Lubavitcher Sworn in as US Air Force Chaplain at 770

By Sruly Meyer/COLlive

Rabbi Chanania Steinmetz stood today in front of 770, and was sworn in to the US Air Force as a Chaplain by Col. Jacob Goldstein.

For Chanania, this has been a journey starting out when his father, Binyomin worked for Tzivos Hashem and was connected to serve as a chaplain to the Boy Scouts of America.

“I found deep meaning in the work my father was doing, seeing him connect with people and make a difference in their lives,” Rabbi Steinmetz tells COLlive.com.

Originally from Monsey, NY, Steinmetz currently lives in Crown Heights. Covid was a life changing era for many, and the same was for Rabbi Steinmetz.

“I felt there was a need to do more, and based on recommendations from friends, I applied to become a chaplain,” he said. “The process took about a year and a half, it involved a lot of paperwork and medical, and it could not have been done without my Simcha.”

Chanania went to Yeshiva in Morristown and then on Shlichus to Singapore where he received his Smicha.

Steinmetz chose the steps of 770 for this major life milestone as he cites the Rebbe as a driving force behind it.

“The Rebbe encouraged all young bochurim to get Smicha, and this combined with my desire to help people placed me in the perfect spot to apply for this chaplaincy. This is something I view as my own personal Shlichus, so being sworn in at 770 was extra meaningful,” he said.

Rabbi Steinmetz was sworn in by Col. Jacob Goldstein, who is the longest serving Jewish Chaplain in the history of the United States Military. “I was honored to be endorsed by the incredible Aleph Institute, which means so much to me,” Steinmetz notes.

When asked what his duties would be as a Chaplain, Chanania described the “three pillars of chaplain service.” Which are, counseling service members, processing religious accommodations and advising command on religious and moral matters.

“I want to be there for people who may not have other advocates. When you are in the military there are different rules, regulations and rights, and as a chaplain I will be uniquely responsible to help service members continue to keep their yiddishkeit strong,” Steinmetz said.

Rabbi Steinmetz will serve as a reserve in the beginning, which still requires service throughout the year, and he says he is looking forward to active duty when that time should come.

Rabbi Steinmetz told us how he chose to work in this specific field: “I worked with my father when I was younger in different settings that required me to have good connections with people. I felt like this is the type of work with relationships and connecting to people is a major factor in a person’s success, and I knew I could do this and be there to help service members,” he said.

A large crowd gathered in front of 770 to see this unique swearing in ceremony. Rabbi Steinmetz looks forward to serving and hopes to be able to continue to send good reports.