Actually, it was a man in his blue underwear only, and no, superman he was not.
It’s been a few days and I wanted to let you all know that yes we are still alive 🙂 As Shabbat was ending, Bryan and I decided to go for a walk and enjoy the peace and quiet. Down a main road was a gentleman on his apartment balcony washing the floor I’m assuming. And yes, he was only in his, um, undergarment. We quickly walked on down the road, enough said…
What is Shabbat? Good question, I’d be happy to explain. Shabbat is the Hebrew word for the Sabbath, which is to be a day of rest. According to Genesis 1-2 God created the world in 6 days and on the 7th day He rested. Later in the Bible God commands Israel to follow His example and also rest on the 7th day. (Which at that time was a completely new thought- every other nation worked all 7 days.) It is a command that they have followed through the centuries (actually millenniums) and they still rest on the 7th day. It was a very nice relaxing day for Bryan and I as well. Amazing, God actually knows what we need. 🙂
Everything in the Jewish sections of the city shuts down, and in the more orthodox areas you
can get in trouble for doing anything that could be considered work that day. We have found a lot of plastic ware in our apartment and I think it’s for meals on Shabbat, so you don’t have to wash any dishes.
Shabbat actually begins Friday night at the beginning of sundown (so yes it changes weekly) and ends Sat when the sun is completely down. In Genesis 1 the Bible says, “there was evening and there was morning, the first day…” The Jewish people follow that example. For them, the night of one day occurs before the daytime of the same ‘day.’ This only effects them on holy days, though, like Shabbat or Purim. Hence Shabbat is Friday night and Saturday day. On Saturday night stores and restaurants open up again. (I’m becoming convinced Israelis are night people.)
Besides going to Synagogue, Shabbat has a few traditions associated with it. One is delicious Khalah (sp?) bread that you eat only on Shabbat. It’s a sweeter white bread, braided, and about a foot long. You can buy it with seeds or a sweet glaze on it. Bryan and I will be enjoying this treat every Friday night while we’re here.
As for the pictures, both were taken on Shabbat. The first one is on the walk that Bryan and I took. Our little street opens up to this one, Agrippas St. The second picture was taken looking out one of our apartment windows.
Well, I need to do some homework now. Yay……
Two things:
1) Can you see the window of the folks who play their music too loud until midnight in the second picture?
2) Why do you tell us about a man in blue underwear but then not show us pictures of a man in blue underwear?!? Seriously unfair, yo.
I too was hoping for a glimpse of the man in blue. But alas we must settle for a line of laundry. Terribly disappointing…
Since I am now the third individual to comment on not seeing the man in blue, you had better post a picture of him. If you don’t have one, then go find Mr. Blue Moon again…I’m sure if he finds this type of behavior acceptable, he does it on a regular occasion. Just kidding…anyway, it’s great to see that you two are doing well. You’re continously in my prayers and I miss you!!!
Well let’s see if this works this time. I write long notes and then can’t send them. Your mom said you made it easier. If this is true it will be worth your birthday card.