Posted on 12/25/25
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 25, 2025 - From the National Menorah in Washington, D.C., to the halls of Baltimore City Hall and a record-breaking celebration in Pikesville, the Maryland Free State Post 167 of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) spent this Chanukah season bringing a message of resilience, light, and community support to the region.
The week of observances began on the first night of Chanukah, when a bus sponsored by Chaplain Rabbi Dovid Grossman of the Institute of Jewish Chaplaincy departed Baltimore for Washington, D.C. Jewish War Veterans were joined by members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to attend the lighting of the National Menorah on the Ellipse. This display of unity was followed by a series of public lightings across Baltimore. Post 167 members joined Rabbi Yaakov Kaplan of Chabad of South Baltimore and city leadership, including Mayor Brandon Scott and City Council President Zeke Cohen, at the Inner Harbor. Other members represented the JWV at the Chabad of Owings Mills lighting at the Owings Mills Metro Centre.
On Monday, the festivities moved to Baltimore City Hall. Alongside Councilman Yitzy Schleifer and City Council President Zeke Cohen, Post 167 Commander Dan Berkovitz and Post Chaplain Charley Jay, USA (Ret.), were invited to light the first candle as Cheder Chabad students performed.
“Now more than ever, it’s important for Jewish veterans to be visible,” said Chaplain Charley Jay. “We show pride in who we are - not just through words, but through action.” Special thanks were also extended to Rebecca Marks from the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs for her partnership and support.
That action was evident at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. Partnering with Chaplain Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum of the Maryland VA Healthcare System, Post 167 joined in the VA’s Chanukah celebration and delivered a donation of clothing and essential hygiene products totaling approximately $5,000. Organizer and JWV 167 member Devora Exline noted that the donation, which focused heavily on the needs of women veterans, was made possible by the collective generosity of Post 167 members and the broader community. The Post also thanked Sara Toscano and Janelle Norton of the Baltimore VA Veterans Volunteer Services for their assistance.
On Motzei Shabbos, the momentum continued as Jewish veterans participated in the menorah lighting at the famous Chanukah House of Pikesville. JWV Post 167 had the honor of hosting the night, which featured words of chizuk (encouragement) from Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum, Director of Jewish Uniformed Services Association (JUSA). The crowd was treated to a special performance of Chanukah songs by Rabbi Tenenbaum’s young nephew, Nachi Webb, who traveled from Princeton, NJ. It was a great night for all in attendance.
The celebrations culminated this past Sunday as Post 167 hosted its annual Veterans Chanukah Party at the NCO Club within the Pikesville Armory which was both a holiday celebration and a "Year in Review" for what has been a remarkably productive 2025. The event welcomed a record 94 attendees and was filled with the sounds of the Machaya Klezmer Band, who performed traditional Chanukah music and a stirring medley of military branch songs. Cantor Thom King did a phenomenal job leading the room in song, adding a deep sense of spirit and joy to the afternoon.
In addition to the music, the veterans were moved by a special mitzvah from the younger generation. Rabbi Engelberg, an ELA Teacher from Yeshiva Chsan Sofer in Brooklyn, NY, had his students write heartfelt Chanukah letters to the veterans. Another school had students write cards as well. These cards were distributed during the party, bringing immense joy to those who served.
In addition to the festivities, the spirit of giving was on full display as members collected hundreds of dollars worth of toys for the Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital holiday toy donation, ensuring that the "light" of the holiday reaches children in need of cheer.
In keeping with JWV Post 167 Commander Dan Berkovitz’s desire to support the local community, the celebration featured catering from Market Maven and traditional Chanukah donuts from Sion’s Bakery. The Post makes a conscious effort to frequent local small businesses for all its needs; the commemorative awards were crafted by Badges, Buttons and More, and marketing materials were produced by Speedy Graphics and Badges, Buttons and More.
The afternoon was highlighted by the presentation of the Post’s top honors. Dr. Jerome Rubin, Ph.D., was named the 2025 Outstanding Member of the Year for his tireless contributions. The 2025 Colonel Erwin A. Burtnick Leadership Award was presented to Colonel Ed Rothstein, USA (Ret.), the Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF). Commander Dan Berkovitz noted that Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein’s fierce advocacy for veterans mirrors the legacy of his late dear friend, Colonel Erwin A. Burtnick (OBM).
The event drew a wide array of dignitaries, including RADM Paul Becker (USN, Ret.), JWV National Vice Commander Selina Kanowitz, and Department of the Mid-Atlantic & Israel Commander Scott Schlesinger. They were joined by Paul D. Savanuck Post 888 Commander Barry Steelman, Nathan Balick Post 747 (Delaware) Commander Adam Fox, and Israel Post 180 Commander Mitch Ackerson. Local legislators Senator Shelly Hettleman, Delegate Dana Stein, Delegate Jon Cardin, and Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka were also in attendance.
While the room was full of celebration, the Post also shared a message of support for WWII Veteran Ralph Brunn, a new member, and a 2025 Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame inductee, who was unable to attend, wishing him a speedy recovery.
The success of the event was bolstered by sponsor Guidon Law - Law Office of Andrew P. Gross, LLC, an organization dedicated to assisting veterans with their claims. Following the party festivities, the Post held its annual drawing, congratulating Alice Gross (unrelated to above) - Ticket #81 - as the winner of the $500 Amazon Gift Card raffle. Reflecting on the Post's mission, Alice Gross remarked, “This is such a lovely thing. I wish the organization hatzlacha rabbah in your continued efforts, as my late husband was one of you.”.
The week’s celebrations concluded as veterans gathered at the JUSA Chabad House for the Jewish Uniformed Services Association (JUSA) Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop. This final night of Chanukah featured a special "Salute to Veterans" and the inaugural lighting of a new, larger JUSA Menorah, which was purchased in solidarity with the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia. The event provided a final moment of reflection and camaraderie, capping off an extraordinary week of public service and pride for the members of Maryland Free State Post 167.
As the Maryland Free State Post 167 looks toward the new year, they remain the oldest active Veterans Service Organization in the country, continuing a tradition of "Veterans Helping Veterans." Their next meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at VFW Post 521 (214 S Tollgate Rd, Owings Mills).
