Shabbat in Mevo Choron

Taking the exit off route 1, route 3 was a quite road through fields, vineyards and agriculture. The hills stalwart and welcoming. our hosts wave to us from their house and usher us in. the sun was bright and there was an air of calm, peace and tranquility, SHABBAT! This quaint, quiet and beautiful little yishuv was a breath of fresh air.

our hosts had the most wonderful family, and orly had a few friends to play with.

ben went to shul to a powerful minyan, singing, praying and meaning; very good vibes of unity and community. we all met up to go to another family for a friday night meal. great people, conversation in worldly, as well as jewish matters - and, in particular, the synthesis of the two. it was most enlightening and good to hear and see.

shabbat morning and orly thought it was funny (after a late night) to wake up at 6.15. breakfast. coffee. lauren stayed at home with the kids whilst ben went to a different shul, full and thriving. again a great community feel and powerful davening vibe. we then met at the park after the womens shiur and there were so many kids running around and playing. orly was in her element! we went to lunch at our hosts and had some great food. orly had already made friends and was playing very nicely, whilst yael was showing off her impeccable crawling skills.

ben, orly and yael, and a couple of the kids went to the 'childrens shiur'. again, loooads of children orly's age. there was a dramatised story reading of the parasha and a general happy interactive session in judaism for 10mins. before a treat of juice was handed out to all the participants. orly gulped the whole thing down. it was very hot the whole day, and orly was running on such little sleep! back at our hosts and we had a little down time before we took a trip. we were going to go on a 'crazy hike', but it was outside the eruv so not child-carrying friendly (!), next time!

all the while the inhabitants were all very friendly and welcoming :)

there is an animal area at the edge of the yishuv. it is set back through a field of yellow flowers and fruit trees. we went passed a large cage filled with about 100 love birds, very pretty. when we got there there were a number of dog kennels, a donkey, some camels and lots of horses (the yishuv take horse/camel trips). orly was being very brave and decided to stroke all the horses noses. one even sneezed (or should i say sprayed!) nose shmutz all over us, it was gross! lauren and yael were even in the firing line!

ben went to mincha and we went to our final seuda shelishit meal at an australian family. more children to play with and people to talk with. great people, conversation, food and relaxation. we brought shabbat out a bit late, said our thank yous and gratitudes and got in the car home. the kids were flat out. and all orly could say was "mummy and daddy, why are we leaving?" :)