6. Preparing for Shabbat

Dear Emilee,

I am helping my hosts to prepare something that is called The Shabbat. I am not sure yet what it means. But the house is being thoroughly cleaned and all kinds of cooking in the kitchen are giving the house a wonderful smell that causes my mouth to water. A white map is covering the dinning table which is set with fancy dishes, two candle sticks, a wine bottle, wine glasses and two loaves of Challah (braided bread). My place is in the middle of the table so I can see everyone and everyone can see me and this way I can also reach all the different foods. Yam.

There is an excitement in the air and the bigger kids of high school already gone home. We tried to take their picture but they walked too fast under the balcony. People are all getting home early to prepare. It feels like a special visitor is coming to town and everyone gets an opportunity to meet that visitor. I will listen very carefully at the dinner table tonight and tell you what I heard about that Shabbat.

Friends of the Willie and Orith came to supper. Marty and Sue were so happy to meet me. They are also Canadians who are now Israelis and they live not far from here. They wave hello to all the Canadian children who read of my adventures and to Emilee who mailed me here.



I found out that the Shabbat is a very special day. When God created the world, he worked for 6 days and on the 7th day He rested. Since then, the 7th day is a rest day or in Hebrew, a Shabbat. All of Israel rests. Some have to work, like the hospital staff and the soldiers in the army and some taxi drivers, but most people have a day off and most stores are closed. The rest day starts on Friday evening and is completed on Saturday evening.

When Marty and Sue arrived, Mrs. C. lit the candles and said a blessing. She forgot the original blessing and said one she made up. I guess we all forget things sometimes, but it was truly funny that she did, since she said this blessing for many years every week. Then Mr. C. blessed the braided bread and then he blessed the wine. All these praises to God gave a special atmosphere to the evening.



Supper food was brought to table, “enough for an army” Sue said. Chicken with potatoes and meatballs with chick peas; cuscus and buckwheat, sweet carrots and zucchini baked in filo pastry. After the meal, the ladies made a 5 minute chocolate cake in a cup with ice-cream. If you ask Mrs. C. she’ll give you the recipe. It is fun to make and very tasty.

We had a great visit talking about all kinds of trips and places. After the guests left, we washed the dishes and quickly got the kitchen clean. The Shabbat is here. I wonder what we’ll be doing tomorrow.

Reporting to Emilee from Peaceful Israel,
Yours truly, Flat Stanley.

BTW, this note arrived today from Vancouver Island, Canada:
Dear Flat Stanley,
You are having the time of your life! Just think of all you are going to be able to share with your friends when you finally come 'back home.' I expect that you will think of Israel as your 'second home'!!!
Please keep telling us about all your adventures. Some of us haven't yet travelled to Israel and we love your letters!
Keep writing and be sure to practice the Hebrew you're learning and help Mr. and Mrs. C. with the dishes!
Janet