Shabbat was so special with my teaching partner, Lee and her family. Her extended family came over, and we had a delicious dinner. I discovered a new fruit I LOVE- pomello. Lee also made a cheesecake with halva: what a beautiful way to combine our cultures. Her parents brought delicious food, and we ate until we could barely move. Then, I had a wonderful night of sleep.         

This morning, we had a family breakfast of delicious fresh veggies and bread and homemade tahini, made by her mother. My friend from the last year’s 8th grade trip, our tour guide, Reut, came for a visit from all the way in the South, and that was so meaningful. We exchanged gifts, and she brought me olive oil made by her family.  Next we all walked around her village: to a bee farm, where I bought honey for my honey, and a play area made completely from the surrounding environment. All the people from the village can come to the play ground for free and it was packed due to the shining sun and nice weather. It was a beautiful walk surrounded by the mountains and the green.

Next, Lee’s husband, Amichai, grilled a delicious lunch for us. I am quickly learning how important food is in Israeli culture, and I need another stomach to keep up. Lee found a firefighter in her village and he gave us a shirt for my husband too! Everyone is so nice, friendly and welcoming. Then, Reut had to head back home, but she will be in the states.

Our security guard, Max, is on his way now to visit, and I am very excited to have Israeli friends to visit with!! Tonight we will eat shakshuka Lee made and she likes it how I do, with not runny eggs. Then we will meet up with our little group and hang out after sundown. More to come later…