CAARI CelebratesTuB'Shevat by Marcia Bercov

Hello and greetings from Tel Aviv.
We arrived here on Thursday evening to a very warm welcome by our CAARI family, that is Canadian and American Active Retirees in Israel, a group of retired people from both the U.S. and Canada. Tour Coordinator Susan Horwitz and Tour Guide Neil Eisenstadt greeting us with hugs and gifts, while friends gave us a "welcome back" bouquet of beautiful flowers.
For the past few years we have joined CAARI in Israel for a very unique experience, combining community service in Tel Aviv with touring, other volunteer activities, lectures, and learning more about this amazing country.
Happily, the beginning of our stay this year coincided with the holiday of Tu B'Shevat, and thanks to an on time arrival by Air Canada, we managed to join the evening celebration only a few minutes after it began at the City Hotel in Tel Aviv. Tu B'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees is an annual holiday, a time for people of all ages to plant trees and celebrate the bounty of fruits of the earth. Our group joins together for a Tu B'Shevat Seder, during which we read about the meaning of the holiday, recite blessings, and drink wine, starting with white symbolizing the first flowers with their white blossoms, and gradually changing to red, as the colours of the flowers change with the season. Each table had a plate of dried fruits, figs, apricots, dates, raisins for everyone to share.
Of course there was music too, traditional and spirited songs played and sung by Gidi, a fine musician and friend of CAARI. Before long people started singing too, and after the readings, the dancing began. Almost everyone joined in, making a very lively and happy celebration.
The next morning, energized by a good night's sleep and delicious Israel breakfast, we left at 7:45 a.m. for another celebration of Tu B'Shevat, this one in the forest near Modiin, part way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem where JNF, Jewish National Fund organized a day of tree planting, and supplied some 15,000 seedlings. Here all over rocky hillsides, little white flags decorated the area. Each one marked a pre-dug hole, the right size for a tree seedling. First, members of our group each took a seedling, found a suitable place with a flag, and planted a tree, pressing the moist earth around it, and reciting a blessing over the tree. Then we took the flag as a reminder of our special commemoration of the holiday. After that, we went to work! On this holiday, Israelis come from far and near to plant trees. Our job was to actually give out the seedlings, mainly pine and cedar, to the people as they came by, and to direct them to the location for planting.
What a joy to see so many, especially young families with small children, who eagerly took a tree to plant.
Groups of school children came as well, and everyone climbed up the hillside to find a spot. Afterward we saw them leave holding their precious flags. We have ours as a memory of this special day.
In a few years this area will be covered with a forest which will form part of a green belt around Modiin.
More next time. Meanwhile, be well, and for those in Canada, stay warm!
Best wishes and shalom,
Marcia and Ron

"A Bit of Israel's Past"

Shalom,

The rains have come, with wind and cooler temperatures - but we are ready for this! We know that Israel desperately needs the rains, so we don't mind - well maybe just a little. On came the ponchos and rain gear - plus a few extra layers of sweaters - and off we went to Rehovot - a little south of Tel Aviv. Some of you may know this city as the site of the Weizman Institute, but it was the citrus capital of Israel, in the early years! We visited the Rehovot's first citrus orchard, Minkov Orchard, from 1904, which has now been preserved by the Society for Preservation of Israel's Heritage Sites (SPIHS) and JNF. Our wonderful guide, Assaf, explained the history of the site as we toured the harvesting and packing rooms and the original external combustion engine that still pumps water from 100 feet below ground. The highlight was picking our own fruit to make citrus juice - nothing as good as fresh squeezed juice with freshly picked fruit.

Our next destination, another SPIHS site, Ayalon Institute located at Kibbutz Hill, just across the valley from the Minkov Orchard. But - don't tell anyone. This was a secret ammunitions factory during the years 1946-1948. It wasn't until 1975 that it became well known that this was the location of the Haganah's clandestine factory. It is located underground with openings that were covered by a 10 ton oven and a large washing machine that camouflaged the noise of manufacturing bullets. We climbed down the steps, and toured the factory which produced over 2,500,000 9mm bullets mostly for Sten guns during its two years of operation.

Hats off to SPIHS and JNF to preserving Israel's history.

Time for lunch - not a outside picnic lunch, but inside! We also visited the newly dedicated Missions House, donated by JNF New York. This will be available for groups for conferences, meetings, etc.

By the time we got back to the hotel - the skies had cleared! Tomorrow morning we have free time after our community service! What will we do???

Warm regards from us.

CAARI 2010

Sunday, January 24 - Peres Peace Center and Jaffa

Shalom,

The weather has turned - yes - we have had rainy days - mostly nights. When it rains here - it really rains. But, that hasn't stopped us - we buddle a little more, put on raincoats and ponchos, extra layers and maybe an umbrella, if it isn't too windy! Just like the postman - CAARI goes on!

Today after Community Service, we visited the newly dedicated Peres Peace Center and learned about the terrific work they are doing. We were most impressed - not only with the building, its location, but the committment to peace activities. Next stop, a place called Nalag'at Center. This unique center includes a theatre of deaf-blind acting ensemble, a 'blackout'restaurant where guests are served in total darkness and a cafe tended by deaf or hearing impaired staff. This center gives opportunities to those who are challenged. Some of us tried to get tickets for the performance - but they are sold out!

Last stop of the day - dinner at Maganda Restaurant - a Yemenite Restaurant in 'little' Tel Aviv.

A little wine, tasty food and great company!

CAARI 2010

Shabbat in Tel Aviv by Anice Stark

Our first weekend here in Tel aviv was spent with lovely sunny warm weather. As usual, after breakfast most of the group headed toward the Shuk Ha Carmel and the craft market.

Our first stop was looking for tablecloths - we only saw one, so we will try again during the week. Of course, we bought some nuts to munch on. In the craft market we bought some jewelry. After a falafel lunch in a market restaurant, Arnold, Bernie were ready to to back to the hotel.

Saturday was another glorious day, while many in the group went to shul, we walked along the taleyet - along the sea. It was still early, but many people were already walking, biking and taking in the sights. We walked to the renovated Gordon Pool where people were swimming, eating on the patios and enjoying the Marina. Walking back to the hotel we stopped and watched the folk dancing and missed seeing Rosalie, Noami and Mashe - former CAARI participants who used to join in the dancing. We kept looking and were thinking of all our freinds who were not able to make CAARI this year. We miss you all.

As usual, the program is going well - Susan and Neil are keeping us busy and taking us to new places. We wonder how they find all of these places. Everyone is enjoying themselves. Some of gone to the movies and others went to a musical performance. We are all enjoying Tel Aviv!

Anice

PS - Arnold is walking well - not fast, but well!

Thursday in Tel Aviv - January 21

Shalom,

Another busy day! We are getting into the routine of getting up early, eating breakfast, picking up the newspaper at the small store across the street and waiting for our taxis to take us to our community service - some of walk to a neighborhood school. The kids already know us and "love us"! The patients in the rehab eagerly await our arrival - we feed them breakfast! This afternoon we visited a place called the Jaffa Institute where we packed food boxes for the needy. We also visited one of their after school facilities. It is wonderful to see that work that people do for others who are less fortunate. Enjoy the pictures!

CAARI 2010

Our Jaffa Adventure - Jan. 20 by Joan Hulkower

Shalom,

Every day has been an adventure and it is only day 2 in Tel Aviv. We started our community service work this week. Everyone comes back at noon very enthusiastic about their students. I am back at the Rehab Hosptial. Many of last year's staff greeted me like an old friend. The patients are all new, but we quickly learn who wants coffee or tea. My day starts serving breakfast to about 35 people in the Rehab dining room. When we are finished with breakfast, I change the linen on the beds and do odd jobs till we leave, around noon.

Lunch on community service days has been a special treat! Tablecloths and a served meal rather than a buffet!

This afternoon, we went to the American Colony in Jaffa, where we saw the houses that were built in 1865 by American families, from Maine, who came here on a 3 masted ship filled with wood for building the homes, farm equipment and even a piano. Although 5 out of the 22 homes are left, we visited one of the homes which is now owned by a couple who has ties to one of the original families. The people who came in 1865 only stayed 2 years due to the harsh existence and returned to Maine, but their rich history remains. Last night we saw a documentary about the American Colony in Jaffa made by Yael Katzir and were fascinated to be walking on one of those streets.

What a CAARI experience Bernie and I are having. We have only been in Tel Aviv 2 days and we have toured sites Tel Aviv, visited the wonderful Palmach Museum and heard about the issues in Iran by Bar Ilan University's Professor, Mordechai Kedar. They are really keeping us busy - we need time to do our laundry!
Joan

Working in the JNF Forests - January 17

Dear Friends and Family,

For years and years - for celebrations and in memory of all loved ones - all of us have had trees planted in the JNF forests in Israel. Today, we had the opportunity to see some of the millions of trees that have been planted - what a view. We drove to an area called Sataf, which is one of the Jewish National Fund's forests. This 250 acre site is the site where ancient agriculture is practiced as it was thousands of years ago and CAARI was going to do some of that work. We met with the forester who gave us an overview of the beautifully terraced site, most of which are planted with olive trees. We put on our work gloves, grabbed a hoe, cutters and off to work we went. We trimmed the olive trees, preparing them for a better harvest. Some of us worked on repairing the stone terraces. What hard work - first we had to take down the old stones, separate them and then rebuild. It took some time, but with the guidance of our JNF forester, Jamil, we did it. Check out the pictures - we are really proud of what we accomplished.

Picnicking at the JNF's American Independence Park (AIP) under the sunny warm skies was a delight. We walked around the site, viewing the dedicatory walls and stopping by the special Bat - Bar Mitzvah Wall where Bar/Bat Mitzvah children can link their names with children who perished in the Holocaust. This was particularly memorable as one of our former CAARI participant's brother, who perished in Hungary, was twinned with a teenager from Pittsburgh. Our journey continued to the amazing Sorek Caves. Yes, we climbed up and down the 100+ steps to see the artful display of limestone formations known as stalagmites and stalactites, some of which are three hundred thousand years old. On to Tel Aviv, where we will be staying for the next four weeks.
Our best to all of you!

CAARI 2010

Friday, January 15 from Herzl to Herodian

Dear Family and Friends,
We can't believe that the week is almost over - where did it go! We have seen so much and been so busy - most of us don't know what the date is. It has all been wonderful - including the weather. This morning we left the hotel early - but of course, had plenty of time for the delicious Israeli breakfast! Our first stop was the Herzl Museum. All of us agree that this is a must for anyone who comes to Israel! We are all so grateful to Theodore Herzl and his vision. From the museum we walked to the site of his grave - very impressive and stately. While we were there several groups of soldiers were also there to learn about this great leader. A couple of them were practicing for a ceremony and playing Hatikva on their guitars. They asked if we wanted to hear them - "of course" we all shouted! Wow - now that was something special! Neil, our guide, took us through Mt. Herzl Cemetery - past the graves of Israel's leaders - like Rabin, Golda Meir - and then on to the military part of the cemetery. Oh...so many young people gave their lives for us. We thank them for their sacrifice.
On the bus again and a short drive to the outskirts of Jerusalem, near Bethlehem, to Herodian. That King Herod really built some beautiful palaces! He placed this palace on a man-made mountain. You can only wonder - how did they build this 2000 years ago? We walked up the mountain and came down through the tunnels leading to the water cisterns. Even back then, they had to manage their water supply!
To prepare us for Shabbat Weekend, we stopped at the marketplace - Machane Yehuda - for a quick lunch and to see how Israelis prepare for the Shabbat. You really feel the spirit here! Many of use are going to services this weekend at the various synagogues. We are looking forward to spending Shabbat in Jerusalem.

Wishing all of you a Shabbat Shalom - enjoy the weekend.
The CAARI 2010 Family