A friend of mine from the US is here on a tour, and I had the opportunity to spend most of the day with him and his wife on Thursday. It was a chance for me to play tourist and tour guide at the same time and I truly enjoyed the day.

We met at 9AM at their hotel, and I immediately took them to Ben Yehuda Street to sit outside and have some morning coffee and watch the world walk by. This was really their first opportunity to sit and relax as they had been on the tour bus for several days and were suffering from serious information overload. (Anyone who has gone on a guided tour knows exactly what I mean!)

After relaxing for a little while, we walked to the Old City. I pointed out a number of areas there and ultimately took them to the Western Wall. We exchanged political viewpoints (which, in keeping with my promise, I will NOT share here) as well as historical information and had a marvelous conversation on these subjects.

Following our time in the Old City we went back to Ben Yehuda Street for a late lunch where I introduced them to Shwarma, a staple of Israeli life. We sat and relaxed and talked here for a while before heading back to their hotel.

They were back on the bus Friday, but indicated they would have some time again before they left and I am really hoping to see them again before they go.

Friday for me was spent practicing Hazzanut.

On Saturday I went to the reform temple for services. This was in part because I wanted to hear the cantor there. I had been told she was quite good. She was. I was given the honor an Aliyah.

There was also a group there from a temple in Connecticut. It was interesting to hear their perspectives on the service and on what they had seen over the last few days of their tour.

As usual, Sunday will be dedicated to practice. I have a class on Monday at which I am expected to perform as much of the Saturday morning service as I have been given thus far. I am finding this to be an exciting thing to do, and look forward to being able to perform it for my shul when I get back for my visit next month.