All Categories - Smiles for Chayalim

Yesterday marked my 60th day of miluim after 15 days of basic training. That's 75 days of service...
"Mission cancelled due to lack of manpower." These words came through too many times before our...
September 29, 2025
"You aren't supposed to be here." The words hung in the air as a father, still wearing his...
I was recently asked to speak on Rosh Hashana in my synagogue to share my experiences serving in...
September 18, 2025 · Spirituality on Base
"We've been asking for a proper mikveh on base since it was started and we got here 9 months ago,...
When I called my kids to say hi during my first mission with my IDF unit, they were naturally...
September 10, 2025 · Guest Posts
Avi Moskowitz lives in Beit Semesh and recently drafted to the IDF to serve in Alog 99. I've...
September 7, 2025 · Aron's Story
Finding sacred time in the most unexpected of places When I enlisted, I never imagined I'd...
August 31, 2025 · Aron's Story
The transition from civilian to soldier happens faster than you might expect. One moment you're...
August 28, 2025 · Aron's Story
This morning marked the end of an extraordinary chapter—I completed basic training alongside 64...
August 17, 2025 · Aron's Story
At 44 years old, I made a decision I never thought I'd make: I was drafted to the IDF. This wasn...