PG-13

Coming here we feel like we have taken a step back in time. Most people in the Old City dress quite traditionally and conservatively. Well the other day we felt like we took 10 steps back in time. We visited a neighborhood just outside the Old city called Mea She'arim. This neighborhood was developed by ultra orthodox European Jews who modeled there Jerusalem home like the ones they remembered back in Poland, Germany & Hungary. Despite the advancement with time & technology these residents maintain the customs, habits & dress of the 18th century. Even in this crazy heat it is customary for them to wear thick padded coats & fur hats! Families are typically large so this is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Jerusalem. Upon entering the area we were greeted not with welcome signs, but ones begging visitors to respect their ways, including dress.

We know that there are many locations in Israel where modest dress is required, men must wear pants & women must have their knees & shoulders covered. So we ventured to Mea Sheárim, dressed appropriately (or so we thought) ready to respectfully observe another culture. We were quietly walking around when Michelle, the loose women that she is, got severely reprimanded by an elderly lady because her sexy elbows weren’t covered. Nobody told us that!!!! Jeff thinks she was just jealous. Michelle had to spend the rest of our time there squeezed into Reese’s sweater. It made for a hot, but funny visit. Despite the scolding it was neat to see people who are so committed to their culture & values.

(Needless to say, the minute we walked out of their neighborhood Michelle let loose and danced with her naked elbows for all to see!)