Strangers in a Strange Land

I spent last Shabbat in Rome. I do not know how the boys in my group do it, but somehow, they got us invited to Mrs. Rosenberg's house for Shabbat dinner. We did not know where we were going to eat when we found out the Chabbad House in Rome was not open. When the boys spoke on the phone with Mrs. Rosenberg on Friday afternoon, she immediately demanded that we come eat Shabbat dinner with her. After the train ride to Rome, we settled in our apartment, and then the three of us set out for the synagogue, which was small and homey. I really liked the intamacy of it. Everyone was so kind and welcoming to us. It seemed like a congregational family.

A friend of Mrs. Rosenberg's walked us to her apartment. We went upstairs and met her and her daughter, Malina. We chatted for a little while, and then said the blessings over the wine and challah. It always amazes me that even in a different country, these prayers are always the same. This is how Jews everywhere are connected, and it just makes me so happy to think about it. After the blessings, we began a leisurely, five course meal, including homemade challah which was delicious. The entire night was lovely, and we all enjoyed talking to both Mrs. Rosenberg and Malina. Since Malina was only a few years older than us, it was interesting to hear her opinion on matters of the educational system in Italy. I am thinking of writing my final paper on the subject of education, perhaps on the differences of Jewish and Christian education during the Renaissance.

With a full stomach and a head full of good conversation about Italian life, American life, and Jewish life, we said goodnight to these wonderful people who took in three Jews in a strange city. Jews have been inviting strangers into their homes for Shabbat meals forever, and I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of this Jewish hospitality. I cannot wait until I will be able to invite Jewish strangers into my home some day in the future. Thus, the religious tradition which started with Abraham will continue, a cycle of Jewish hospitality throughout all time.