Family Friday

Of the many things that left an impression on me in Israel, the deepest would be the observation of Sabbath. Which actually begins on a Friday evening and ends on Saturday evening, contrary to our typical Sabbath Sunday.

I arrived in Israel on 31 Aug (Friday) and to my surprise, everything started coming to a halt by late afternoon. The restaurant that Lior took me to started to empty out at around 3.30pm and we were one of the last to leave. As we exited, I noticed that every other shop in the mall was already closed, and the entire mall and its surroundings felt strangely quiet.

I was *delighted* to have a giant pistachio macaroon with raspberries and seared tuna mixed salad - a refreshing break from the typical Middle Eastern food I've been having for the last month.

Lior told me to have something light as we'll be having a big feast at his house, as was typical for Sabbath. Apparently *EVERYONE* in Israel goes home for dinner on Friday, so you can forget about meeting your friends, boyfriends, girlfriends... that's just the way it is. I personally found that really awesome.

[Clockwise]: 1. Challah - Jewish braided bread; 2. Chicken stuffed with Bacon; 3. Roast beef; 4. Salmon; 5. Potato pie with meat stuffing

Challah (also hallah) is a special Jewish braided bread eaten on Sabbath and holidays. According to Jewish tradition, the three Sabbath meals (Friday night, Sat lunch & Sun late afternoon) and two holiday meals (one at night and lunch the next day) each begin with two complete loaves of bread. 

This "double loaf" (in Hebrew: lechem mishneh) commemorates the manna that fell from the heavens when the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years after the Exodus from Egypt. The manna did not fall on Sabbath or holidays; instead, a double portion would fall the day before. Each single loaf is woven with six strands, so together, both loaves have twelve which represent each tribe of Israel. 

Foodprinted on 31 September 2012, Friday

Interestingly, my last day in Israel was exactly one week later - which was again, a Friday. With everything shutting down (including the public transport system), Boaz generously invited us to his house - where I get a privileged taste of Sabbath Friday with another Israeli family.

Notice the lighting of the the Sabbath candles (and the Challah braided bread!). This is done on Friday nights to usher in the Sabbath by the woman of the household (in this case, Boaz's mother). After lighting the candles, the woman waves her hands over them, covers her eyes, and recites a blessing.

It is a tradition to light two candles for the two important Biblical references to Sabbath: "Remember the Sabbath" (Exodus 20:8) and "Observe the Sabbath" (Deuteronomy 5:12). Besides honoring Sabbath, there's the dual purpose of creating domestic tranquility (shalom bayit). 

Boaz's dad makes some incredible delicious stuffed figs with his special (secret recipe) sauce and cheese!!! 

But Boaz parents' had something to see to, so after we started Sabbath together, Boaz took Leslie and I to a pretty cool restaurant for dinner (restaurants/ cafes and hospitals are just about the only places open).

[Clockwise]: 1. Seafood served with rice; 2. Goat cheese ravioli in sage butter, toasted almonds, sprouts and saint-mor cheese; 3. Chilli chicken; 4. Boaz, his friend, Leslie & I!; 5. Apple tart with icecream; 6.Cheesecake

The time with Lior and Boaz's family touched me greatly, and I'm inspired to start Family Friday - getting the entire family to spend Friday evening together - once I get home. :)

Foodprinted on 7 September 2012, Friday