It’s practically a given in the life of any Mexico tourist. At some point you will ingest something disagreeable, maybe the tap water, or an insufficiently cleansed vegetable, or maybe some particularly potent poblanos, and for a few days you’ll be cursing the gods and making many an anguished trip to the bano.
I’ll spare you the details, but suffice it to say it’s been a rough ride. And so I find myself strangely looking forward to the purifying effects of a good 25-hour fast.
The closest Jewish community to Zacatecas is in Guadalajara, about five hours away by VIP bus. This ride is pretty amazing. Wide seats that fall back nearly to full recline, clean toilets (thank you!), and wireless Internet.
Guadelajara is the second largest city in Mexico, and home to one of only a handful of tiny Jewish communities outside the capital. About 100 families live here, split between an older Orthodox community and a more recently established Conservative one.
Zack and Miriam and I had been trying to get in touch with the community there for a few days prior to the fast when I received a Twitter message from Josh Kullock, asking if TWJ was planning a Guadelajara visit. Turns out, Josh is the rabbi of the Conservative community, and will be hosting us for pre-fast meal tonight and Kol Nidre. Way to go Internet!
So that’s all for now. I’ll be back online Tuesday with video of a kosher food hall in Mexico City (which may explain my current predicament). Until then, if you’re fasting, I hope it’s an easy one.
