Jerusalem Day - Monday, February 24

Monday we spent in the center of modern Jerusalem.  Our first stop was "Yad Lakashish" an Shivtei Yisrael Street.  This is a non-profit organization designed to empower over 300 Jerusalem elderly providing them with sense of purpose and self-worth through creative opportunities and a sense of community.  For more than 5 decades this organization has provided creative and creative work for the elderly.  They take pride in what they are doing whether it be making greeting cards, jewelry, needlework or metal art. Their work is sold to the public at the gift shop.  CAARI had the opportunity to tour the workshops and meet the people and THEN shop!  See their website for more information:
www.lifeline.org.il

Zvi, our guide for the day, then took us across the street to the 'Museum of the 'Underground Prisoners' which was built as a Russian Woman Pilgrim Hostel in mid 19th Century.  During the Mandate Period, the British transformed the building into the Central prison.  Hundreds of Jewish underground fighters were imprisoned here.  It was a very moving visit as we learned about their lives and how they fought for the establishment of the State of Israel.

Off to lunch - walking through the streets of Jerusalem, City Hall to Mamila Mall!  Following lunch we walked to Jaffa Gate to the David Citadel Museum for a spectacular view of the City (several flights up!)and tour of the museum, which describes in various exhibits, the history of Jerusalem!
We concluded the day with a talk by Gadi who discussed Jerusalem after 1967 - giving us incite into today's issues and challenges.  That was our Jerusalem Day!

 

Herodian - Feb. 23

Spectacular!  Amazing!  And...what a view!  It is hard to describe one of Herod's greatest architecture  achievements! But, Neil always does a superb job!   CAARI climbed the mountain that Herod had built to house his Palace and his final resting place.   Then we made our way down for a tour of the Royal Palace area and into the tunnels that held the water cisterns.
Our next visit of the day was Gush Etzion to learn about the dramatic story of the massacre that took place in May 1948.  But, 19 years later, the area is back in Jewish hands and today this is a thriving community.

CAARI Poem by Ellie Silver

Today is Shabbat and we are enjoying a quiet day of doing things on our own  - spending time with family and friends, walking around the neighborhoods and enjoying the lovely weather.
Last night at our Oneg Shabbat, Ellie Silver shared a poem she wrote about CAARI and wanted to share it with all of you!  Think you will enjoy!
Thank you Ellie!
Shabbat Shalom to ALL!

Ellie working in the forest....

dancing at CAARI Celebration 

tutoring English at HaGalil

Balancing on a bike at Holon Design Museum 

Viewing Nir Am Reservoir 

Why Come to CAARI
by Ellie Silver

You can come to CAARI for a wealth of knowledge
                experience and fun

You can come to CAARI all by yourself

            And make friends when the day is done.
You can come to CAARI to immerse in Israel
            learn about the difficult and good.

You can come to CAARI for all of the above
            But you don’t come to CAARI for the food!

You can come to CAARI to go into the schools
            and by greeted by smiling faces.

You can come to CAARI to make up breakfast trays

            In a hospital of all places!

You can come to CAARI, visit archeological sites

            Learn of projects that lift up your mood.

You can come to CAARI for all of the above.

But you don’t come to CAARI for the food!

You can come to CAARI and go to the Negev, truly a revelation to see
              Olive groves bloom and citrus trees, too, thanks to Israeli ingenuity.

You can come to CAARI and discover, Jerusalem in all its glory,

            And learn under every step you take there’s a deep meaningful story.

You can come to CAARI and be confident you’ll never have time to brood.

You can come to CAARI for all of the above

            But you don’t come to CAARI for the food!

You can come to CAARI because Susan and Neil attend to you night and day.

She hovers around, “Are you sure your health is sound?”

He always has something to say!

You can come to CAARI with ease of mind and confidence boarding the bus.

            “Sheritim’ will be near, at nature’s call have no fear,

            when in need there will not be a fuss.

You can come to CAARI for hotels basic and baser, when suddenly out of the blue
            you check into the Prima Royale and guess what?

YOU CAN COME TO CAARU FOR THE FOOD!!!

           

           
 

Shabbat Shalom from CAARI in Jerusalem

This morning we enjoyed hearing from an outstanding jourmalist, Amotz Asa-El. Amotz has been a featured speaker for the CAARI program for over 10 years and he certainly lived up to his reputation.  He brought us up-to-date on the issues regarding Israel and Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, Iraq and the Ukraine .  Today's Jerusalem Post featured a story by Amotz. You too can follow along, www.middleisrael.net

Following the lecture, CAARI had a free day to shop, tour some of the Christian sites or just 'hang out' in the lobby with a harpist and our iPads .  Some will be attending services and together we will enjoy our traditional Shabbat Dinner. 

Wishing all our family and friends a very happy Shabbat Shalom.

Love to All,
CAARI 2014