Where Can I Go for the Weekend?
We’re either running out of blog post ideas or you’ve probably hit rock bottom, if you’re looking here for ideas of places to go over the weekend. Whatever the case, we have some ideas to share, but quick disclaimer they’re not all that creative. Anyways your best option is family. You know how your mom keeps telling you to call her cousin Bill who goes by Baruch now? Maybe give him a call. I get that he’s a weird guy and their house kind of has a funky smell, but the best part of being a soldier is that the only expectation is to sleep for 22 hours. So although that smell will still be present, at least all conversation is avoidable.
Next on our list is to start bothering some of those friends you’ve made. Your weekend plans really depend on the type of person you are. So if you’re willing to take a leap of faith into Israeli home cooking, or crash on someone’s couch, this option might be for you.
For our last option, don’t get too excited – we said these weren’t the most creative suggestions – head over to a kibbutz. Although spending time on a kibbutz is not for everyone, and conditions are usually not ideal, there are many perks to being on a kibbutz. A communal Chadar Ochel (dining room) is a huge perk. First off, who doesn’t like a buffet? A communal chadar ochel is a great place for meeting other soldiers and residents. Also some kibbutzim have communal laundry machines, so that’s a plus.
After reading this blog post, I’m confident in your ability to find plans for the weekend. And remember there are usually meals at the Lone Soldier Center so all you have to do is find a place to crash in Tel Aviv area or Jerusalem, and the rest is taken care of for you.
Is there anywhere I can go for lone soldier meals on shabbat or holidays–even before I draft?
The Lone Soldier Center and Chayal el Chayal have regular Friday night dinners and meals on holidays in Jerusalem. The Lone Soldier Center also has meals in the Tel Aviv area (Tel Aviv, Hertzelia, Givat Shmuel). Pre-draft lone soldiers are welcome at all these meals, in addition to currently serving or recently released lone soldiers of all types and from any background.
What hikes would your recomend to do on the weekend?
There are many great hikes all around this beautiful country. We recommend the website or android app called Amud Anon, it gives you all you need for hikes around the country.
What hotels give lone soldiers discounts for the weekend?
Not many hotels give discounts, but there are some out there. It is always worth it to ask when booking if they give soldier (or lone soldier discounts). This also applies to restaurants and other places too, it is always worth it to ask they give a soldier discount or any specials for lone soldiers.