Chaplain (Capt) Michael Bram made the news as the first Jewish chaplain to serve at Elmendorf since the 1970s:

According to Bram, there are only six Jewish chaplains on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. The first Jewish chaplain at JBER in the last 25 years, Bram said he is used to the curiosity that can surround a man in a uniform and a yarmulke.

“The question I am asked, more than any other question, is, ‘How does it stay on your head?'”

Chaplain Bram has a fascinating story, told at the official Air Force site, as he came from a Reform Jewish background and became an Orthodox Jew after seeing the example of a military chaplain. (He also served in Iraq.)

Though some might think it would prevent his service — even he did at first — Bram is observant in his faith:

“People are very accommodating, I think because I am accommodating,” he said.

For example, driving on Sabbath is not permitted, but Bram needed to be available during the Arctic Thunder Open House in July. He stayed on base so he wouldn’t need to drive…

“We find creative ways to make it work,” he said.

Also:

“Christians sometimes come to me when they’re questioning their faith,” he said. “They believe – wrongly believe – that a Christian chaplain will judge them or push them. So they prefer to talk to a non-Christian.”

Like any chaplain, Bram said he doesn’t steer people toward any religion in particular, or any religion at all – he’s just there to offer support and guidance.

Read the full story at the Stars and Stripes and AF.mil.

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