I just returned from a trip to Israel and Italy and learned so much about family traditions that continue from generation to generation - no matter where a family may move. Take for example, the Friday night dinner at my family's home in Israel. The extended families of my cousins join together each Friday night to share food, conversation and wonderful times.
In Florence, Italy, I observed the same customers arriving at a neighborhood bakery in the morning - with warm greetings exchanged and the owners awaiting payment until after baked goods and coffee drinks were consummed.
In both countries, the guests (or customers) were treated with much warmth and priority. The word "honor" comes to mind because guests feel so appreciated and welcomed.
I've heard this from some of the people I have interviewed for the book - that the guests holds higher standing than the hosts. ( I have also interviewed foreign exchange students for previous writing I have done and their top observation of Americans is that they don't eat meals together as often as their families do.)
Children of immigrants bring important family values to America and we can learn a few lessons of our own from them.
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