Dateline Jerusalem — Lately I have not had to cook. I have been invited out to friends for lunch and dinner. They all are at my same level of religiosity. They all say the same prayers, sing the same songs and perform the same rituals.
Why is it then, that I get “lost” at every home?
Although the words are the same, the tunes are different, and I often do not
recognize the songs. The same thing happens to me when occasionally I attend
services at another synagogue in the neighborhood. Much of the time I cannot
follow the service because the tunes to the prayers are different . Or, at one
synagogue they are said aloud and at another, silently.
Jewish law remains the same, but specific customs vary from family to family.
In just this week alone, I have shared a table with people born here in Israel,
as well as those who have moved to Israel from Morocco, Yemen, Scotland,
Australia, Canada, South Africa, England, Holland, Hungary, Japan, France and
the U.S. The only things we have in common are the English language and our
being Jewish.
And, of course, our prayers and hopes for the survival of Israel,
a virtual island surrounded by enemies.
It has been a great learning experience because of the various customs that are
observed and passed down to them from generation to generation.
The mix of people, customs and cultures provides the setting for great table
companions and fascinating conversation. What an interesting way to learn world
geography, history and politics!
You May Not Believe This
I have also been introduced to country/culture-specific folk remedies for a myriad of ailments. For example, my friend from Morocco swears that a teaspoon of ground coffee swallowed whole and then followed by a cup of hot boiled coffee will cure stomach cramps.
The crazy thing is that I tried it once, and it worked. My friend from Yemen says
that a teaspoon of ground cinnamon sprinkled on rice or cereal in the morning
will regulate blood sugar, especially in diabetics. Even my doctor from South
Africa has been advising his patients to try the morning cinnamon.
Of course, my favorite part of all is the delicious new dishes that I get to
experience. The aromas of zatar spice, cloves, coriander, cumin, cinnamon,
mint, cardamon, ginger, nutmeg, curry, onions, garlic, turmeric, sweet paprika,
anise, thyme, rosemary, hyssop and other spices I have never heard of before,
make the meals appetizing before I even taste anything.
Everyone shares recipes, the men more so than the women, and I have delighted in some fabulous taste treats.
Even though I am “lost,” I am thoroughly enjoying myself. The people
here are outgoing, friendly, compassionate, politically aware, opinionated,
helpful, and very hospitable. My coming to Israel a year ago has definitely
been a wonderful experience.
L'hitraot. Shachar
Shachar is the Hebrew name of a California-based attorney and former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy who moved to Israel last year.