On to Jerusalem! – by Susan Horwitz and Frances Dvorchik, Toronto Canada
Packed up and on our way! Our first stop this morning was Qumran – the place where they found the Dead Sea scrolls. Here we learned about the Essenes (zealots) - it was amazing to see how they built and harnessed water, witness the number of mikvah baths. It is difficult to imagine this in a desert! Not only were they great builders, these are the people who saved and brought so many of the scrolls from the Temple in Jerusalem. Along the way, we also saw the many reservoirs built by the JNF for several of the kibbutzim and moshavim in the area. Here in Israel – they farm in the desert!
Many of us have not been to Israel for many years and were amazed to see the growth, the construction and delighted to see so many tourists – from all over the world – Korea, Argentina, Italy, Nigeria – just to name a few! At Qumran – we counted 15 buses of tourists – we couldn’t imagine what it will be like in Jerusalem – we were told that our hotel is full!
Ah…Jerusalem! We entered the City singing “Jerusalem of Gold”!! To be sure – all of us felt a little something special as we cast our eyes on this precious City! Our leaders chose to have us visit the Tower of David Museum, just inside the Jaffa Gate of the Old City. The museum is the history of Jerusalem – through the ages – what better way to get a perspective of this special city!
Our speaker this evening was Minister Rafi Eitan, from the Pensioners (Gil) Party. Many of you may know him for his work in the Mossad in the capture of Adolf Eichman. We were all so impressed with his tireless energy and devotion to the Jewish people. He described what he is doing for the senior citizens and Holocaust survivors and… with all his work, he also finds time to sculpture!

Touring the Old City – by Susan Horwitz and Frances Dvorchik, Toronto Canada
Today, being Thursday, we began our tour in the City of David – we had a very special tour – something that most tourists don’t experience. Susan and Neil have really planned a wonderful and interesting program. Not only did we see the ancient water system from the time of King David, but also we were able to see the current excavations being done by archeologists of Hebrew and Haifa University. It was a joy to see students digging and sifting through the rubble of what is a parking lot. One could feel and see the enthusiasm as they worked on the excavation of Queen Helena’s palace! We were told of an ancient seal that was found recently – in fact, we had an exclusive, beating out the press, it was reported in the Jerusalem Post on Friday! After lunching in the Jewish Quarter – filled with tourists – we went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where we met with the Director of Public Affairs and learned about an new strategic development program assessing Israel’s image at home and abroad.

Friday – by Susan Horwitz & Frances Dvorchik, Toronto Canada
Whew, a day to enjoy Jerusalem on our own! Some of us went to the Friday concert at the Anna Ticho House, others shopped or visited with family and friends!
We enjoyed our Oneg Shabbat, and the group gave some very good renditions of favourite Israeli and Yiddish songs. Sadly, it is the last Shabbat that we will share this year in Jerusalem, and it is hard to believe that 8 weeks is almost passed! Shabbat Shalom!

Dead Sea - R&R for CAARI

Traveling to the Dead Sea – by Susan Horwitz & Frances Dvorchik, Toronto Canada
We packed suitcases for our stay at the Dead Sea, loaded the bus (oh yes – ate breakfast) and began our journey south. Our first stop was the Belvoir Crusader Fortress – for many of us, it was the first time we visited this site. It is situated high on a mountain with a breathtaking view of the Beit She’an Valley. It is amazing to see the construction undertaken by the Crusaders – we can’t even imagine this type of building being built today – how did they move those heavy stones up the hill? From there we went to Beit She’an, Israel’s largest archeological site – another amazing construction feat! There is so much to see and learn in Israel. Here we concentrated on the Romans and their “social” activities – bathhouses, theaters and other things that we can’t mention in the blog – you will have to ask us when we get home! Beit She’an was destroyed by an earthquake and in one of the areas they have left the columns as they found them – fallen in the earthquake – it is quite an impressive sight to see.
Now…we are on the way to the Dead Sea for some R&R – we are all looking forward to warmer temperatures and sunny skies!

Artists in Arad - by Susan Horwitz & Frances Dvorchik - Toronto, Canada
So much for the sunny skies – would you believe that rain was forecast for the Dead Sea! Well, that didn’t stop our adventures. After a sumptuous breakfast, we traveled to Arad – up the mountain!! Temperatures were much cooler there – although our leaders told us to dress warm – some of us did not heed the advice! Who would think that we would find such talented artists hidden in this community? Two outstanding artists studios are located in Arad’s Industrial Park. The first was Gideon Fridman, who uses re-cycled glass to create sculptures. Quite extraordinary, and we had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with the artist – also a little shopping. Next, we went across the street to the most charming exhibit. It is called a puppet museum, but that does not adequately describe what we saw. Miri , the artist, makes large mannequins out of paper machie and she also sews all their costumes. She took us through the studio, explaining each character – what a talent and personality. She shares the studio with a bronze artist whose work is also terrific. Next was a short lecture on Arad and how this community – a development town built in the 1960’s began. Of course, we couldn’t leave this area without stopping at one of the factories that make the Dead Sea products. Who knows – we have been told that we will look at least 10 years younger – we have to try! Back to the hotel for that dip in the mineral pools - many of us have scheduled massages and other beauty treatments. After dinner, we enjoyed the hotel entertainment – songs and dancing! Who could ask for more? Maybe a little warm sun???

Masasda - by Susan Horwitz & Frances Dvorchik - Toronto, Canada
You guessed it – another cloudy day. Yesterday’s rains in Jerusalem caused flash floods in the Dead Sea area – closing roads and even Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. It is hard to believe that water can cause this much damage. But – Masada – oh - this is always so impressive. No matter how many times one ascends the cable car or climbs up the mountain it is still a breathtaking experience! One can almost hear the sounds of the Romans marching, the voices of the zealots deciding what to do and the quiet of the area when the zealots made their last stand.
Another afternoon of spa treatments –we are beginning to really enjoy this lifestyle!

Shabbat in Nahariya

Nahariya – Shabbat by Anice Stark
On the northwest coast of Israel is a medium sized city, called Nahariya. It is the furthest city in Northern Israel, nor far from the Lebanese border. During the summer of 2006, and the Second Lebanon War, they had a very difficult time. Many rockets fell on the City and there were a couple of deaths and lots of trauma.
This year’s visit was totally different – no sign of the war that we could see. The City was hustle and bustle from early morning on. Thursday night was especially busy as it was the start of the weekend for many. On Friday, the stores, coffee bars and restaurants started closing down about 4PM and a sort of quiet settled over the City. It was wonderful to hear Shabbat Shalom from one and all.
Saturday started out sunny and pleasant, many of us took a walk on the tayelet (boardwalk along the sea). There were lots of families walking, biking, jogging and after shul many more joined in walking. Many of the non-religious families were at a cafes and restaurants (some are open) enjoying a late breakfast and early lunches. It is a wonderful and unusual experience, which never fails to move me. A delicious peace descends over all the Country!