Had a really wonderful day. Went to Ma’ayanot for services. They were all in Hebrew which made it a little difficult at times but my neighbors helped me find the place in the Matzor. Found out where Nehama learned the melody for Aleinu. After I was invited to join a group for lunch. They all spoke English and most were people who had made Aliyah. There were two American young men who were studying in Israel for their gap year before starting college. We had the most spirited Birkat Hamazon I have ever participated in. We talked about American politics, Israeli politics and the settlements. All in all a pretty liberal crowd. We mostly agreed on issues. I wonder if this will always be the case. It was such a wonderful experience. I am going to try a different shul tomorrow because I had to take a taxi to get to Ma’ayanot.  I would like to go back there sometime. Hope everyone is having a good start to the New Year. Shana tova