I stayed with Aryeh and his family. They are Orthodox Jews. Aryeh wears a kipa, or yarmulke, on his head. It reminds him that God is above him. He also wears tzitzis, or knotted strings, on his shirt to remind him of the ten commandments.

Aryeh lives on the 18th floor of an apartment. They have a great view - but a looong walk, too, if the elevator ever breaks down!

I thought New York was going to be all buildings and streets, but there are lots of parks, too. Aryeh even plays softball, right there in the city.

Aryeh's friend Mattie was practicing for her bat mitzvah ceremony. When Jewish girls turn 12, they celebrate becoming an adult. Boys have bar mitzvahs when they're 13. There's a ceremony, then often a big party!

Since Aryeh and his family are Orthodox Jews, they can't do any work on the Sabbath, from sunset Friday to Saturday night. They are supposed to rest, and treat the day differently from all other days of the week.

Mattie likes New York. She says that no matter what time you go outside, there are always people walking around. That makes her feel comfortable.

Hebrew, the Jewish language, is written right to left. Compared to reading a book in English, it looks as if you're reading it backwards.