the Contract Rabbi only fulfills their responsibility in the specific time slots given to him. Speak to the installation chaplain to determine the specific situation.
In addition to speaking to current Lay Leaders, we would suggest you read the articles that can be found at this link.
The Aleph Institute holds its professionals and volunteers to a high standard of professionalism. In order to become an Aleph Institute certified Jewish Lay Leader, you must review and agree to the Aleph Lay Leader Manual and relevant passages from the Aleph Chaplain’s Code of Conduct.
To be considered to receive DRGL certification from the Aleph Institute, please fill out the application form below.
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