What a great first day of school (second day was great too)! I think everyone felt a little strange going to school for the first day. Elan and Mira have been torturing us with promises of Hebrew-usage refusal and closed minds; they have a future in the CIA. We are definitely trying something new educationally speaking. The Democratic School is a different way to go than the Solomon Schechter route they are used to. For more information about what I like to call, "Kooky school," you can check out the US counterpart at http://www.sudval.org/. Loren is definitely outside his comfort zone with "child-led learning," but the kids love it so far.Elan got into a game with guys his age right away, and didn't even want to take the tour with his sisters. He admits to opening his Algebra book from home too! Mira called us during the first day...no tears thought! She was invited to a friend's house and wanted permission to go! Happiness! Amalya, as she gets used to the new school, is hanging out with Mira and her friends a lot. I know as soon as she gets her bearings, she will make more friends closer to her age. Mira also got invited to a sleepover next Tuesday night for her new friend Gavriella's birthday (no school on Wednesday...Happy New Year!).
Here are the kids in front of their school! Loren and I went out to lunch on their first day to celebrate. As soon as we finished, we walked along, passed another cafe, saw friends and had a cup of coffee with them! Rough life, truly.
We are having our first Shabbat guest tonight. It's pay-back time!! Tova and anyone else who might need a spot from shul will be at our Shabbat table. We are going to friends' tomorrow for lunch and meeting more people for Seudah Shlishit in the park later on.
The whole country is getting ready for Rosh Hashanah. The Israeli's are beside themselves over the three-day chag. It so rarely happens here! Every grocery store is handing out samples of everything, including wine! Just what I need when shopping with my kids, as I explained to the wine seller (It was my first successful joke in Hebrew! Not the funniest, but in Hebrew none the less).
We hope you have a great Shabbat, and will get to see people you love on Rosh Hashanah!
Shabbat Shalom,
Becca and family
