Shabbat in Kochav HaShachar

It is soon Shabbat again, and this week, my beloved Sara and I are invited to visit my Rabbi, Rav Ari Shvat, and his family. I haven´t seen them in a very long time, so I am very much looking forward to it. I have known Rav Shvat for more than 30 years. When I first came to Israel and yeshiva at age 19, they straight away became my adopted family here in Israel. Whenever I go home, I am going to Kochav HaShachar.

Shabbat with the Shvat family is always very nice. They have great company, food, and a lot of Torah. It is always nice to sit down with them and just chat or play a game.

For Sara, this will be the first time she will ever visit the community. We have waited a long time, but now it will happen. A funny thing is that Rav Shvat was one of Sara´s rabbis when she studied in a seminar in Israel about 30 years ago. When I mentioned to the Rav that I was dating Sara, he remembered her.

I haven´t been back in the community for a very long time. After I met Sara, I have barely been in Maon for Shabbat or the holidays. Most of the time, I have been where she lives.

Kochav HaShachar is a beautiful community just north of Jerusalem. About 450 families live there. I really like the place. There are so many nice people. On Shabbat, I prefer to pray in the so-called American minyan. It´s a later minyan than in the central synagogue, but they finish at the same time. For me, it is hard when the prayers drag out for a long time.

So God willing tomorrow we are heading north. Can´t wait to see them again. It has been far to long time ago since I was home!!

I wish you all a great Shabbat!!

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