Final Garin Seminar

Have you had something that you want dangled in front of you only to have it snatched away at the last second? I don't mean something tangible, but rather something that you've invested time and energy and emotion into? I never have, but I'm scared I'm going to find out what it's like pretty soon. The garin tzabar seminars have been fantastic, I've become surprisingly close with everyone in my group, and the part of the program that takes place three months before we draft sounds amazing. There's only one problem: my draft date is about two weeks away. Of course, if I go to the army in two weeks, there's no way I can participate in the program, and the hardest thing about that is it means I'll have to separate from all the close friends I've made.

It's really a test of my character at this point. Can I keep a stiff upper lip in the face of tough circumstances? Will I sulk about something that's beyond my control, or will I cut my losses and move on? I'm trying hard to do the latter.

My garin has had four seminars, the final one was only a few days ago. During this one we had several high ranking army officials come and speak to us, including a face-to-face interview with an entire panel where we got to speak about ourselves and what our goals are. One of the people from the army was a former mefaked in Shayetet-13, Matkal, and Duvdevan. Not too shabby. He was also incredibly friendly and warm with us. It was motivating to be in the company of such accomplished people that told us they have immense respect for what we're doing. I'm so motivated that I even went for a run today!

During the second day we spent a few hours learning about which kibbutz we will be staying on, and wow, the kibbutz that they have picked for us looks amazing. It's on the smaller side, there's only 25 members and 120 people or so living there. The landscape is gorgeous, it's lush with plant life and looks like a nature reserve. Our leader on the kibbutz came and spoke with us and she seemed like a friendly and genuine person, someone that will look out for our best interest for no other reason than she cares about us. The gardener also came, a 25-year-old, he was great and explained to us what it's like to be a part of his kibbutz. In my experience, the most important aspect of a kibbutz isn't how rich it is, where it is, or what amenities it has, but rather the quality of the people that live there. On our kibbutz, it looks like the people are receptive, willing to help, and true zionists. I couldn't ask for more.

We also wrote letters to ourselves and to each other that we are going to open at different times, for example one we'll open when the program starts and another we'll open during Pesach 2011. Even though all the seminars have consisted of a lot of "childish" activities, it's amazing what strong bonds we've formed. I mean really, the first thing we did at the first seminar was play that game where we stand in a circle and everyone has to go one at time, saying his name and do some sort of motion, like clapping and standing on one foot, and everyone has to remember all the people that went before him before he can say his own name and do his own motion. In the days leading up to the first seminar I had pretty low expectations, and even recall saying to someone something stupid like, "this group is going to be filled with people that I've never had any success getting along with: American Jews," but I forced myself to be open minded. By the third seminar, for the first time in my life, I felt like I was part of a group that I cared about and actually wanted to be included in. After this last seminar, my feelings became certainties. I don't think there's anything in my life that I've ever wanted to do more, except for maybe joining the IDF. The only con is that I have to wait a little bit longer before I draft. Everything else about the program falls firmly under the the "pro" category. Garin Tzabar is the best way to join the IDF as a foreigner, unless you have lots of family here, and even then it might still be worth it.

I'm trying to be stoic about my sticky situation, and odds are that the army will let me switch my draft date, but for now my character is being tested. Can I keep a good attitude even if I don't get everything that I want? Can I still make my army service about the State of Israel and her people, instead of about me and what I want? I believe that I can, but only time will tell.

Oh, and Yom Ha'atzmaut sameach l'kulam!!