Our Unique Weekends

One thing we were looking forward to in returning to Jerusalem is the unique combination for us of the Jewish weekend and American weekend. Because the Jewish Shabbat starts on Friday at sundown, most Israelis get Friday and Saturday off work, with the work week Sunday-Thursday. However, the American Consulate uses the normal American work week of Monday-Friday. The kids' school has the best of both worlds--a half day on Friday plus the normal American weekend.

How I think this will look for us:
Friday afternoon: the kids can finish their chores (new to them!) and maybe some homework.
Friday evening: J and I can go on date night in a quiet city. True, most restaurants are closed, but driving to the ones that are open is a snap.
Saturday: our church is held on the Jewish sabbath, and it is a true Sabbath here--so quiet and peaceful. We are hoping to spend the afternoons exploring some of the Christian sites, which tend to be open on Shabbat.
Sunday: our play day! While everyone else goes back to work and school, we have a day to explore without crowds.