Last night, we met visiting US cousins at Apple & Pear, an Italian restaurant in Jerusalem, for dinner. It’s one of our favorites- we eat there often. Last night, however, was a special treat. Besides meeting Rob and Margaret G. and family
( what a high after years of disconnect) , we observed a of guests celebrating a Sheva Brachot, one of the seven days following a Jewish wedding, in which those assembled bless the newlyweds.
Half hailed from Milano, Italy.
All were Chassidic, including a venerable, bearded rabbi at the table’s head.
As if this local color were not enough, Pear & Apple’s chef blessed them with a performance of a Puccini aria, from La Boheme, I believe–a personal favorite.
The combination of such wonder–the food and the music– was almost too much to bear.
We’ll be going back soon– the chef promised us an aria at every meal!
Melody Amsel-Arieli 