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.
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
The CAARI 2010 Family
