Dinner with Jews

I’ve found myself fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to spend about a month studying at a Jewish school (called a yeshiva) in Jerusalem.

In Israel and in Jewish tradition, Friday evening to Saturday evening is the Sabbath. Observant Jews abstain from working, using electric technology, driving, or doing much of anything other than talking, singing, and eating.

It was my first time doing a weekend like this.

Walking to lunch without a phone (no phones), a wallet (you’re not allowed to pay for anything), or a notebook (no writing) was both bizarre and delightfully freeing.

The lunch itself was hosted by an observant family who wore hats like these:

Lunch lasted for about three hours, maybe more. I don’t know, I didn’t have a phone to tell the time. Just food, conversation, singing, and dancing.

Bringing a tradition like this into my modern American life, I think so.

Shabbat shalom,
Orly