The Jewish Day of Rest, Shabbat , begins on Friday at sundown and ends on Saturday at sundown...

Last night we had dinner at a classmate of Mason's house,we are finding Israeli's to be warm and inviting... Many neighbors as well as parents from the school have extended invitations to us for Shabbat Dinner.

The main meal of the week (and a festive one at that) in Jewish households in Israel and around the world is the Friday night dinner.

The meal begins after sundown. Because Shabbat is the focal point of the week,It has been explained to me that families often invite lot's of guests, set the table with their prettiest dishes. Atop the table sits the Kos L'Kiddush , which is held when the blessing over the Sabbath day is said. Before the meal, you sing a song or prey to welcome Sabbath angels followed by the first breaking of the bread. Then a huge kosher meal is served .

Eric and I found the conversation and stories friday night to be fascinating ! Lots of discussion of religion and politics, Israeli style (opinionated) At one point Mason's friend's dad read from the Five books of Moses (the Torah) . All this along with candles, wine and challah loaves...Great way to spent an evening