"Are they Muslim?"

It's been a whirlwind week here in the Holy Land.

I had my first week of classes, which was a welcome change from orientation.  The main focus of this 6 week summer session is an intensive Hebrew program, which meets 3 1/2 hours a day Sunday through Wednesday.  I am in a great class, and happily, we all feel like we're stretching to understand, so no one's bored and no one is flailing.  But since the class is just ahead of our skills, I have to pay attention every second to stay in the groove, and being on the edge of your seat for 4 hours is exhausting.

We also have a Biblical Archeology class, which is fascinating, and includes a field trip every week.  This week, we went out to a lookout point to get a good topographical view of the city, and then went to an archeological site at Ramat Rachel.  I feel so Indiana Jones.  I can't believe I get to do this stuff for credit.

In apartment news, we saw a bunch more places this week, and ultimately decided to go with a gorgeous place that's a bit further out than we would have liked.  It has a fantastic view, plenty of room to entertain, and a wonderful workspace for Josh.  Plus a guest room, and 2 rooms for the girls.  (Stay tuned for pushback when they are forced to share again 11 months from now).  It's also a (longish) walking distance from their school, which should come in handy.  It's basically the apartment we wish we had in NYC, and so is well worth the commute, I think.  I just hope we can lure my friends out to visit us!

In some ways the most exciting news of the week was that we received our first Shabbat lunch invitation from people unrelated to my school.  Viv has made a friend at camp, Noah, and his mom called out of the blue to invite us over.  I was really excited to get the invite; it made me feel like we'd arrived, and showed off the hospitable side of Israeli life.  Since the mom's name was Bracha, and the camp is modern orthodox, I was a bit flummoxed about what to bring, since I didn't know what brand of kashrut they followed.  I settled on fruit, which is always kosher, and it turned out to be a hit.

The lunch was awkward and lovely at the same time.  Josh borrowed a kippah (yarmulke) from their 3 year old till I arrived with his own, and there were lots of traditional practices that were new for the girls.  When it came time to do the ritual handwashing, Cassie whispered, "Are they Muslim?"  Since I'm barely used to the Reform version of the blessing after meals, I was a bit lost, but we all hung in there, and our hosts were very gracious about our cluelessness.  After lunch, Viv and I went to the playground with her friend and his mom, and had a great time.  All in all, even if we don't have so much in common with Noah's family, it was wonderful to be welcomed into the homes of strangers in our first month here.

Since the school week is Sunday through Thursday here, tonight's a school night (although I know many of the younger folks in my class will be partying late).  Time to make the donuts flashcards.