Yemenite Heritage Museum

CAARI arrived back from Community Service, had lunch at the hotel and off to Rosh Hayin, a city just outside Tel Aviv.  

In spite, of the dark skies, heavy rains and cold temperatures (a real Israel winter day), we received a warm welcome by Yiska and the volunteers at the Yemenite Heritage Center.  This museum is dedicated to preserving the Yemenite heritage. with documents, photos, ancient manuscripts, household utensils, traditional dress and artistic artifacts. 


Yiska gave us a wonderful and description explanation of the Yemenite people, including their customs and traditions.  This was brought to live when with the sound of drums and the voices of Yemenite women, dressed in traditional customs, dancing along side, CAARI's Bart and Paula, dressed as a bride and groom.  CAARI joined them in dance and song as so did our driver, Zaharia, who knew all the steps and could even balance a the basket on his head while dancing.  

After the Heritage Center visit, we drove to the local synagogue where we were we had another treat - a 'heder' class!  These young boys and their teacher were amazing!  We learned about their studies and listened to the as they chanted in unison and alone.  It was truly a festive and beautiful afternoon - heartwarming! 

Community Service - January 26 by M. Bercov

'Thoughts on Community Service " by Marcia Bercov 

During CAARI's stay in Tel Aviv, people in the group volunteer in  variety of jobs and places.

Some work in a rehab or active treatment hospital, while most go to elementary schools to help students with their English skills.  The schools vary from religious to more secular, but most are located in more economically disadvantaged areas of the city.

Having volunteered in a three different schools over the years, I can say that the kids are lots of fun to meet, and all of them have interesting stories to tell about themselves.  Some come from immigrant families, some native Israelis, they have sisters and brothers, dogs or cats, take music lessons or play on sports teams, and most of them like pizza! 

About three years ago, the Community Service program expanded to include the Tel Aviv Botanical Garden, on  the campus of Tel Aviv University, which was my choice last year and this one.  Three or four members of our group take a cab to the Garden on Community Service mornings, and return in time for lunch. 

 

The cab ride is an experience in itself!  Israeli roads are narrower, some times a single lane on a major route, and the cars mostly compact in size.  But the drivers want to get to their destination fast, so they dodge in and out, being careful to respect the ever present city buses.  Then there are the motorcycles to add to the mix.  Our drivers have amazingly quick reflexes. 

Once at the Garden, the volunteers meet the staff at the Seed Room.  The Curator, Tal, usually organizes our activities for the morning, often with some time in the Seed Room to start.