Naomi 8

Esther and I are summoned to a Friday meeting at the Induction Center. She stands, facing 25 Haredi women, "I'll introduce Lt Wolner, your platoon commander. I'll be back in a while, Lt Wolner if you please."
I paint on a hopeful smile, while repressing the urge to choke her to death.
They all look at me, curious.
"Let's be honest about what you're getting into. Yes, equipment is rundown in the Reserves. In plain Hebrew, means trailers are so tacky that you couldn't sell them used, not even for 500 shekels."
They actually laugh, a good sign.
"The bright side, you have your own set of trailers, meaning you don't have to lodge with seculars."
By the expressions, I've already scored points.
"I realize you have higher standards of kosher than the rest of us. Still, best to keep it orderly. If everyone talks with the cooks, be a waste of time and cause tension. You don't have to do it today, but I'll ask you to take a vote. One among you who will communicate with the cooks."
Nods, they clearly see the sense of that.
"By now, you're afraid of running into secular men. That should not be a problem. First, the Captain and I will lay down the law, they must behave. There's another pressure which will surface too. Any of these guys get outa line, make advances, the women will be outraged."
Questioning looks.
"They want the guys for themselves, get quite jealous."
Nods, looks of comprehension.
"I can't promise what assignment we get, that varies a lot. Pure logic would suggest it's not something tense like Gaza or West Bank. Besides yourselves, who have only basic, we have two other issues. One, shortage of numbers. Two, higher average age than a lot of units. Questions, go ahead."
One stands, matter of fact tone, "I say we give the Lt an honest chance. First person we've seen in the whole IDF who either understands anything or makes an effort to do so."
Nods.
She continues, "it wouldn't hurt to pray for a sane assignment. And that includes you Lt, unless you're an atheist."
"No, I'm Reform, I'll pray too."
Another asks, "Lt, you seem very familiar, are you famous in any way?"
"I wouldn't put it that way."
"Now I've got it - your husband - the racing scandal."
"That's ex-husband and that stuff happened after the divorce."
"Still, is not divorce sinful? Be honest now, why the divorce?"
I wipe an eye, "physical abuse plus addictions, plural."
"Look, I'm sorry, that's a valid reason. Even some of us have divorced over that."
Another, "and what do you do in real life?"
"I instruct first years in Literature."
"I see, and some of these students are less than happy to be in your class?"
I laugh, "accurate statement."
Broad smile, "well, you've got one friend already. You and Tzipi can share notes on that. Come on Tzipi, don't be shy. A real person, not like most seculars."
So far, so good. Maybe it'll be ok.