A Nice Family Shabbat
I am a university student here in Jerusalem. Recently, some of my friends mentioned their interest in learning about Shabbat. Together we would like to experience a Shabbat or Holiday meal with an observant family. How can I go about it? Are there any rules of etiquette I should be aware of?
Every Shabbat, doors will open wide for you to experience a Shabbat meal with friendly families in Jerusalem. You get to meet new people, enjoy Shabbat songs, learn about family traditions and customs first hand and, of course, partake in a tasty Shabbat meal. You can ask to be with a family that speaks English, French or any other language. You can even ask to be with a family from your or your parents' birthplace. I myself was a guest several times at a family that took part in the Heritage House Hospitality program. It was a pleasure to meet the family. They were friendly and very warm.
As for etiquette, just be yourself.
The phone number of Heritage House is (02) 627-1916. Call them during the week to reserve for Shabbat. Or, you can meet with them every Friday evening at sunset and/or Saturday morning at 10:15 at the Western Wall Plaza - near the men's water fountain. They will arrange a pleasant Shabbat meal for you with a friendly family. You can join them for the third Shabbat meal also, which is hosted by a prominent guest speaker with fascinating stories.
Heritage House can be contacted via email at heritage@netvision@net.il.
Jeff Seidel's Student information center, at (02) 628-8338, (Israel) (email:
jseidel@jer1.co.il), provides similar reference services for hospitality in Jerusalem and throughout the world.
