Jerusalem Days - March 1

And the Rains Came...Jerusalem
Dear Friends,

It was inevitable - the rains! Yes, we need them in Israel, but couldn't they have waited another few days! Well, rain doesn't stop CAARI!! Under wind, rain and dark skies we donned warm clothing, hoods, rain hats and umbrellas (anything to keep warm and dry) and we made our way to the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens - one of JNF Canada's funded projects. Usually we see all the beautiful spring flowers - but this year we couldn't walk through the gardens. Instead, we had a excellent lecture by Dr.Michel Avishai, former Director of the Jerusalem Botonical Gardens and Professor at Hebrew University. Somehow, between the rain drops we got back on the bus and visited the Tropical Conservatory - so we did get to see some gorgerous orchids. From flowers to history - as our next stop was the Begin Museum. This is one of Jerusalem's newest museums and they have developed an incrediable audio visual production on the life story of Prime Minister Begin. It gave many of us a new appreciation of this special statesman and his contribution to building the State of Israel. Once outside the museum Neil gave us a short tour of archeological finds that were discovered when they were building the museum. Where does he FIND these places?

Our day ended with my our favorite speakers - Gil Hoffman - Jerusalem Post journalist. Gil brought us up-to-date in the coaliltions talks going on. Who knows - these are interesting times!

Warmest Regards,
The CAARI Family

Jerusalem Days

February 26 - Around the City
Thursday was our first full day in Jerusalem. First stop, Yad Lakashish - a non-profit community agency founded in 1962 – called a Lifeline for the Elderly – we would prefer that they use the term ‘seniors’! The philosophy of this organization is based on the idea that purposeful recreation and activities of self-help can the elderly and disabled lead a life of meaning and dignity. Over a hundred “seniors” from varied ethnic and social backgrounds, speaking many languages, including immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and South America now have a reason to get up in the morning and a place to go to share their artistic talents in a productive and meaningful way. All workers receive a small stipend for their work and benefit from a wide-ranging social support network.
The Program director took us through the various workshops (where we had an opportunity to see their creative work. We also got a chance to speak with the participants - did you know that our group is multi-lingual? Mark was speaking Spanish to a woman from South America, Nettie spoke French to another person, Bernie and Sonny were conversing in Yiddish, Noami in Hebrew and the rest of us in English! What a treat for us! Not to mention – that we had a chance to purchase some of the original works of art!

Our next stop, was the Russian Compound in a place known as the Prison Museum of`Underground Organizations. This was constructed in 1858 as a hostel for Russian Pilgrims. During the British Mandate Period it was used a prison for both criminal and political prisoners – those that fought for the Hagana, the Etzel and Irgun. We heard interesting stories about their who they were, what they did and why they were there. We toured their reconstructed cells, kitchen, workshops – we saw how they lived. Our exceptional guide told us about the Rabbi Aryeh Levin (known as the father of the prisoners)who would come every week to meet with the prisoners and how he brought comfort to their lives. And…of course the famous story of Meir Feinstein and Moshe Barazani. This is a place not to be missed!
Our lunch place was the Machane Yehuda Market – one of the busiest places in Jerusalem on a Thursday afternoon – you can buy ANYTHING and for a good price! The vegetables and fruits are gorgeous and tasty – not to mention the halva – one of CAARI’s favorites. In the evening Davna, from KKL, spoke to us about the land issues in Israel. We are looking forward to a free day on Friday to wander around the city, shop, eat and enjoy the ambience of Jerusalem!
Shabbat Shalom,
Your CAARI friends!

Oh Jerusalem

Our days in Jerusalem by CAARI Friends,

"Our feet stood poised at your gates, Oh Jerusalem" (Psalms 122.2)

Arrived in Jerusalem for our final leg of our CAARI 2009 journey. It is hard to believe that it is the end of February. Guess time flies by when you are having fun and enjoying the company! We arrived in Jerusalem - weather a little chilly, but sunny and clear. Great day to view the Old City from Mt. of Olives. After Neil gave us an explanation of the surroundings and the four city quarters we headed to lunch in the German Colony. But first, we bid 'Shalom' to our friends, the Nefskys. They will be missed!

In the afternoon we had a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. It is hard to believe that we walked in the footsteps of Jewish people from centuries ago. How did they move these stones - how did they build these streets? You could almost hear the their voices as we passed through the tunnels or was it the sound of the hoofs of the Roman soldiers' horses? This is truly a place of joy, lamentation and sorrow. The group followed Neil through the narrow alleyways to the grand opening of the Kotel, filled with so many people, religious, secular, Israelis, soldiers and many visitors. What a way to spend our first day in Jerusalem!

Shalom from Jerusalem

Your CAARI Friends

Dead Sea - R&R for CAARI

Visit to Dead Sea by CAARI Friends
Ah...warm temperatures, dry climate, beautiful blue-green waters and amazing vistas of sculptured rock formations - do you really think that is Lot's wife? We have arrived at the Dead Sea for a few days of activities. Some of us immediately got into our bathing suits to "float" in the indoor salt water pools, others donned white robes for the spa treatments, others went off in search of an English newspaper and others enjoyed bowling! Yes, there is bowling at the Dead Sea - ask Captain Neil!
Over the next few days we enjoyed these activities plus a tour of Masada, a hike in Ein Gedi Nature reserve and a visit to an ancient synagogue. We were captivated by the magnificents views and flora and fauna of the area. We managed to take this all in during our Dead Sea visit.
Enjoy the photos. And...Thelma takes great notes!!!
PS - Don't ask about our bowling scores!
Warm Regards,
Your CAARI Friends

Arava R&D Center Visit

On Way to Dead Sea - Visit to JNF's R&D Center by CAARI

We left Eilat under warm and sunny skies - hoping for the same at the Dead Sea. We hear that the weather is changing - we can't be too greedy - the country needs rain very badly. So...a few rain drops won't dampen our spirits!

As they say - on the way - we made a stop at one of JNF's leading Research & Development Centers at Hatzeva - located in the Arava. This Center is known for its research on desert agriculture - performs experiments on soil, water and climate conditions for crops grown in hot houses in the middle of the desert. Farmers apply these techniques to their own crops to increase yield, improve quality and shelf life for fruits, vegetables, and flowers mainly for the export -market. Osi, the R&D staff person, treated us to some freshly picked cherry tomatoes and peppers for us to taste - ummmmm good! You don't even need salt on the tomotoes. "What a treat to eat freshly grown yellow and red peppers." said Marcia Bercov from Canada. Following the lecture on what is done in the Center we visited the hot houses.

Back on the road following lunch at the famous Aroma Cafe. Next stop - the Dead Sea. Neil says we will look at least 10 years younger after our Dead Sea experience! Do you think???

"Warm" Regards,

Your CAARI Friends