Breakfast

This morning while walking though the mall in Be’er Sheva, I passed one of my favorite shwarma stands. Since it was 8:45am, they were just setting up, putting out the salads and preparing for a bust day in the mall. Since I was hungry, and would probably miss lunch at the base, I decided to grab a quick bite, perhaps a pita with some salads. The owner of the shwarma joint, recognizing me, shouted out a cheery “good morning!” and the usual follow-up “what can I get you?”. I told him I was thinking about something light, maybe a pita with salad, and he gave me a dirty look. “Listen soldier,” he said “when I was your age in the army, I would eat meat the second I woke up till the second I went to bed”. I explained that not only was it a bit early to be eating roasted shwarma, but I was afraid if it was undercooked, it would kill me. He explained that a real man ordered shwarma in the morning and had it grilled, making sure it was perfect to eat. My manhood having been called into question, I took him up on his offer and had a wonderful, if slightly burnt shwarma for breakfast. I guess this is another small step to being a true Israeli….

Shlav Bet considerations

I am going to eventually get around to writing down everything that happened during Shlav Bet, but it seems that I never have any time these days... I have recently gotten a bunch of emails from guys thinking about going to shlav bet, wondering what the options are, etc. If you're considering it, wondering what its like, or have any questions, get in touch with me, I am happy to help you get on your adventure or put you in touch with someone that can. There are tons of people doing everything and anything in the army right now, with the right hookup, you can get sorted out.

Some things to think about...

1. Figure out what interests you and what your options are
2. Think about how much time you can commit, is doing whatever they offer you for six months a better idea than signing on for longer to do something you want to do?
3. Are you interested in being a combat soldier, tomech lichimah (combat support) or jobnick? See here for the differences.
4. Do you want to learn more Hebrew and try to become more Israeli or find a job where you can use your English (or other) language skills?
   
5. Try to arrange interviews even before you get into the army
6. Everything is possible, but at what type of commitment? Are you willing to put in the time needed to do something different?
   
7. Try to stay positive, smile, and embrace your experience, its going to be a great experience once you get through the bureaucratic mess, putting the right spin on things is the only way to get the most out of the short time youre going to be in the army.
   
8. Do you speak enough Hebrew, or do you need an ulpan? (before or during the army...)
9. Being even a bit older and more mature than the average soldier gives you a big advantage, make sure the army knows it.
10. How often and what type of millium (reserve duty) will you do?
11. Will you be using your education/background in your army service? Do you want to get into a special unit?
12. Do you have religious considerations? Do you know what the options are? What types of options would you consider? (this topic is a whole conversation on its own)
13. How do you feel about serving close to home vs somewhere more interesting
    

All the best in the army, its an amazing experience!

Shalom from Gaza

Sidney and Ofir in the Shekem (canteen)

Waiting for some service in the shekem (canteen) - Check out the pin

Waiting for the bus to get home at Tzomet Ashkelon