Took 8 months to start a blog, but better late than never... :)

Some of my Garin friends starting from the left:
Tal Grutman, Maya Ben Harosh, me, Gal Elyasaf, and Avi Shalom.

Last August, I made Aliyah with Garin Tzabar, a program for teens around the world that want to live to Israel and join the IDF. I moved, along with 23 other amazing teens from New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania, to Afikim, a beautiful kibbutz about 15 minutes south of Tiberius in Northern Israel.

We started a three month Ulpan course in September and were also taken on hikes and trips around Israel. The Garin was given small but homey rooms in the kibbutz and adoptive families too. During my first encounter with my adoptive family, the Osems, Gabi, the mother, asked me if I was a JAP (Jewish American Princess). From that moment, I knew we were a perfect fit. Gabi was a Shlicha (emissary) for the Jewish Agency in Connecticut for 5 years and appreciates Jewish life in America. She and I share a very special relationship. I know that I can always count on her with things as simple as getting a ride to the kibbutz from the Central Bus Station of Tiberius to more complicated matters such as issues with officers on base. She has become a role model to me and I am very lucky to have her as a part of my Aliyah and army experience.

Gabi, my adoptive mom, visiting me on Shabbat when I stayed on base.

Guard Duty with Yael... 

I enlisted on January 7^th and began my course to become an Education Instructor. I had three dreadful weeks of basic training where I learned how to shoot a M16 gun, put on a gas mask and give first aid. (I wouldn’t trust myself with any of these things.)  Following basic training was a two month course teaching anything and everything anyone could ever want to know about Israel and Judaism. We studied Jewish values, geography of Israel, different populations found in Israel, wars, battles and so much more.

Every week we had tests and quizzes and every week I would fail them. I had a very hard time comprehending all of the content I was learning under the intense pressure and discipline of basic training. We also only received six hours of sleep at night.

My commanders and officers would remind me at least once a week that if I was not able to pass the tests, they’d be forced to drop me from the course and put me in a low level, non-leadership position. I told them that they could warn me as much they wanted, but that I was not leaving. If they wanted me to go, they were going to need to physically carry me off the base.

Smiling with my commander, Bat Saar, after finishing my course!

All of my hard work and dedication paid off in the end because on April 1^st, I finished my course and became an Education instructor for the Golani Brigade. I was put on the basic training base of the brigade where soldiers are sent for their first 8 months of army service in order to become certified combat soldiers.

Outside of my base, the Golani Brigade Basic Training Base, with my mom :)

My Boys!!! <3

As an Education Instructor, I use the knowledge gained during my course to instill the values and educational aspects of Israel and the IDF into my soldiers, all 400 of them. I work with head commanders to put together an educational program for the soldiers. We give them lessons, take them on trips to places such as Yad Vashem and bring lectures to speak with them. I've found it very important to meet as many soldiers as I can and create personal relationships with them. They teach me just as much about Israel as I do them, if not more.

I’ve been in the army for eight months and have another year and four months to go. I hope to experience more amazing, new things this coming year and to continue being challenged and pushed. Shana Tova U’Metukah! I’ll be keeping you updated…