Rabbi Elie Estrin, who together with his wife Chaya, is the director of the Rohr Chabad House for Jewish Life at the University of Washington in Seattle, graduated Friday from Officer Training School at the Maxwell Air Force base in Montgomery, Alabama. Estrin, who now holds the rank of Captain, is the first bearded officer in the United States Air Force in 40 years.
During the entire five week Commissioned Officer Training Course, Rabbi Estrin was forced to eat Kosher MRE’s (ready-to-eat meals) but said that staff were fantastic about facilitating his required accommodations, some of which included his adherence to Shabbat and the 25 hour fast of Tisha Be’av.
The 4:30 am wake-ups every morning for PT were definitely “different” for Estrin, 35, as was the incessant push-ups and sit-ups, and the 1.5 mile running PT test, but for the father of five, the road to the armed services was “a logical extension of his existing service to the Jewish community.”
In his 11 years serving the Jewish student community at the University of Washington, Estrin notes that out of the many students with whom he an his wife had a close rapport with, more than a dozen had gone on to join the military. And, after speaking with an alumnus who had served with the prestigious U.S. Army Rangers, he became convinced that chaplaincy was an ideal fit.
In January of 2014, the military ban on wearing a beard and other such displays of religious belief, was lifted by the Pentagon, paving the way for Rabbi Estrin to join the military chaplaincy.
The stop in Alabama is part of a seven thousand mile road-trip Rabbi Estrin, Chaya, and their 5 children have embarked on, making their way through 23 States. They began their journey on June 11th in the Chabad on Campus RV, known as the “Mitzvah Tank”, which is generally used to service students in the outlying areas of WU’s vast campus. The Estrin’s traveled cross-country to attend the Chabad on Campus Director’s Conference in Stamford, CT, and are currently making their way back home through the southern States.
Chabad on Campus has experienced tremendous growth since the year 2000, expanding from 77 Jewish centers, to their current status of over 230 full-time, professionally staffed centers, becoming the largest network of professional Jewish educators, serving the needs of Jewish student populations on campuses around the world.
Rabbi Elie Estrin said, “The AF leadership training was exceptional, and I believe it will assist me in my work both on campus and as an Air Force chaplain. I’m looking forward to getting back to work and applying it all in the real world.”
Shepping nachas!
https://www.facebook.com/Chanukahcards4troops
My daughter and her friend collect Chanukah cards for the troops. They would be honored to send cards to you!
BS”D
if you only knew the pleasure in reading only positive comments-on High, to the Rebbe and to us plain folk
Very proud to view such an accomplishment
Wow! Did accepting the challenge from a student that he’ll put on tefillin if he joins him in skydiving, lead to this??
Go R’ Elie! a dugma chaya of Lechatchila Ariber!!!
You have made history! We are proud and happy for you and look forward to hearing how you have put your military achievements to good use.
HATZLACHAH AND ONLY BLESSINGS FOR REVEALED GOONESS
keep it up
When my husband, Yeshaya, served as the only frum Air Force Chaplain in Europe during the 1970’s, he was not permitted to have a beard. As a reserve chaplain, he was ordered to take off his yalmulke. I am so happy that the situation has changed for you. I am confident that you will make a real Kiddush Hashem! Mrs. Penina Metal
That’s truly amazing, what a Kiddush Hashem and Lubavitch.
Way to go, Elie! The Air Force is lucky to have Captain Estrin in their Officer Corps! Yasher Koach…such a kiddush Hashem!
Eli has been a Dugma Chaya since he was a bochur.
I was proud to call him a friend, even before he completed this incredible venture.
Keep rocking Eli!
-Eli Spalter
so warm and dedicated, the Air Force will only gain
Mazal Tov
I am very impressed
It’s definitely not easy but the kiddush hashem will have a very positive impact
now his children have to be at least General in Tzivos Hashem
Although I don’t know you personally, my connection with your parents go way back to Providence, RI I am very proud of your tremendous accomplishments. May you have continued success and bring nachas to the Rebbe & to your parents. B’zchus zeh, may your father be well and have arichas yomim.
The Rebbe is proud! May you have much success in your Shlichus
GO RABBI!!!!
So proud of you guys!
Your fans in Chicago
So proud to see frum yidden serving the the armed forces. It is a real kiddush Hashem.
Your efforts payed off. Congratulations!