The purpose of this entry will be to document any fears I have about going into the army.
1) Being captured – I have heard what Arabs do to prisoners; it’s not pretty. It reminds me of my grandfather’s description of how the Japanese treated the American prisoners during World War 2. While the Germans would usually transport POW to a POW camp, the Japanese were infamous for torturing Americans in defiance of rules of warfare. Come to think about it, the whole idea of “rules of warfare” sounds subjective and debatable.
But the main fear I would have would not be for myself. I would hate to think of what news of my capture or death would mean to my family. I understand that this entire fear is far fetched, as I will probably be no where near any action, but it still crosses my mind.
2) Cheating on my girlfriend – The Israeli army is reputed to have quite a promiscuous atmosphere. When I was Shana Bet (2nd year in Israel, 3 years ago,) there was a kid in my yeshiva whose girlfriend was in the army. She told him that the army offers unlimited birth control, condoms and pays for two free abortions. I am aware that the army is promiscuous because it is filled with 18-21 year olds, and maybe I will be away from such an atmosphere because I am older. For one, I am going to be recruited in a group that consists of men over 22, so I think that will help take care of the problem. I do not think that I am the type to do something stupid, but you never really know for sure. I am reminded of the Gemara at the end of the first chapter of Kiddushin that states that a man who overcomes his desires to sin promiscuously will be saved from physical danger. Maybe overcoming this fear will save me from my first fear.
3) Becoming lax in my observance of Judaism – This fear is really just an extension of the second fear. The army is reputed not to have an atmosphere conducive to religious life. Basically, these two fears boil down to one idea: when you play with cripples, you start to limp. That does no excuse any decisions I make while in the army. Every single person is responsible – meaning that he or she is able to choose his or her response; there is always a choice. I hope I choose wisely.
I think that stating what I fear as I enter the army is only natural. Also, knowing what is right and wrong, what is helpful and hurtful, will help me to face, and hopefully quell, anything negative that comes my way.
1) Being captured – I have heard what Arabs do to prisoners; it’s not pretty. It reminds me of my grandfather’s description of how the Japanese treated the American prisoners during World War 2. While the Germans would usually transport POW to a POW camp, the Japanese were infamous for torturing Americans in defiance of rules of warfare. Come to think about it, the whole idea of “rules of warfare” sounds subjective and debatable.
But the main fear I would have would not be for myself. I would hate to think of what news of my capture or death would mean to my family. I understand that this entire fear is far fetched, as I will probably be no where near any action, but it still crosses my mind.
2) Cheating on my girlfriend – The Israeli army is reputed to have quite a promiscuous atmosphere. When I was Shana Bet (2nd year in Israel, 3 years ago,) there was a kid in my yeshiva whose girlfriend was in the army. She told him that the army offers unlimited birth control, condoms and pays for two free abortions. I am aware that the army is promiscuous because it is filled with 18-21 year olds, and maybe I will be away from such an atmosphere because I am older. For one, I am going to be recruited in a group that consists of men over 22, so I think that will help take care of the problem. I do not think that I am the type to do something stupid, but you never really know for sure. I am reminded of the Gemara at the end of the first chapter of Kiddushin that states that a man who overcomes his desires to sin promiscuously will be saved from physical danger. Maybe overcoming this fear will save me from my first fear.
3) Becoming lax in my observance of Judaism – This fear is really just an extension of the second fear. The army is reputed not to have an atmosphere conducive to religious life. Basically, these two fears boil down to one idea: when you play with cripples, you start to limp. That does no excuse any decisions I make while in the army. Every single person is responsible – meaning that he or she is able to choose his or her response; there is always a choice. I hope I choose wisely.
I think that stating what I fear as I enter the army is only natural. Also, knowing what is right and wrong, what is helpful and hurtful, will help me to face, and hopefully quell, anything negative that comes my way.
1 comment:
How are you doing? Is the food okay? Do you need anything? Are you following the JETS? How about Eric Mangini. Give me a holler when you have a chance.
Mitchell
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