I have made contact  with someone at a synagogue called Ma’ayanot. Even though it is modern orthodox it has an equalitarian minyan. I am planning on going there for Rosh Hashanah services tomorrow. Erev Rosh Hashanah services are very short, 30 minutes, in Israel so I skipped them since it is not that easy for me to get around. One of my next projects is to learn the bus system. Anyhow this shul will provide meals for visitors. Even though I am able to do my own cooking, I am hoping to take them up on some so I can meet people. Nehama went to this shul when she lived here. I also called my cousin. Iwill be visiting her family over Succot. I am really looking forward to seeing them again, seeing how grownup the kids are and being able to eat in a Succah. 

I am enjoying shopping and cooking. It is a real challenge. My kitchen is not well equipped. Still having difficulty getting used to the “supermarket”. Haven’t been to a shuk yet to see what they have. I have been a little bit under the weather the past few days so didn’t make it out much. Even missed Shabbat services. Had to get out and shop today since stores will be closed the next two days. I am finding people very helpful and most speak some degree of English. 

My typical Israeli lunch: tomatoes, cucumber, herring and baba ganoosh on this nice dark bread. Dinners are more challenging. I sautéed veggies and ground beef to put over rice. Won’t even discuss the challenge of getting the ground beef. There is little in the way of processed and prepackaged meats and the butcher doesn’t speak any English. Needed a sauce so bought something I thought was tomato sauce. It was actually closer to tomato paste. It worked though. 

It is a good thing I will be here 7 weeks. Getting comfortable with how things work and getting to meet people is going to take time. I really enjoy being in my little apartment so I am being patient. 

I was able to watch Peres funeral on tv and heard Obama’s speech. I will most likely go to the grave site before I leave. 

That’s all for now. Feel free to email and let me know how things are going back home. I have been able to talk to Janet and the girls at least once a week using the WhAtsup App. If you download it onto your smart phone, we can also talk.