[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img] Dateline Jerusalem – I love the end of the week, as Shabbat is welcomed in Israel.  Here, strangers greet you on the street, wishing you a “Shabbat Shalom,” a peaceful Shabbat (Sabbath).  It is not unusual for people making announcements in synagogues, inviting friends, and strangers, to join them for a Shabbat dinner or lunch. No one should spend Shabbat without family and friends. It is the perfect time for complete strangers to meet, to become lifetime friends.
 
The aromas of exotic spices and pungent dishes wafting through the air, and the tantalizing smell of freshly baked braided challah breads, assault your olfactory senses as you walk down the street.  Because Israel is a melting pot of many cultures and nationalities gathered together, various traditions, customs, and recipes are shared at the Shabbat table. The experience is enlightening, enjoyable, educational, an altogether unique, satisfying experience.
 
Friday mornings the markets and shuks (open air bazaars) display fresh fruits and vegetables, colorful pashimas and scarves, native costumes and one-of-a-kind jewelry.  Because Friday often is the only day of the week (other than Shabbat) that people are off from work, many go shopping or just relax under a giant umbrella or awning in an outdoor sidewalk cafe, sipping coffee, nibbling on burekas (cheese- or potato-filled pastries) and rich sweet desserts while listening to street musicians play an assortment of instruments.
 
I often find myself in the local flower shop buying brightly colored plants for those who invited me for a Shabbat meal. I never had seen so many beautiful flowers and plants prior to moving to Israel. I am anxious to smell the orange blossoms and fragrant blooms as spring approaches.  Sometimes I find myself choosing a sweet sparkling wine with low alcoholic content for those who cannot tolerate dry wines or have allergies to flowers. My mother always taught me not to go to visit empty-handed.
 
 
L'hitraot.  Shachar