By Yuval Moha, Community Shaliach at Jewish Federation of Delaware
As someone who served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for nearly three years in a combat position, I must admit and point out that every Jewish holiday, no matter which one, has a different meaning when celebrated and observed in the army.
There is just something special and unexplainable about the feeling I remember experiencing while celebrating these rituals in the army. It is like a mix of sensations and a feeling of satisfaction. But there is something about Passover that makes it even more special.
Passover is known as the “Freedom Holiday,” which we see in the transition that the Israelites underwent—from slavery to liberation. I get to wear an IDF uniform and serve my country, taking an active part in keeping my country safe, which allows my country to keep providing freedom and sovereignty to the citizens of Israel.
During my service, I celebrated Passover three times.
It’s important to note for readers who have never served that the army routine becomes draining at some point and sometimes can be rough (very rough). However, the magic atmosphere that comes with every holiday in Israel manages to flow into the army routine, as well, and make the general feeling among these days calmer if there is no operation going on.
I remember that a couple of days before every holiday, other soldiers and I would hope not to be chosen to take part in patrol or other missions since someone still had to operate the unit’s missions. After the mission list was posted, if your name wasn’t listed there, you could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
When the time to do the Seder approached, all the soldiers took a shower, the female soldiers got to put on makeup, and everyone switched to their formal uniforms. Then, we all gathered outside the dining room, waiting impatiently to get dismissed and enter.
After everyone entered and found a place at the table, we would all stand up for the blessing and prayers. I remember it was a great opportunity to look across—maybe meet eyes with someone I haven’t spoken to for a while—and sneak a sort of smile at each other and mumble “Chag Sameach.” The ceremony would finish off with some words from a couple officers and a Holiday speech from the unit commander officer.
The Passover Seder in my unit was great in terms of food; everyone knew that the food was going to be delicious and more thoughtfully prepared—even though the casual food that is served during the duration of Passover is quite the same, with not much of a variety, and at some point the soldiers are “over” with eating the same food due to chametz restrictions.
After we all finished eating, talking, and having fun around the table, we started singing some Passover songs, and read pieces from the Haggadah. At this point, some of the soldiers would start heading out to switch back to “operational uniform,” to replace someone in a patrol or soldiers who were doing another mission and were close to finish.
Overall, celebrating the Holidays and Passover in particular during my army period created some unforgettable memories with unforgettable people.
