10 days of Sabbath

Today was a particularly beautiful day.

1. I finally went swimming in the sea.

2. Michelle invited me to a Sabbath dinner in the evening.

(I was in Tel Aviv for four weeks and didn't have a single Sabbath invitation, but now in Australia)

So about the day. Michelle told me about some bays that were not so crowded, and if so, only by locals. For example, they always go to Camp Cove. I then chose Lady Bay Beach. It's a nudist beach and ideal for me. I don't need to bring big swimsuits. Just undress, go into the water, lie on my towel, let it dry, and get dressed again. Besides, it's wonderfully quiet here because there are no children. Just perfect and also a beautiful hike to get here. Yes, and then I came home at 5 PM and Michelle asked me if I had time for dinner. She had invited friends and would be happy if I joined. I thought it was great. So I took a shower and so on, and went over at 6 PM. Michelle has a big house with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a large living area downstairs. I got the pictures from the internet because she also offers her house on Airbnb, but only at certain times and for 327 € per day and for a minimum of ten days.

Michelle produces a TV show professionally. I didn't quite understand what Gave does.

They have two adorable boys named Nathan and Jeremiah.

There were two other couples invited. Tamara, a teacher by profession, her parents are from Croatia. But she was born in Australia herself. Her husband or partner (they have been living together for three years) is also of German descent. He even spoke German, and I found it quite impressive. The other guests were amazed that he spoke German. The second couple was really interesting. Svetlana, originally from Serbia, met her husband online six years ago. They played games together, then emailed each other, and then decided to meet. They met in Greece and fell in love right away. Svetlana eventually came to Australia, and they got married. I would say all three couples are between 40 and 50 years old. Yes, and Michelle's father was also there. I assume he has German ancestors too. He could speak some German, but only words, not sentences. As I mentioned before, Elena, Michelle's mother, had her mother come from Frankfurt.

Michelle's father lived in New York 45 years ago and then came to Australia. He opened "chicken shacks" here, which are found almost everywhere. Similar to Asian snack bars, with a few chairs and mostly takeaway food. But chicken in all variations, from salad to soup and so on.

Now about the Sabbath.

People greet each other in the kitchen at the large white counter. Everyone first got an aperitif. By the way, they didn't ask what anyone wanted, they just served a gin and tonic. Eventually, Michelle lit the candles and the men put on their kippahs.

Gave said a prayer in Hebrew, Michelle said a prayer in Hebrew, and the two sons also said a prayer in Hebrew.

You can read the whole ritual on the internet.

Anyway, it was very solemn for me. Almost like Christmas.

Then starters were served on the table, such as tomatoes with mozzarella, smoked salmon, and a type of egg salad. Everyone took a little on their plate and went to the set table. Then the main course came, which was again arranged as a buffet on the large white table. Roast chicken with corn, several salads, and a type of potato salad with herbs.

I have to say, everything was very delicious. Then back to the dining table with the plates, a bottle of rosé (by the way, not from Australia but from France) was placed on the table, and everyone poured themselves a glass. After the main meal, everything was cleared away, and then dessert came. A bowl of various berries. There were also two different types of ice cream. Oh yeah, and something delicious:

Really small cream puffs with a delicate cream inside and delicious bitter chocolate glaze on top. I'm usually not a big fan of desserts, but I grabbed a second serving here. At the table, there was a lot of talking about various topics: faith, economy, real estate, children's education, nursing homes, and many Jewish jokes. That's what I understood more or less. After dessert, we drank tea, and then around 9:30 PM, we stood up and left.

It was really a great evening. Met very pleasant people, and I thought it was great to be able to participate in a Sabbath dinner.

Well, tomorrow I will try the buses and trains that are supposed to take me home after my New Year's Eve gala. Michelle said I wouldn't find a taxi, and the ferries wouldn't be running either. If necessary, I'll walk home. I already know the way.

See you then, Roswitha