<p>Thank You for any information.</p>
<p>What is the Jewish life on campus? If there is any at all.</p>
<p>How often do Cadets walk on at a specific sport?</p>
<p>When on leave is military dress required?</p>
<p>How strong is the political science program and the Law program?</p>
<p>Now that I have a nomination, what can I expect from the academy?</p>
<p>Mike,</p>
<p>I just sent you a very long pm on your first question. Others with more knowledge can answer the other questions.</p>
<p>Now that you have a nomination, up date your file often and prepare to wait. You could get an appointment next week, next month, or never. It's part of the fun :) Make sure you have back up options. Good luck and hang tough.</p>
<p>I believe you shouldn't expect anything more until your file is complete. Have you done your CFA/all the medical crap/sent in all of the academic forms and essays and test scores and recommendations? </p>
<p>momoftwins: I was wondering about Jewish life at USMA as well. Can you share that info with me?</p>
<p>Harri,</p>
<p>I just sent you the same pm.</p>
<p>Will you let me indulge in the mystery of Jewish life on campus too?</p>
<p>Can you make the info about Jewish life at USMA public?</p>
<p>Actually, there is no mystery. There are fewer than 100 Jewish cadets at West Point. My daughter is a yearling and this is what I've noticed.</p>
<p>1) Since Beast began she has been to services nearly every Friday night. (She was not an eager attendee while in high school.) It has become a very important part of her West Point experience and she has made close friends within the community.
2) She has said several times that Rabbi Huerta is possibly the best human being she has ever met. He is an Army Chaplain, U.S. Army major, and an orthodox rabbi. His services are truly inspirational. The other cadets (and parents) agree. He has had a number of beautifully written articles in the Pointer View that you can search for and read.
3) Parents are so supportive that they will collect money to fund an Oneg or 2during the academic year.
4) During Beast, a number of Jewish war veterans from New York City come to West Point each Friday to ensure the new cadets are having contact with Jewish vets and really nice adults. Also, they want to make sure the kids are having a beautiful Oneg.
5) The Jewish Chapel Choir travels to services at a variety of venues along the East Coast. It’s a great opportunity to “break away” and the kids enjoy it very much. Last year they sang at the White House for the President’s Hanukkah Party. They were a big hit and got an awful lot of attention for it. Here are links to their pictures. <a href="http://www.west-point.org/family/mem...D=10&offset=75%5B/url%5D">http://www.west-point.org/family/mem...D=10&offset=75</a>
6) Right after the academic year begins, there is a retreat for Jewish cadets. It’s a weekend away and yet another opportunity to unwind. I believe the same is done for other religious groups.
7) Last year West Point sponsored the first Jewish Warrior Weekend. Participants were from other service academies, many ROTC programs and Israel. This will become an annual event.
8) My daughter is currently on a birthright trip to Israel with Jewish cadets from West Point, USNA, and USAFA. The largest contingent by far is from WP. Here’s a link to the pictures that have been posted so far. Just click on “individual pictures. <a href="http://www.israelfree.com/group_trip.asp?tourid=556%5B/url%5D">http://www.israelfree.com/group_trip.asp?tourid=556</a>
9) Rabbi Huerta has said this is a lifelong network that the cadets will enjoy.
10) Did you see “Surviving West Point”? One of the female cadets featured was a Jewish cadet from NY. She graduated in 2005.
11) Here’s a link to info about the choir at the White House. <a href="http://www.americanthinker.com/2005/...kah_party.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.americanthinker.com/2005/...kah_party.html</a>
12) And another… <a href="http://www.usma.edu/publicaffairs/pv/051216/harmony.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.usma.edu/publicaffairs/pv/051216/harmony.htm</a>
13) A friend of mine has a brother-in-law who is a colonel and about to be promoted to general. He is Jewish and occasionally visits West Point. He told me that although the Jewish community there is small, it is very strong (he counts several faculty members as his friends).
14) Many non-Jewish cadets participate in the Jewish activities just because they are interested. (personally, I think it's for the food.)
15) During Passover, the Mess Hall has kosher for Passover tables and food for those who keep Passover.</p>
<p>I was a very concerned parent before Beast. I thought there would be little opportunity to lead a Jewish life, even at a minimum level, and that she wouldn't want to. A worst case scenario would mean there would be no support or even pockets of anti-Semitism. However, it has been one of the most pleasant surprises in this whole experience. If you have more questions or even if your parents have questions, please let me know.</p>
<p>Good luck to you and Happy Hanukkah!</p>
<p>That was intresting. Happy Hanukkah to you and Happy Holidays to others.
Now is it Hanukkah or Chanukkah, lol xD</p>
<p>Thanks for the info on jewish life at West Point.</p>
<p>By the way, Stesla5, just pointing something out. I know you are well-meaning, but when you say "Happy Hanukah to you and Happy Holidays to others." What Holidays are you actually referring to in the "Happy Holidays?" Christmas is just one holiday isn't it? And Jews celebrate New Years. </p>
<p>I don't get the use of euphemisms for Christmas. When did Christmas become "The holidays?" I'm Jewish and it doesn't bother me to call it what it is! People are allowed to call Hanukah (Chanukah, etc. -- no official spelling) by its name.</p>
<p>Anyway, I didn't mean to diminish your good thoughts, just something to think about. Thanks for the wishes and Happy last night of Chanukah and Merry Christmas to everyone.</p>
<p>And to all a good night...</p>
<p>Actually, I think "Happy Holidays" because a way of wishing people the best even if you don't know what they celebrate. And there isn't anything at all wrong with it. However, I agree that if I know what an individual celebrates, I prefer not to be generic.</p>
<p>Here's hoping for a Happy New Year with early appointments and SLS invites for all! :)</p>
<p>You don't understand, momotwins.</p>
<p>"Happy Hanukah to the you and Happy Holidays to the others."</p>
<p>People are so numb that they don't realize that in the era of political correctness they have turned Christmas into "the Holidays." If you don't celebrate Hanukah, then you are celebrating Christmas. What's wrong with calling Christmas by its name?</p>
<p>Everyone celebrates New Year's, so you can't be talking about that. And Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It's an Afrian-American cultural holiday celebrated by people of any religion. </p>
<p>I'm just picky about language in this way, I guess.</p>
<p>I probably picked the wrong thread to post this in since you all are a bunch of military people who tend not to question the status quo, so I'll leave it at that.</p>
<p>"Actually, I think "Happy Holidays" because a way of wishing people the best even if you don't know what they celebrate."</p>
<p>EXACTLY, Momoftwins!!</p>
<p>Just because political correctness is carried too far in some cases doesn't eliminate the need for people to be sensitive to others--especially to what they DON'T know about the other person. The phrase "Happy Holidays" is perfectly fine and has been used for quite a long time. I would rather speak on the side of caution rather than assume someone I don't know very well thinks, prays, and celebrates exactly as I do.</p>
<p>"they have turned Christmas into "the Holidays.""</p>
<p>Benny1
Actually, the "Holidays" are exactly that. Christmas is ONE day. All the other days in December are more about "celebrating" and practicing the secular traditions of the season than worshipping and celebrating the birth of Christ. Only the individual has the ability to turn Christmas Day into anything other than what it is, not some "they".</p>
<p>"I probably picked the wrong thread to post this in since you all are a bunch of military people who tend not to question the status quo, so I'll leave it at that."</p>
<p>benny,</p>
<p>I'm not part of a "bunch of military people". I'm a mom with a corporate job and 3 kids. Part of my job includes evaluating individuals who may be ready for new roles within our company. I absolutely must avoid knee-jerk reactions to comments others make. It would be easy for me to think "benny is just young and made a silly comment about military people who do not question the status quo. Lots of people really believe the stereotype". However, I don't think you'd be on this board investigating service academies if you believed that. </p>
<p>So, let me say that the military people I have met since my daughter has started this journey have impressed me more than I thought I could be. The leadership experience they have - especially at an early time in their careers -cannot be duplicated in corporate America. The opportunities at service academies to observe both good and bad leadership styles/habits is unparalleled. Integrating the good into your own style is the real challenge. And this cannot happen unless they question the status quo. </p>
<p>Now, regarding the "holidays" issue, I certainly understand what is commonly called the "December Dilemma" better than you think as my extended family looks like an experimental interfaith council. I appreciate the passion about educating individuals who may not understand much outside their own faith/culture. I did that for years. Right now, I just choose to say "thank you" to any good wishes. I can use them all.</p>
<p>Please continue with your questions and passions. I only suggest that you be aware of knee-jerk reactions to comments others make - especially via forums like this where we do not have the advantage of a face-to-face discussion. (I apologize in advance if the tone of this post sounds at all like a scolding which is not my intention. I merely want to offer my comments and views.)</p>
<p>Mike,
I'll answer a few of your questions..</p>
<p>Jewish life - pretty much covered. The Jewish retreat at the beginning of the year is really nice, they head off to a beach house and the city (or at least my room mate did) while the other religions go out to Camp Buckner. </p>
<p>Walk on sports - depends on the sport. I'm pretty sure fencing and the other club sports are almost all walk on. Corps squad is a little trickier. You'll have the opportunity to try out during Beast. </p>
<p>On leave, military dress is not required. If you go to one of the AOG balls on leave, you will have to dress the part. I managed to avoid all four years of balls because they always fell near or on my birthday :) </p>
<p>Pol sci and Law are pretty good. I can get you in contact with a law major if you'd like, as well as an '03 grad who's trying for JAG, the Judge Advocate Corps. They also have required classes, so everyone will have some contact with the department.</p>
<p>After the nomination, and the acceptance letter, there is a HUGE packet of information the academy needs. Do it all. Make copies. Put it in the mail. Carefully study the reporting instructions for R-Day. Make plane reservations and hotel reservations for the night before and the night of. If you haven't done an overnight visit, consider it. Keep us updated, and reread the old posts about the packing list for the first day!</p>
<p>Congrats!</p>
<p>Mike,
I'll answer a few of your questions..</p>
<p>Jewish life - pretty much covered. The Jewish retreat at the beginning of the year is really nice, they head off to a beach house and the city (or at least my room mate did) while the other religions go out to Camp Buckner. </p>
<p>Walk on sports - depends on the sport. I'm pretty sure fencing and the other club sports are almost all walk on. Corps squad is a little trickier. You'll have the opportunity to try out during Beast. </p>
<p>On leave, military dress is not required. If you go to one of the AOG balls on leave, you will have to dress the part. I managed to avoid all four years of balls because they always fell near or on my birthday :) </p>
<p>Pol sci and Law are pretty good. I can get you in contact with a law major if you'd like, as well as an '03 grad who's trying for JAG, the Judge Advocate Corps. They also have required classes, so everyone will have some contact with the department.</p>
<p>After the nomination, and the acceptance letter, there is a HUGE packet of information the academy needs. Do it all. Make copies. Put it in the mail. Carefully study the reporting instructions for R-Day. Make plane reservations and hotel reservations for the night before and the night of. If you haven't done an overnight visit, consider it. Keep us updated, and reread the old posts about the packing list for the first day!</p>
<p>Congrats!</p>
<p>Where can I find the old posts about the packing list? My daughter received her Offer of Appointment yesterday. Took her less than 4 minutes to sign the card and drive to the post office to mail it back.</p>
<p>KateMac,</p>
<p>Congrats to your very, very decisive daughter! West Point will send several more packages and they will include a packing list. </p>
<p>Sign up for prospective.net if you aren't already. Here's the link. It will give you more "official information". This is also a great listserv for those still in the application process. <a href="http://www.west-point.org/parent/prospective-net/%5B/url%5D">http://www.west-point.org/parent/prospective-net/</a></p>
<p>She'll be able to have 1 framed picture in her room. You may want to have her start to sort through pictures and begin making a collage for her so that several (many?) can fit in one frame.</p>
<p>Sock liners weren't on the list, but it was useful to have several pairs.</p>
<p>Depending on where you live, a West Point Parents Club should have a meeting shortly before R-Day for cadet candidates and their parents. You'll get a lot of great information at this meeting as well as have an opportunity to meet other parents.</p>
<p>If you plan on attending R-Day, A-Day, and Plebe Parent Weekend, and money is no object, make your reservations at the Thayer right away. It will be very convenient to be right on post. If money is an issue, then try to stay there for A-Day. Cadets will not be allowed to go very far off post and you'll have such a short time with them, that it will be worth being right there. You'll also be able to avoid the long security lines on this visit.</p>
<p>I'd say once the real list comes out, somebody will start a thread with numerous other suggested items. I'm sure you'll especially like the underwear discussions. :)</p>