They said it was impossible...

When I first drafted into the Israeli army my goal was to work in my field of health and fitness due to my university background in kinesiology.

I was told that things didn't work that easy. That the army administers many tests & depending on your Hebrew, your scores, and background they place you where they see fit.

After completing my basic training I had a meeting with an officer who's responsible for giving out jobs.

I asked him to work in fitness. He said it would be impossible.
I'm signed up for 6 months and that this was a job in high demand. It's a position generally given to those that are signed up for years. Even still, most people don't get the job.

I even met a person who went as far as going to army jail just to get the position because he wouldn't take no for an answer!

This officer said choose between (1) being a tank repairman, (2) an armored vehicle repairman, (3) army radio technician, (4) or truck driver because they're likely won't be any availability nor the opportunity to get into fitness education & instructing.

I chose my second choice as army radio technician for reasons beyond the scope of this blog. :-)

Ultimately the day arrived where we were all sent to our positions (for the above 4 mentioned jobs).

My name was not called.

The officer called me in his office and said looks like there's an open spot at the fitness institute of Israel (called Wingate Institute).

He said show up for an interview the following week.

I prepared like crazy! I reviewed my kinesiology textbooks. Practiced Hebrew, and asked G-d for some assistance. I even missed a party to get ready for this big day.

The moment arrived, I went to the army base (located on a university campus...unique I know!)

I got escorted to meet the top ranking officer of the base for a private meeting/job interview.

I smiled.

I saluted.

Shook his hand.

and in Hebrew said happy chanukah.

He asked me about my degree.

I told him about it.


He asked me if I wanted to serve at his base.

With a smile on my face, I said:

It would be my dream come true to serve at Wingate Institue for my passion is in fitness.

He smiled.

He said, I like your attitude. We could use you here.

You're in.



YES!
You read it!
I'm in one of the best programs in the army, in one of the nicest army bases on the planet. It's on the beach!

My dreams are coming true!!


LO
VE

Adam Ezekiel

The Army Experience

I have 1 more week left of basic training.

It has been such an eye opening experience.
From learning to shoot an M-16, sleeping in a tent with 12 other soldier's, learning about chemical warfare, being trained on first aid, learning how fight using a rifle (a.k.a Krav Maga) , forced to eat food in 10 minutes, guarding my base fully clipped in the middle of the night, needing permission to use the washroom, and being told what to do by younger people with higher ranks than me.

It's been a new way of life, and a tremendous growth period for me.

I'm quite confident to say I've made life long friends at base Machaneh Shmonim.
The beauty of basic training is that the people I befriended I would have never met had I not been drafted. I figure I've been on hundreds of buses and trains in Israel, but it's not like I introduce myself to everyone I see. So by being the army, I've been in tons of social interactions with so many soldier's, and done so much together with them that naturally friends are made.

Try to put yourself in my shoes.
I moved to Israel and started over with essentially zero friends.
Since I came I've been in 3 yeshiva's, 1 semi organic kibbutz, and now the army, it's been a great start to my story here in Israel.

I have much in common with many, and look forward to being apart of these amazing people's lives for the years ahead.

~

Another thing that's been on my mind is Judaism and the opportunity to practice my faith in the army.

Before I drafted I was warned that it would be hard to be spiritual and religious in the army.
I was written to from family, from friends, and rabbi's that it would be spiritually dangerous.

I want you and the world to know a few things.

The army gives you the right to pray the appropriate times a day needed.
The soldier's are fed kosher food and if need be you can even request 'Glatt' kosher' (an even higher standard of kosher food).
We get short breaks throughout the day to do whatever we want and if one wanted to one could learn Torah then.
And lastly I even made myself a friend that I generally learn Torah with every night before bed.

The army can be as spiritual as you want, the choice is yours, and I don't feel any pressure to drop my spiritual level, in fact the other soldiers some of which are secular have told me they appreciate my love for G-d and Torah and that it motivates them to grow.

Which leads me to a story that happened to me this week.
2 weeks ago I lost a really cool toiletry bag given to me by the army. It was filled with quality products I brought from Canada.
I had asked the commanders if someone had brought it in to them, they said no.

Life went on!

My incredible mom, who always comes through, gave me zip-up bag of her's and I filled it with new stuff.

Then this week after an intense cleaning of our tents a toiletry bag full of things was found in my tent that no one was claiming.
I got hold of the bag and thought to myself, all I really want is the bag! It's army colours and everything! Someone probably stole mine, what's wrong with taking someone elses.

Then another side of me thought, but how could steal someone's things.
I'm supposed to be a light in this world, not the darkness.
I can just buy a new a bag in some army store on my free time.
Besides I believe in G-d, and the sin of stealing isn't worth it to me for it would distance me from my Father in Heaven who loves me dearly and knows I could do better than that.

So I decided not to steal the bag, and chose to ask the other soliders in the other tents if anyone was missing their bag.

I entered the first tent I saw during my 1 hour of free time determined to find the person that lost their valuables.

I asked out-loud if someone was missing their toiletry bag and a solider and fellow friend responded "what's in it?"
I told him, "why don't you tell me what's in it!"
He smiled and said "I actually lost my bag this week and was given another from the commanders who claimed that it was given in by a solider a week earlier"
I asked him what was in his bag, he opened it up and it was all my things!!

Then I opened the bag I was holding for him and it was all his things!!

We were both stunned!

What are the chances of that happening!

I feel that it was a test for me.
Had I chosen to do bad, I would have gotten a toiletry bag indeed, but lost out on my things and stolen goods from a friend.
But by choosing to do good I was rewarded with my original toiletry bag and products.

What a beautiful world, and a meaningful one.

Basic Training 10 Days Deep

I'm in.

I'm in the heart of the country and you know what I feel the love.

The army is going incredible for me.

I wake up a little before 5am everyday when the stars are still shining brightly.
What a sight!

Then half of my unit join together for prayers in the army base's synagogue.

Then the day moves on to all kinds of training. From running, to push ups, and other exercises. Then we get weapon training, and all kinds of classes on all kinds of topics like safety, and history lessons on wars Israel has been through.

My faveorite part of the army are the people I've met.
I share a tent with 11 other incredible guys.


One of the guys is from Harvard, the funniest person ever! He brightens my day dearly!
Another guy, is from Scotland. He's blond with blue eyes, 6 foot something and a convert. He prays 3 times a day, puts on his tefillin, and get this... he's gay!
At least for me, that's an eye opening experience! He's actually one of the coolest people ever!

Im going to hang out with him tonight and a bunch of guys from the base. (We got out early from the army today).

I could go on about all the other guys, but all in time.

It's not all rainbow's and butterfly's.
The army definitely can get challenging.
We sleep in a tent.
We're always on the go, and have NO CONTROL!!
We are always told what to do.
You can't just sit down when you want, you're told what to wear and when to wear it, when to shave, o yeah and I carry an m-16 (a gun) everywhere including to bed! It's literally under my mattress when I sleep! I have to take it to the shower, bathroom, and to lunch, everywhere! It's like being in a serious serious relationship minus the whole going to the washroom together thing, and my gun doesn't speak or listen, and it's not human... ok so it's not like being in a relationship...

It's just always around, and if you get caught without it. BIG TROUBLE.

We don't get too many opportunities to use the phone, we eat good food- buffet style- however it's usually the same stuff (for example lunch alternates from hot dogs or shnitzel with rice, tons of vegetables and salads, white bread, potatoes, pasta, and more).

But hey, it's just a phase in life.

Ultimately I'm happy I signed up.
It's a fun experience and I'm learning a lot.

I would have never met these people otherwise, I'm also learning a lot about managing people by seeing how the army conducts it's enormous self, I'm pushing myself in a totally new direction, and ofcourse I'm serving the mother land.

So far so good!

Time to go out and enjoy myself!

LO
VE

Adam Ezekiel

My Last Day Being A Civilian

The day has finally come.
The moment of truth.

I draft into the Israeli army tomorrow morning at 7:30am.

I'm feeling great and as prepared as ever!

My bag is packed, my shoes are shined, my attitude is optimistic, and my body has been fine tuned for this day.

It only hit me a few hours ago just how serious this next journey really is going to be.
I'm putting my life on the line and to be honest, I'm a little nervous.

I've jumped some cliffs before, been in a high speed car chase, fallen in love, & spoken in public but this next step of becoming a soldier, firing a deadly weapon, and being responsible for my country's' safety, that's heavy stuff.

Like all things though, the hardest step to take is always the first.
It's like waking up in the morning, it's difficult to get out of bed the moment you open your eyes, but once you're up, you're smooth sailing and the day is on.

~

I literally have no idea what position I'm going to have, what kind of training I'm going to get, and when I'll be going home next. What I do know is that I'm happy and motivated to do this.
I expect nothing, but am ready for everything.

I have a few goals that I'd like to achieve by the end of my service.
1. To consistently improve myself .
2. To treat people with respect and love even in times of stress or even crisis.
3. To improve my Hebrew (I've been in Israel for about a year and 2 months and could always enhance my second language)
& lastly (4.) To make a positive difference to all those I encounter.


Thanx for joining me on this next step forward in my life.
It's probably time I go pray and get to bed.

"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up." - Paul Valery

LO
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Adam Ezekiel

Documentary

The moment truth!
I completed my 1 year documentary of my first year in Israel.

The reason behind creating the documentary was simple.
To convey to the world that doing the right thing, following your heart, and chasing your dreams has great reward.

Investigating the meaning to life, discovering the answer, and pursuing fulfillment will be the most beneficial decision of one's life.

I attempted to portray the immense decision of leaving Toronto with authentic interviews with close friends and their feelings of me leaving Canada. Furthermore I used photo's of my childhood and upbringing to show the connectedness I had to a certain lifestyle. That combined with video footage and photo's from my year in Israel united to give over the tremendous message of looking deeper into one's life and the potential results of investing time into one's soul.

Furthermore I wanted to engage the viewer to see the importance of me eventually serving in the Israeli army.

I hope you enjoy the documentary as much as I enjoyed making it.
So now just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

~

copy and paste this link into your browser to watch online:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-duluSB13g

or type into youtube: my first year in israel part 1

~


LO
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Adam Ezekiel

One Year Anniversary

I can’t even believe it.

It has been 1 year since I moved to Israel, that’s 365 days, a total of 8, 760 hours.

What can I really say?

Was it worth it?

Absolutely.

I gained so much.

In the time I’ve been here I’ve managed to make a lot of friends. But not just regular friends, not the kind you just wave to, or acquaint. I’ve made friends with people that enrich my life, that have self respect, that love, and give, and are deep oriented. In fact most of my friends are religious/spiritual people that connect with me on a whole other level. It’s truly a gift.

I’ve also managed to learn Hebrew quite well. Sure, it’s not perfect. I don’t have a natural Israeli accent, and can’t understand the prime minster speak…yet. But for a year I’ve been told it’s incredible and that people that have been here for years can’t speak like me.

Furthermore, I’ve been in yeshiva (a school for spiritual and religious development) for the entire year. This experience alone has evolved my entire being to it’s greatest potential yet. I’ve learned how to pray and when. Essentially I’ve learned how to conduct myself to live a more righteous way of life along with making a relationship with the Creator of the universe. I feel like I’ve acquired some great tools to be a better person, and one day great husband and father. Ultimately I’m happier for coming to yeshiva.

I’ve improved my relationships with my family. I now spend quality time regularly with my brother, my nephew’s, nieces, cousins, uncles, and aunt’s and of course my parents.

If managed to keep in touch with close friends and family over sea’s as well and believe I’ve done a good job.

I also started a happiness group on facebook (feel free to join: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=135773023129480&ref=ts). I made it because I want to change the world and this was a way of doing it fast and immediately. Making people happier, what a joy!

I even met a really nice girl, the future is an open book, and so far the pages are full of bright vibrant colour’s and incredible stories.

The next step for me is drafting in the Israeli army.

I begin October 17^th 2010.

I’m very excited about serving in the Israeli army. I get to give a hand to a country I love and believe in. I get to assist the Jewish people, I get to make more life long friends, advance my Hebrew, and give back to G-d in a new way I’ve never experienced before.

There are many countries around Israel that wish for its destruction, thus Israel need’s an army, and therefore I will join it and protect my prized possession with passion and pride.

That’s my year summed up.

I’ve been working on a documentary of my year and it’s almost done. Stay tuned for it’s release.

Check out my last documentary on my trip to France, Amsterdam, Italy, and Israel from 2008-2009: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4686099000414924001#

Have a great day!

Overcoming Challenges

Rachel & I

The British Boys & Toronto Guys at Tel Aviv Beach

My Room Mate- David & I

My first time celebrating my Jewish Birthday. We all ordered steaks at an amazing restaurant at Mamilla, downtown Jerusalem.

It's been quite some time since my last post.

All in good reason.

I went through a pretty hard challenge and didn't want to write about it until I overcame it.

This is the story...

I'll start off with a quote:

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

- Andre Gide

Before I made the big move to Israel, I did some extensive research on moving here.

This is what I came up with:

Israel vs. Canada

Reasons to live in Canada:

• The potential to make money is high
• I have an entire life history there
• Im familiar with the culture
• I have a great network
• I have a collection of incredible friends and can grow with them even further
• I have my Rabbi and Jewish community there
• I had a condo there
• There are 4 extremely different seasons there
• I know the language

Disadvantages of living in Canada:

• The weather is quite cold. You have to dress for the weather.
• I might not get rich...
• I have no family at all in Canada. So while every single one of my friends is going to their family's for dinners/events, I'd accompany them as a guest every single time until I get married. Then I'd visit my wife's family and my children get close with their mothers' parents, but not so much with mine.
• Canada is mostly an indoor society. Sure there's skiing, skating, boating, pimpin chalets, and cottages, etc, but you know what im saying. Israel is so outdoors, where Canada is soo the mall, and chilling in homes...
• The older I get and more established I become, the harder it is to pick up and move to Israel in the future.
• Potentially I won't want to move here in 10 years. Maybe my kids will really be happy in their schools, or the wife won't want to leave, or I'll keep postponing it.

Advantages of living in Israel:

• The weather is amazing
• My mom, dad, brother- his wife and 4 children, a few uncles, aunts, and cousins live here.
• I could master another language- Hebrew.
• There are incredible beaches here
• There will be ample opportunity to building new friendships and working on my old ones- for life.
• In a sense, I get to start over. Which is exciting!
• The kind of woman I want: kind, caring, beautiful, intelligent/educated, spiritual/religious, Hebrew/English speaking, funny, loving, etc, are likely found here. (I found a good one!)
• I could still be financially successful here (potentially)- sure the economy isn't like Canada's but success can be achieved anywhere.
• Israel will pay for me to get an entire degree here for free!! Which leaves options wide open.
• I could walk around wearing my kippah with pride, and not be stared at like im an outcast.
• I could be as religious or nonreligious as I want and there will be tons of people in the same boat as me.
• I could eat kosher food without having to look for it
• My ancestors died and fought for this land
• It's a mitzvah to live here
• I could help build the Jewish community here
• My door is open to my friends and loved ones

Disadvantages of living in Israel:

• I'm not by my friend's side- no longer part of their ongoing daily lives-physically, (mentally i am...at least I like to think so!)
• I can't watch them grow up- only through a screen. Which isn't the same.
• Security- getting on a bus isn't quite the same as in Canada.
• The government sometimes makes some inappropriate decisions
• The salaries aren't as high as Canada, I might not get rich...
• People's attitudes can be quite pessimistic, and rude...(don't forget this is the middle east).

Let's not forget one last thing...the army. Israel has 22 arab nations surrounding it that would love to take the place over...that can't happen.

I'd gladly serve.

So before I made the move I went to one of the bases and asked about how much time I would have to serve...I was told 6 months.

In the end I made the move!!

The transition of moving to Israel has been spectacular. I've made more friends than I thought I would in such a short period of time. My Hebrew skills have evolved. My spiritual level has increased, I've made some good money so far, my body is at it's all time greatest shape and health, I've got a tan, my relationships have gotten better with those closest to me, I found myself a wonderful woman, and all that I've dreamed for has come true!

What's the challenge in this rose garden?

Well ofcourse...the army!!

To make a long story short and without giving away confidential information that could be harmful to Israel and or myself in anyway...

I'll put it like this...

The army told me I had to serve 2 years and not 6 months! The reason being is that I was here as a tourist at age 21 for longer than 120 days and the law is I have to serve 2 years.

I was in shock when I found out.

I spent 5 months trying to alter my situation...it wasn't easy because it's a law that I serve.

However after lots of advice, the right people, ton's of prayer, and a lawyer.

Things were altered and I will be serving 6 months on October 17th 2010!!

The lesson of the story is that even when you think there is no way out, if you put your heart and soul into something and you fight with everything you have you will get what you want- there's no other way.

LO

VE

Adam Ezekiel

The Best Man!

On Top of The World

(On a trip to the Negev [desert] with my yeshiva/school)

Yoni and I

(At a wedding in Jerusalem)

Noah Cohen and I

(Downtown Jerusalem)

Almost Front Row at the Matisyahu Concert

(Downtown Jerusalem, this concert was actually the best concert I ever went to!)

~

From being on top of the world, a Matisyahu concert, learning Torah, hanging out with friends, learning Hebrew, and ton's of event's I've been everywhere but here- my blog!

But I'm back.

Here to update the world, my friends, and family on my latest experiences in Israel.

There haven't been any bombs on trains, but there have explosive moments of joy! :-)

Last week my cousin got married! 

He flew in from New York and spent 6 days together with me.

We met at a family gathering, and he asked me if I wanted to leave and go off road jeeping!!

How could I say no?!

So we walked to the parking lot of this banquet hall and there was this decked out jeep full of religious guys. I didn't no what to expect...

I introduced myself and after about 10 seconds one of the guys pulled out a bottle of booze and said l'chiam!!  We all took shots (don't worry there was a professional tour guide/driver who was sober). We sang, screamed, and had a blast!

At points we were chanting the words "who let the dogs out,..." sooo loud!! people on the streets would holler back "WHO, WHO. WHO"...

What a great day it was!!

Within 1 minute I could tell these guys were my cup of tea!!

We bolted up in the mountains with this jeep, I thought we were going to die!!

No car could ever do what this jeep could do.

The next day I went and spent Shabbat in Kfar Chabbad (near Tel Aviv). 

Instead of feeling like a guest, this Shabbat was different it was extremely meaningful praying, and eating with my entire family. 

Imagine, growing up secular your entire life, being away from your entire religious side of the family. Then being united many years later at a dinner table!!

Talk about a cherished moment. Straight up!

After Shabbat me, my cousin, and the religious party boys delighted in a wet sauna, pool, and hot tub.

The next day was the beach, and a movie.

So all my friends reading this now, do not worry about me for 1 second, I'm doing great out here!

Religious people don't just learn Torah all day, there are plenty of people that have balance with spirituality, physicality, and intellectuality. 

The day before the wedding, I got the best surprise ever.

My cousin asked me to be his best man!!

I couldn't believe it, he could have asked anyone he wanted!

He had friends fly in from New York, England, and one's that lived in Israel that he could have chosen.

It was a complete shock to me!

I asked him why he chose me. 

He said because I'm optimistic, upbeat, yet chilled out, and seem like a good candidate for being positive in stressful situations. 

 

Sold. 

I took the position with pride.

So what does a best man do? (In orthodox Judaism)

In my experience, I drove him around (with joy!), we went to the mikva, synagogue, and the funnest part was setting up his hotel suite!

We placed candles all around the room, put rose pedals on the bed, placed a bottle of wine in the fridge, and did up the washroom super sexy. The whole room was romance ready!

I almost felt like I was getting married!!

:-)

Then the wedding came and again for once I didn't just feel like a guest or an observer, rather a family member, participant, and behind the scenes to the most special experience of my cousin's life- marriage.

Which leads me to my next topic...marriage.

I've been focused on spiritual growth the last couple of years. 

I never felt ready to start dating for the purpose of marriage, because let's face it...that's pretty scary!!

However in the past month I finally thought about everything, put the pieces together and realized I'm ready to date.

So I started.

I won't reveal to much information here because, that's not so appropriate. You can talk to me about that privately. 

All I can really say is that everything is going well, and that this dating thing is the very exciting! 

In yeshiva/spiritual school I finally got the courage and Hebrew foundation to start going to classes with Israelis. It's pretty hard considering I'm not 100% fluent yet, but everyday it get's easier and easier. 

Hopefully I'll be fluent soon!!

Anyway, 

That's what I wanted to say...

I hope you enjoyed this entry as much as I did writing it...

Im at a coffee shop (The Coffee Bean) in a super live scene on Saturday night.

With friends walking in left, right, and center catching up with me.

It feels awesome that 6 months ago, I knew no one. 

Today...

I'm smooth sailing.

LO

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Adam Ezekiel