My room was upgraded again, at another hotel. This time in the Jewish quarter. All it took was for me to say the magic words,
“Shabbat Shalom! Is shabbat over yet?”
The reception’s face was lit up. He doesn’t meet a lot of Asians I would say. And he somehow decided that I knew Jerusalem very well, probably better than most Israeli. I’m not too sure how he got that instinct, but I’m happy with a free upgrade! (He didn’t have to give me an upgrade, you know.)
Then I used another Hebrew word, which I cannot recall now. And he was surprised!
“? את מדברת עיברית”
“….קצת קצת”
(at medeberet ivrit?) (kezat kezat)
(Do you speak Hebrew?) (Just a little bit)
He gave me friendly smiles. We talked a little bit. Then I told him about what happened to my shabbat morning at the other hotel, just to see if he would agree or disagree. The manager said,
“I cannot say he is wrong, but if I say that he is right, it will put me in a dangerous position.” Then he went on, “I can give you many advantages and disadvantages of the Israeli being argumentative, it’s just like Confucianism has advantages and disadvantages for you. This personality may let us win the Nobel Prize, but I will say, before winning the award, many people have wasted a lot of energy with such personality.”
He has good points. A smart person indeed. Finally, after I got my key, he asked us,
“If I may have the liberty to ask, may I know what’s the purpose of your trip to Israel?”
I gave him an honest reply, “We are Christians, we are here because we love Israel. “
His facial expression changed. He paused. He was a smart and sophisticated man to begin with. He could answer everything with a calm and formal voice. But this time, he replied in a somewhat surprised tone:
“Thank you, I have never seen anyone like you.”
The incredible part of this incident was… I have seen this expression in my dream 3 months ago. I had written my dream down. When I think about this, it still gives me goose bumps.
I don’t know what others think, but I like Jewish people. They seem to be argumentative, defensive and perhaps even stubborn in appearance, but they have soft hearts and souls. They are not afraid to show their emotions. Once their identities are recognized, comparing to other people, I find Jewish people very open in sharing their hearts…
When I was leaving, he seemed to have more words that he wanted to say. And he said,
It’s an honor to meet you.
