Photo courtesy of Fayga Marks via Jewish Action Magazine at http://www.ou.org/jewish_action/files/marks.jpg
I really loved this article about Fayga Marks, a chareidi IDF soldier from Ramat Beit Shemash. She is a woman who had the conviction to go against the grain of her communal norms and prove that women can remain frum while serving their country. She is a role model for both women in the military and orthodox women everywhere.
I found it interesting that although Fayga joined Shachar Kachol (a program that trains Chareidim to be army technicians), the standards of tznius and kashrut were still lacking. Still, she managed to find ways to uphold her levels of religiosity despite the difficulties. Note Fayga’s army uniform skirt in the photo – that was her creation, as no other soldier had ever worn a skirt before!
The beautiful part about her story is that, contrary to Fayga being negatively affected by her environment, instead she brought a positive change to those around her. Quite a few of her fellow secular Jewish soldiers took on mitzvot and developed an interest in learning about Judaism due to her example.
I found a quote in the last part of Fayga’s story to be both heartbreaking and hopeful, “…I haven’t gotten used to being back in Chareidi society. I never truly fit in here. In the army, I felt I had found a place, a purpose. I gained a lot from being in a secular society and having to defend my religious lifestyle….”
As soon as I began reading Fayga’s article, I wondered how she was faring back in her chareidi community. Her parents and others had warned that her reputation would be negatively impacted by joining the IDF and that she would never get a shidduch. I wonder if that is the case? I certainly hope that her family, friends, and neighbors realize what an amazing and courageous young woman they have in their midst.
My hope is that Fayga continues to inspire women and Jews everywhere. She has the potential to be a role model for other orthodox Jewish young women who want serve their country. Fayga also has the ability to be a liason between the IDF and the chareidi communities. She knows first hand what is required to better reconcile the needs of the ultra religious serving in the Israeli army.
Thanks for being an inspiration and may you have continued success!
