Hi,
A Sabbath in the army is different from a Sabbath at home. As it is the the day of worship it has many restrictions. Even when we were at basic training, we were not allowed to do anything and to rest.
The problem is that you are not allowed to do anything. Now you have a smartphone so you can see movies and TV shows and just scroll the internet. But back then, you could read a book, sit with the friends, and not even smoke. Just waiting the Sabbath to end, and to realize another week of hard training has just begun.
There is a famous song by the Nahahl military ensembles called Serenity about a Sabbath in the military. I think the most accurate lines there are: And the time stretches like a chewing gum, To Sabbath with no taste or smell.
As this war, and not just a regular military reserve duty (like in south mount Hebron), we do training during the Sabbath. But not every weekend and not all the day, so you do have time to rest.
In Gaza strip, the war continues as the IDF keeps clearing areas inside Gaza and investigating Al-Shifa Hospital and its crew. In the northern border, we are waiting for the Hezbollah bookkeeping to break – either by Israel or Hezbollah itself. The bombing is nonstop, from both sides, during the day and night, and I don’t see a way the empty settlements residents will come back in the current situation.
Take Care
Gad
The company soldiers are sitting down smoking and talking, passing the time
Playing Backgammon is a good way to pass the time in the army, not only during Sabbath but in general.
The more intelligent ones even play chess, or learn how to play in many cases