February 22 - Hadassah Hospital adn Yad Vashem

Shalom from Jerusalem where the snows have melted and all returning to normal.  Although, temperatures a slightly below normal!  But,much better than in the US and Canada.
We began our day at the Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem.  We were welcomed by Barbara Sofer, director of public relations for Hadassah and journalist, who gave us an enlightening tour of this impressive, world reknown medical facility.  We began our tour in the newly constructed, Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower,  Wow - this has to be one of the most modern,  advanced inpatient medical center in the world!  The operating centers, with 30 operating rooms are located underground, designed with both the needs of the patients' and today\s and tomorrow's changing medical needs.  From there, we visiting the Mother & Child Center.  The Hadassah Hospital treats ALL  Israelis!  A victim of a terrorist attack, Dvif Musai, spoke to us about his treatment at Hadassah for the past 15+ years.  At the age of five he stepped on a mine which severely damaged his body, from head to toe.  His attitude, fortitude and medical care, he said,  is attributed to the care and comfort he had and continues to have at Hadassah Hospital.  Following the hospital tour, we visiting the Chagall Windows in the hospital synagogue - beautiful!
After lunch, we visited Yad Vashem, beginning with the visit to the Valley of the Communities, the Hall of Remembrance,  the Children's Museum, and then the main museum.  There really are no words to describe this emotional visit.
In the evening, journalist and Wall Street Journal Contributor, Amotz Asa-El,  spoke to us about the upcoming Israel Elections and answered our questions regarding the current issues.  The consensus was that he was outstanding!
We are coming down to the last days of CAARI 2015 and the camaraderie of the and the CAARI spirit group continues!
Wishing you a good week!
CAARI 2015

Snow Day in Jerusalem - Feb 20

Thursday 19 February the last day of Shvat, we arrived in Jerusalem in late afternoon.  We were welcomed by a winter rain storm which was expected to turn to snow.  But, you know how weather forecasts are - hard to predict! However, when we looked out our windows in the early morning, the snow was blowing and about 4 inches had fallen.  Yes, we know that Boston has much more, but this is a BIG deal here.  The city was closed and no traffic coming in or out of the city.  We were lucky - here for the week, but others who had flights going out this morning were stuck in Jerusalem.

Susan met up with Georgina around 6:30 AM and they went for a picturesque walk with cameras in hand!  Up Keren HaYasod St, down Agron Street, past the American Consulate, through Mamilla Mall, up the steps to Jaffa Gate to the Armenian Quarter in the Old City.  It was truly beautiful as there were no cars and few people, just clean white snow hugging the buildings and clinging the to trees, including palm trees!  By afternoon, the snow has begun to melt and the sun was shining  By Sunday, when CAARI is on the road again, this snow day will only be a memory!  Enjoy the pictures!

Wishing all of you a Shabbat Shalom,
CAARI 2015

it is important to know where the sheritim is - no matter the weather!

Masada and Israel - Feb 19

This morning we checked out of our hotel, loaded the bus and got the bus on the road!  A short drive to our first stop – Masada – the rugged, majestic fortress built by King Herod, which overlooks the Dead Sea. There are 3 ways to ascend this dramatic mountain fortress – most take the cable car, others, climb the steps of the steep narrow ‘snake’ path, usually done by ‘youth’, and those more adventurous, take the ‘runners path’ around the mountain.  No challenge is too great for CAARI as three of our hearty participants, Georgina, Mark and Joel, climbed the ‘snake’ path!   Kol Ha Kavod! 

 

Once on the top of the mountain, our Josephus (Neil) explained the amazing construction done by King Herod, much which is preserved today and uncovered by one of Israel’s leading archeologists: Yigal Yadin and Prof. Ehud Netzer.  We toured the Western Palace, with stunning mosaic tile floors and viewed the Northern Palace where Herod built elaborate bath facilities.   Neil explained the sophisticated water systems which collected run-off water from a single day's rain.

The other story of Masada is the final stand between the Jewish rebels and the Roman army.  The rebels choose to commit mass suicide rather than be captured and enslaved by the Romans.  The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege.

Back down the mountain – all by cable car – lunch and on to Jerusalem.  The weather reports were ominous – with snow predicted for the evening.  Although it was raining, we made a VERY short stop for a view of the Old City and a quick stop at the Western Wall before getting to our hotel.  

Susan and Neil said if we get snowed in – it will be a first for CAARI!  We will see!  Enjoy the pictures!

CAARI 2015 

Wednesday - Feb. 18 - R&R & Winery Visit

Shalom!



Weather Report - It seems that throughout the USA, Canada and Israel, all are focused on the winter weather.  Although we had many beautiful days with sun and warm temperatures, we are now experiencing winter warnings with snow expected in Jerusalem!  OY!  This morning, here at the Dead Sea, we had morning clouds, followed by sun, rain sprinkles when we went to the Winery and ending the day with a beautiful rainbow!

Some of us began the day with a walk before breakfast, had spa treatments or just relaxed until this afternoon.  We drove up the mountain to the development town of Arad and to a small winery called Yatir.  This is a small, boutique, high quality winery which was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between the grape-growers of the area and Carmel Winery. The winery was built at the foot of the famous Tel Arad archaeological site, on a hill 600 meters above sea level on the outskirts of Yatir Forest, a JNF forest and the largest hand planted forest in the world! Yatir's wine has received top accolades from critics such as Robert Parker.  It is the first Israeli wine to be listed in the main selection of  Selfridges in London.

Eti, the marketing manager, is quite proud of the winery, its wine and the quality of its wines.  Of course, the highlight of the tour was the sampling of the quality wines!  
Off to Masada tomorrow and on to Jerusalem.  Let's hope that the snow holds off!  
Wishing you a good day!
CAARI 2015