The Defense Ministry has been working overtime in recent days to make sure soldiers have the equipment they need. The concern this time is not preparation for battle, but for Rosh Hashannah, the holiday that both begins the new year and is known as the Day of Judgment.
One of the better-known Rosh Hashannah customs is the consumption of apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet New Year.
The IDF has ordered 30 tons of apples and 14,000 containers of honey – a total of 2,400 kilograms – so that soldiers can join the nation in welcoming the new year according to Jewish tradition.
The army has also purchased 5,300 sets of the Arba Minim (“four species”), the four branches and fruits that are waved during the Sukkot holiday prayers.
“During the holidays, there’s more soul,” a Defense Ministry source said. “We are happy to give the logistics department the honey, apples, pomegranates… so that in IDF bases they can celebrate the holidays with real joy.”