Shana Tova!

Hi everyone,

We've had a good week. No major mishaps or embarrassing moments.

The kids are still loving school, and the excitement and confusion surrounding their British accents show no signs of abating.

Over the last week I have attended 3 different "back-to-school" parent orientation evenings, one for Kindergarten, one for Elementary School and one for Middle School (grades 6-8). (They are all part of the same school - Yeshivat Noam.) Avrom managed to accompany me for half of one of those evenings, which is more than he has ever attended in Israel, so I'm not complaining.

All I can say is: WOW! Avrom and I have agreed that it is actually cruel to have brought our kids here and exposed them to this kind of education. What with the gorgeous buildings, lovely grounds, tiny class sizes, incredible facilities, young, motivated teachers, smart boards in every classroom, 300 iPads, a broad and enriching curriculum and delicious school lunches, it's going to be interesting watching them try to slip back into the Israeli school system when the time comes. On the flip side, in Israel they get to wear denim to school. So it's all swings and roundabouts really. For my part, I'm really missing the joy of making sandwiches every morning and my kids keeping me company all afternoon.

We've been here almost a month and the time has really flown by. We're really missing everyone in Israel - friends and family. I have a feeling much of my conversation is misinterpreted by the Americans I've been meeting. I'm sure they think I'm either very weird or very stupid. Or both. There are not many British people here so the locals haven't had as much practice at understanding Brits as our multicultural Ra'anana friends have. Never mind - they'll pick it up.

We're looking forward to a busy Rosh Hashana here in Teaneck, (davening at Rinat, for those of you to whom that means anything). We have been invited out for 3 of the 4 meals - which is great news since my family has been fairly unimpressed by my cooking in America so far. (And of course it will be good to meet more people.)

Meanwhile, we wish you all a shana tova - a happy and healthy year to you and all your lovely families. We look forward to next Rosh Hashana in the Social Hall at BKOA and Tashlich at the Clements household!

(By the way - some people have had trouble submitting comments, so please try just to see if the comment thing is working...Thanks!)