From the Old City to the Botanical Gardens!

Greetings,
The Old City is full of civilizations and cultures – from Greek, Roman, Mamuluks, and so on! We captured a little of this as we walked the Four quarters. We learned about walls, relics, battles, the Jewish High Priests, the First and Second Temple Periods - and so much more! We walked the quarters, walked the rooftops and challenged Susan who was trying to keep us all together! A highlight of the tour (no, it wasn't the sherutim - bathroom - stops) was the newly renovated Hurva Synagogue - wow, most impressive. And, of course, we didn't miss the tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. Time for a little coffee - now which Quarter were we in? Do you think that street sign "HaKKari" was the first CAARI Period or from the First or Second Temple Period?

On Wednesday afternoon we had a delightful tour of the Botanical Gardens - spring, flowers and sunny skies- what could be better? Oh...maybe the little train that we road through the gardens - a welcome rest for our weary feet. Dr. Michael Avishi, the first director of the Botanical Gardens, gave a splendid tour of this special garden in the middle of Jerusalem.

In the evening, we enjoyed our Farewell Dinner at Luciana's in the German Colony. Dee, your song was so fitting as you included everyone in the lyrics! We have lots of talent in the group - and will publish the 'works' of Sid Golden, Gloria Kaufman and Marcia Bercov!

As they say...a good time was had by all! Some of our participants left that evening as CAARI 2011 starts to come to a close.

Warm Regards,

CAARI 2011

A Very Special Day - Feb. 21

Shalom,
Wish you could have been with us today - it was indeed very special. Our first stop was at Yad LaKashish, located near Jerusalem City Hall - an extraordinary place.

This is a non-profit organization that empowers and supports over 300 seniors and disabled Jerusalem residents on a daily basis by providing a creative work environment for them. We toured their workshops and watched as they diligently worked to make lovely gifts that they sell in the gift shop – yes, we did shop. They made cards, jewelry, tallit, embroidered tablecloths, challah covers, worked in wood, metal, paper mache and more. They spoke all languages and some of us spoke to them in Yiddish. Oy! Their website is http://lifeline.org.il/
Highly recommend a visit to this fanastic workshop.

Back on the bus to Mt. Herzl where Neil spoke about Theodore Herzl. We visited the graves of our fallen leaders - always a moving experience.

Our tour of Yad Vashem was indeed special. Most of us had been there before, but never had any of us had the experience that we had on this day. Our own CAARI 2011 participant, Nat Leipciger, a survivor of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp spoke to us. He began speaking to us at the site of the railroad car, on the grounds of Yad Vashem. He said that this was where it all began it began for him some 60 years ago - at a railroad car as the Nazis forced him and his family to board the train. From there we slowly and thoughtfully walked to the auditorium where for the next hour or so we sat and listened – silently. We were mesmerized as he shared his ‘story’ - we felt his pain and suffering as he told his story. Nate gave all of us a new meaning to the word ‘Holocaust’ and one we will never forget.
Later that evening we met with Chuck Kanafi, from the Foreign Ministry, who spoke on Israel and Turkey relations – all so relevant to what is going on in the news! What a Speakers Forum we have had these past 7 weeks!
Our CAARI 2011 days are coming to close – 3 more days. Wow – where did it go! We still have interesting places to visit.
CAARI 2011

Jerusalem Weekend - Feb. 19

Shalom,
We had a wonderful Shabbat weekend! We began Friday with a CAARI speaker, Amotz Asa El – a leading journalist. His subject – “A New Middle East?” Nothing could be more relative and informative regarding today’s current situation. If any of you are interested in reading his column you can follow him on http://www.middleisrael.com/

Most of us took advantage of the sunny, warm weather and strolled through the city – some of shopped, explored Mechane Yehuda (the shuk/marketplace), visited with family and friends and attended evening services in area synagogues. Saturday, many of us walked the city, attended services and enjoyed a walking tour and visits with family and friends. All of which prepared us for our week in Jerusalem.
Sunday morning clouds were prevalent, and rain predicted, but that didn’t stop us. First thing in the morning, we headed to Hebrew Union College where we met Rabbi Shelly for a tour of the campus and Skirball Museum. Rabbi Shelly gave us a better understanding of the growing Reform community and the related religious issues in Israel.
From there we walked to Jaffa Gate and met with a representative from Jerusalem Foundation who is working with JNF on a project to restore the outside City Walls around Jaffa Gate and the green area adjacent to the walls. This is one of JNF – Toronto’s project.
Our day was not yet complete or the rain and winds over. We persevered through lunch at Mamila Mall and continued our tour of Jerusalem’s Artists Colony, known as Hotzot Hayotzer. We met very talented artists and saw their extraordinary crafts - from silver smiths, to modern jewelry with Roman glass, to paintings. We learned about their current situation regarding the eviction of this 40 year old area which was set aside for them by the former legendary mayor Teddy Kollek. The quality of their work is incredible and meeting them was very special. We wish them much luck and support in the attempt to remain in this area.
Well, that is that for the weekend and Sunday. Stay tuned for our next few days.
CAARI 2011