As in the past years, we travelled to the fields near Rehovot to look for the areas where we have picked fruit in the past. This area is undergoing new construction so it was a little difficult to find our specific area! We were going to pick clementines. We did pick this fruit a couple of years ago and the experience wasn't memorable, the fruit was high on the trees and there is a way to picking clementines. One has to hold the fruit and twist like a light bulb. Sounds easy, but when the fruit is high on the tree it is much more difficult.
Imagine our surprise when we saw the orchard heavy with fruit! About 5 of us started working on this tree and the fruit came off easily, it was wonderful. We were able to fill our baskets quickly, even counting the time we spent tasting the fruit. In a very short while, we had picked close to 1000. pounds of clementines, we would have done much more, but the truck was waiting to take them to the delivery depot, and hopefully many poor and needy families had some fresh fruit. This organization provides fruits, vegetables and other foods to impoverished families. It was our pleasure to be a part of this mitzvah!
Warm Regards,
Anice Stark (Toronto)
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Today, we had to have a change of plans due to the weather. Rain was predicted and Neil and Susan had a change of plans - good thing as the rain really came down this morning and we were supposed to be working in the forest! 
In the morning, we had a speaker from the Ministry of Education who discussed the education system in Tel Aviv - the issues and challenges. By afternoon, the sun was shining as we made our way toward Jerusalem to a small town outside the City - called Motza. The Yellin House is a charming recently restored 19th century building with a history that goes back to the 1830's. This was one of the country's first Jewish farms and early hostel for those making their way to Jerusalem. These buildings were restored with the help of the Jewish National Fund..JPG)
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