Faith

Army Allows Bearded Rabbi to Serve as Chaplain After Yearlong Legal Battle

Rabbi Menachem Stern Allowed to Serve as U.S. Army Chaplain and Keep his Beard

A historic event is about to unfold this coming Friday, as a bearded rabbi will be sworn into the U.S. Army as a Chaplain, First Lieutenant.

The U.S. Armed Forces has always held a strict policy regarding the uniform and personal appearance of those serving, forbidding beards to be worn by servicemen except in certain operational instances. Now, however, Orthodox Rabbi Menachem M. Stern will be the first bearded chaplain in 30 years to serve in the U.S. military since Rabbi Jacob Goldstein, who continues to serve with distinction in the Army Reserve as a chaplain in the rank of colonel.

(Related: Walter Reed Military Hospital Bans Bibles, Religious Material Then Overturns Policy)

According to Haaretz:

Stern has wanted to be an army chaplain since August 2008, but said the U.S. Army initially refused to accept him unless he shaved his beard in accordance with official military codes for dress and appearance. In keeping with Jewish teachings regarding preserving a man’s facial hair, the Chabad-Lubavich rabbi refused to comply.

“A soldier, whether they’re Jewish or not, will see someone who is serious and standing by his faith without compromise,” said Stern. “They’ll respect that person and come to trust him.”

Haaretz goes on to explain the long road, including legal action, Rabbi Stern took to be able to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and still maintain his customary beard:

In 2009, Stern received preliminary approval for a reserve commission, but was told his swearing-in would be delayed as a result of unresolved issues regarding his facial hair.

He sought the assistance of U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer, Kristen Gillibrand and Joseph Lieberman, as well as that of the Aleph Institute, a Chabad-Lubavich organization that assists Jewish military personnel, Jewish inmates and their families. But despite their efforts, they were not able to secure Stern an exemption.

Failing that, Stern filed a federal lawsuit last December, accusing the army of violating his Constitutional rights to religious freedom and equal protection under the law.

In the end the Army settled with Rabbi Stern out of court, agreeing to grant him a waiver for his beard.

The Aleph Institute, based in Florida, is reportedly recognized by the Department of Defense as a military chaplain Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agency, giving it authority to vet and recruit rabbis for the military chaplaincy.

According to Rabbi Stern, there is currently a shortage of rabbis serving in the Armed Forces due to the military’s policy on beards. Proud of his breakthrough, he hopes other Orthodox rabbis will follow in his footsteps and be granted a place in the military chaplaincy without having to compromise their religious customs and priciples.

 

Comments (91)

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  • JimCDew
    Posted on December 7, 2011 at 3:34am

    Didn’t most of the generals in the civil war have beards?

    Side note: The ecclesiastical law, regarding facial hair, prohibits shaving with a sharp blade because to do so one risks mutilating themselves (a BIG no no). But you can use scissors or shears to keep the beard trimmed short.

    Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 6:28am

      had he been some sort of pro gay satanic chaplain, he would have gotten the green light for his beard automatically.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • loriann12
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 6:52am

      They decided on January 1, 1985 to disallow beards. That was much after the civil war, for those who don’t know. so it’s been that way for 26 years. It was about 8 months after I enlisted in the Navy. You had to achieve a certain rank to be allowed a beard, and my husband (who I hadn’t met yet) had been on leave after achieving that rank, came back to his ship and they made him shave.

      Report Post »  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:08am

      I have no problem with this Chaplain. There was a soldier who was deployed to our unit at Ft. Carson back in the 70′s who wore his turbans, and kept his full beard, and I don’t know many stupid enough to
      challenge him –point being if the Army allowed a Sikh serve with a beard in the 70′s –if they are making all manner of accommodations for the Muslim-and for the pagans–and for the Reprobates the
      issue of a Jewish Rabbi wanting to serve as Chaplain and keep his bear seems a non issue. I’d trust
      a Jewish Rabbi before I could a Muslim–or an atheist.

      Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:24am

      Good-now let muslim imams do the same!

      Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:35am

      @Rose Ellen-

      http://www.army.mil/article/44944/

      they already do

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • mzk1
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:10am

      From a technical viewpoint, Jewish law interprets the law you are referring to as referring only to a razor, but not dipalatory or scissors, so we often use certain electric shavers that qualify. But Chabad-Lubavich has other Biblical issues with removing the beard.

      The other chaplain with a beard is also Chabad, and purposely stayed in reserves to avoid the problem. He was here in Israel with the Patriot missles, and shocked the Israeli officers with the amount of respect Rabbis get in the American army as opposed to the Israel army. (Getting Jewish chaplains was a big fight, by the way; Lincoln helped out. My Dad was a chaplain’s assistant during the Korean War; his chaplain studied in Jerusalem before the State, making him a Palestinian Jew.)

      Report Post »  
    • Ready2Rumble
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 12:44pm

      True – beards where quite popular in the 19th century and some generals had beards that would put the guys from ZZ Top to shame. Unfortunately, along came the 20th century and the modern battlefield. In addition to the machine gun, tank, and quick-firing artillery piece, poison gas was introduced by the Germans during the First World War. To guard against this horrible weapon, the gas mask was developed. In order for the gas mask to work properly, men had to be clean-shaved, though some commanders permitted small mustaches. If he takes gas training, he will understand why facial hair in the modern military environment is not a good thing.

      BTW, Bob Sink, a battalion commander in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) instilled in his officers the need to shave every morning to present a model to their men (I believe he said something to the effect of “I don’t care if you shave at night for the ladies, but you WILL shave in the morning for the men.”). The late Richard Winters, the commander of the 506th’s E Company, took this to heart and related that he always shaved every morning – even in the bitter cold outside of Bastogne,

      Report Post » Ready2Rumble  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 1:35pm

      The 1st ARMY Chaplin. The NAVY allowed beards when I was in. And Chaplin’ had them… if they choose.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 1:36pm

      Besides, if this was a muslim, there would be no conversation here at all.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
  • KeystoneState
    Posted on December 7, 2011 at 2:28am

    Beard, fine, but in a war zone, its has to go.

    Report Post » KeystoneState  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 7:47am

      Our troops in Afghanistan wear beards to blend in. In some cultures beards are required by men.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • cromag11b
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:14am

      The only people shaving every day in theater are fobbits and remfs. Its not like he has to wear a mask.

      Report Post » cromag11b  
  • phillipwgirard
    Posted on December 7, 2011 at 1:26am

    Why is this even news? Big deal and good for the Rabbi with all due respect, Phil

    Report Post » phillipwgirard  
  • blaaaaackwoman
    Posted on December 7, 2011 at 1:01am

    Yeah right, and he should be allowed to speak only in Hebrew and sell ersatz souvenirs on base for 100% markup after his half off military discount.

    Report Post »  
  • The Dark Side
    Posted on December 7, 2011 at 12:51am

    There is a very practical reason why beards are not allowed in the military. Although gas masks have improved a bunch over the years, I still would not feel safe in one if I had a beard. I hope he remains safe but there is always a very real threat of chemical / bio weapons in the service.

    Wishing the best for the Rabbi from the Dark Side!!!

    Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on December 7, 2011 at 12:12am

    Glad to see they were able to agree. If there is a shortage of Rabbi’s, this is one way to solve it.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • PIL
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:44pm

    Didn’t Jesus have a beard? Anyway, I defer to the military on this one.
    http://libertarians4freedom.blogspot.com

    Report Post » PIL  
    • SgtB
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 12:02am

      The military already has a habit of allowing members to have trimmed beards due to excessive shaving bumps caused by ingrown hairs via special medical chits. So I really don’t get why allowing a man of the cloth who will never pick up a weapon in an offensive battle postition to have a beard is somehow an issue. Especially if it is part of his faith to have a beard. Chaplains already get all sorts of immunities such as that they generally cannot be called upon to testify against a service member who has come to them for guidance or help and they are not a mandatory reporter of criminal activity as normal service members are. Why not let them have hair too? Most already have more hair than regulations allow anyway.

      Report Post » SgtB  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:33pm

    I leave this issue to those in the military and those who have been; I never have and I defer to those who serve and have served to handle this.

    Report Post »  
  • tzion
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:19pm

    The army had every right to deny his exemption and decided to allow it. All we can do is wait and see.

    Report Post »  
    • NYHuguenot
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:30pm

      The beard will interfere with a gas mask.

      Report Post »  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:28am

      I agree that a beard would make it difficult to fit the mask. The rabbi probably knows this and is willing to take the risk. If he is gassed he puts only himself at risk since the rule put your own on then assist others.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • mzk1
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:13am

      Plenty of people in the Israeli army, not to mention Israeli civilians, have beards. And yes, it is a problem for gas masks, although there are special models with fans.

      Report Post »  
    • cromag11b
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:20am

      There hasn‘t been a ’gas mask’ in decades. And its not like he would need his protective mask in theater now anyway. Really, who carries that damn thing anymore.

      Report Post » cromag11b  
    • mzk1
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:33am

      If there are no longer gas masks, then what do I have in the box I got from the post office in case Hezbolla starts shelling Haifa again?

      Report Post »  
  • Johnny916
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:17pm

    I’m a Jewish-born atheist and it is good know there are rabbis willing to teach the Jewish faith in the military.

    Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:29pm

      They have always been in the military, where have you been? They weren’t allowed to grow beards. Although, I think he should be allowed to grow a beard, I think he should at least make it look neat. He looks like he was something the cat drug in.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • mzk1
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:40am

      It was actually a big fight. Lincoln had to intervene during the Civil war to allow it (chaplains then were regular slodiers elected by the troops), and I think when my grandfather fought for the US during WWI they still had to wear crosses. (Ironically, it was easier to be a religious Jewish soldier in the German army.) But now they have full benefits and are treated with respect.

      During Viet Nam, my Alma Mater, Yeshiva University, had a chaplin’s draft; if you got ordination, you had to be entered into a lottery to enter the army. My cousin served under that rule, and then became a rabbi in Kansas City.

      Report Post »  
  • The Bushmaster
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:10pm

    Another can of worms opened by the Army… Now along with this Jewish Rabbi, every Muslim soldier will be sporting a beard too…. But who cares? The Senate just overturned the ban on sodomy and beastiallty in the military… Now they can grow beards, screw each other and their dogs in the open. What ever happened to actions unbecoming of a soldier? The military was the last bastion of morality in this country and Obama has desecrated it.. We’re doomed as a nation.

    Report Post »  
    • Findalis
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:21pm

      A lot of Muslim soldiers do. If they can, then the Rabbi can.

      Report Post » Findalis  
    • bioengineer
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 12:04am

      Screw each other out in the open? You’re an idiot. LOL. Go read the UCMJ before you sound off. Completely false. I agreed with your first points that now Muslims will want it too. And not just clergy but in other service capacities as well.

      Report Post »  
    • cromag11b
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:24am

      Never in the military huh?
      And the bestiality brujahaha shows the gullibility of some people. It was the same article in the UCMJ, so it went. JAG is working on new wording.
      And you do know Muslims consider dogs unclean right?

      Report Post » cromag11b  
  • Impenitent
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:09pm

    don’t ask, don’t tell…

    don’t shave

    Report Post »  
  • vnachi77
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:09pm

    What the hell is the matter with you people. I for one applaud him and his desire to serve. As for a gas mask, how often is he going to be on the front line? And when he is, if he’s will in to have a ill fitting seal, then oh well. Every comment regarding the removal of a cross, focused on how important religion was to soldiers in a combat zone and how the crosses removal would have a adverse effect on morale. Is it only the morale of Christian soldiers that matter? May God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit protect this Rabbi as her serves the religious needs of our Jewish soldiers.

    Report Post » vnachi77  
    • Cornflake
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 2:03am

      The atheist have done a great job of getting their message to the public. We are suppose to have freedom of religion, not freedom FROM religion. I’m surprised that the military even allows spiritual advisors in the military, since it’s not politically correct. It‘s seems that a few haven’t heard that WE the PUBLIC have decided to throw out being politically correct, and most have decided we need to be morally correct. If being morally correct offends, then so be it! Because of political correct actions by our government, it seems everyone is afraid to move, or speak, about anything they think may offend someone. That is a false assumption, because someone will be offended. Are we going to continue to labor through public, and the courts to have common sense?

      Report Post »  
  • nannyatnannydotgov
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:08pm

    “The U.S. Armed Forces has always held a strict policy regarding the uniform and personal appearance of those serving, forbidding beards to be worn by servicemen except in certain operational instances.”

    Not true. Beards were allowed in the Navy from 1970 until 1984.

    Report Post » nannyatnannydotgov  
  • Pigpen
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:07pm

    Do you suppose that U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer, Kristen Gillibrand and Joseph Lieberman would work to help a male candidate for Judaism (who wished to marry a Jewish woman and raise Jewish kids) petition Chabad-Lubavitch for an exemption from having to “shave” his foreskin off in order to become a Jew?

    My fellow Americans, PLEASE WAKE UP! Repent of all your foolishness and PRAY for the Lord Jesus Christ to redeem us! Why is it that you can count outloud all the enemies of Israel and simultaneously be so BLIND to the wolves and foxes that steal your children from your very arms? How can you be so deafened by your own shrieks and laments for the rights and privileges of these foreigners in your land that you fail to here the crying children, YOUR children being trampled under your OWN FEET? Wake up! Repent! Cry out in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the sake of yourselves, your families, and your country!

    Report Post » Pigpen  
    • mzk1
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:43am

      Where in the constitution is the Federal government supposed to intervene in private religious matters? I suggest you read some George Washington, for example the letter to Touro Synagogue and the Thanksgiving declaration.

      Report Post »  
  • DesertPaine
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:40pm

    Let’s see if Rabbi Stern is as serious about standing by his oath to protect and defend the Constitution without compromise as he says he is serious about standing by his faith without compromise.

    I’ll not hold my breath.

    Report Post »  
    • Anti_Spock
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:08pm

      This is insane, especially since the Army could just as easily contract Jewish services with civilian rabbi’s.

      You know what’ll be next… U.S. Army muslim imams, in full regalia… including beards.

      Report Post » Anti_Spock  
  • jungle J
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:39pm

    what’s the big deal? You allow homosexuals and animal copulaters..

    Report Post »  
  • lodgerat
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:36pm

    Does anyone know if the Arrny has made allowances for Islam? Prayer rugs or praying 5 times a day or special food. Just wondering.

    Report Post » lodgerat  
    • cromag11b
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:16am

      Kosher and Halal are the same foods; and they do exist even in MRE form.

      Report Post » cromag11b  
  • jokar
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:29pm

    Are you telling me that the Islam chaplains did not have beards? Would love to know….

    Report Post »  
    • AOL_REFUGEE
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:35pm

      What’s the big deal about a beard? I’m sure the military has no problem with bearded clams.

      Report Post » AOL_REFUGEE  
    • lodgerat
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:39pm

      Sorry, your post wasn’t up when I made my post. Must be great minds think alike. ;-)

      Report Post » lodgerat  
  • Jeff Barton
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:24pm

    apparently his god can’t hear him without the beard and instructed him to stand up for his rights as a rebel. apparently his god has no problem with sedition and needs the help of lawers to get his message out. almost sounds like islam.

    Report Post »  
    • NYHuguenot
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:34pm

      All Jewish laws can be suspended in order to save a life except profanation of God’s name. The beard interfere’s with a gas mask and endangers the Rabbi. Another example of people doing something just to make a point. I am sure the folks at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn are laughing through their beards at beating the system.

      Report Post »  
  • Patriot Z
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:21pm

    hey blaze why dont you post messages

    Report Post » Patriot Z  
  • Thats_right
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:21pm

    Its funny to me how the standards are just going away. We are downsizing our militaries, meaning they are going to start kicking out everyone. This guy and gays are going to be the only thing left.

    Report Post »  
  • fcbs46
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:20pm

    Well if you can have homosexual’s, bestially why not a guy with a beard?

    Report Post »  
  • Patriot Z
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:16pm

    well lets stop and think for a sec. its not because they dont like beards and its not just because of uniformity. its because during chem warfare a gas mask cannot get a proper seal and therefore useless. it has nothing to do with religious fredom, but safety and practicallity. he wants a beard fine, but dont think god or the enemy is gonna be less hard on him because he is a chaplain. infact given the nature of the enemy they will go for him quicker than anything. people need to use their heads

    Report Post » Patriot Z  
  • Findalis
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:10pm

    At least the Rabbi believes in G-d, unlike the Atheist who demands a chaplain. If he doesn’t get his way, he will have a temper tantrum.

    Report Post » Findalis  
    • crichton
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:19pm

      so you like that he believes in God but you can’t seem to spell it out

      Report Post »  
    • Patriot Z
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:21pm

      they actually have a reason for not allowing beards. it is not religion or god, but safety. a gas mask wont get a seal with a beard. uniformity is secondary. if you join our military go by our rules, that simple. what if your religion requires a bone in your nose and a buttplug? shold that be allowed? i agree that some concessions can be done like allowing crosses, but certain standards have to be met. the military is here to protect freedom and democracy, not practice it. this is comming from an ex military man

      Report Post » Patriot Z  
    • ZengaPA65
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:36pm

      Findalis has more respect for his one singular diety then Christians do for the three headed mutant they worship. Therefore he doesn’t spell out the whole name so as not to use it in vain.

      Report Post » ZengaPA65  
    • nuchsh
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:55pm

      jews don’t spell out G-D because of the 3rd commandment “You shall not take the name of the Lord your G-d in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” so we don’t say or write the word G-D only in prayers and in the bible

      Report Post »  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:45pm

      That’s dumb because it read as G D as in ….

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • cromag11b
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:28am

      Why would I ever request a chaplain as an atheist?
      Most chaplains I have known have been very friendly even knowing I’m an atheist. I even play cards with some. The problem comes from usually from Christian loudmouths who know less about their faith than any football team.

      Report Post » cromag11b  
    • WhiteFang
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 5:25pm

      nuchsh and findalis,

      Is the word “God” a name?

      Report Post » WhiteFang  
    • WhiteFang
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 5:51pm

      Is “God” the name of God?

      Report Post » WhiteFang  
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