Today I arrived in Jerusalem, and even though they lost one of my suitcases (where I had put all my shoes, including shoes for the wedding on Wednesday) I am very happy.

On another note, I realize that sometimes we don't give our parents enough credit. Today I told my dad and step-mom about my friends from the Living Jerusalem class that would be in Israel. They were eager to meet them. When I told them about the Muslim girl in our class that wears hijab, my father promised not to talk politics, and even though my step-mom was at first hesitant, she agreed to meet her too.

Also, I thought it was very thoughtful of my father to ask me if her parents would be ok with her coming over for Shabbat. Then he wondered whether she would be offended if we drank wine in her presence. He said he would do kiddush (the blessing over grape juice or wine) over grape juice so that she could participate. But he wanted to drink wine at the table and didn't want to offend her. I told him I would ask her, but that I thought she would be ok with that.

Then my step-mom eagerly told me about her freind Ahmed, but forgot to mention how she knew him. We'll see who he is.

I told my parents that I would really like to invite this Muslim girl to Shabbat to show her observant Jews practicing their traditions, so that she would see that not all Jews are only 'culturally' Jewish. Also, I told them that they would be doing a great mitzvah by inviting her and showing her how welcoming and accepting we are... if at least for a Friday night dinner. :P

I think all in all, I convinced them that it would be a great idea to have her over.