The Makhtesh! Mitzpa Ramon

Boker Tov Mitzpe Ramon!

You are asking - did we spell this right? Makhtesh?  What is it?


People may be more familiar with calling it the Ramon Crater.  Makhtesh Ramon is a beautiful nature reserve in the heart of the Negev Desert.  Our first activity, after breakfast,  was  a 3 mile hike through a part of the Makhtesh.

Some of us did the 3 miles and others, only the first part.  We saw archaeological ruins from the Nabatean times, colorful springs flowers, and walked along, sometimes in the springs,  surrounded by amazing rock formations and blue, blue skies.  The contrast was magnificent.  We definitely took the time to enjoy the natural nature of Israel.

Off to lunch at the Commercial Center, the 'downtown'area of Mitzpe Ramon.
 - many of us had a taste for ice cream!

On to the Visitors Center for a very moving film on Ilan Ramon and an an explanation of how the Makhtest was formed.  Our day is not over - maybe Stargazing tonight!  This all depends on the weather! Well, today, so far, was beautiful.  Our leaders will think of Plan B, if if the weather does no cooperate!

Wine tasting with Yair

Shalom CAARI Friends and Family,

It is hard to believe that in a few days we will complete with our 4 weeks of community service work in Tel Aviv.  It was a wonderful experience!  The children were terrific and so adorable, the dogs were loving, and the Botanical Garden is just in the beginning of displaying the colorful spring flowers.   This coming week we will  tour in the Negev and conclude the CAARI Program in Jerusalem. 



Today, Feb 13 we a had special afternoon with Yair .  Most tours visit wineries, but CAARI went a step further, we had a sommelier explain Israeli wines and the history and growth of the  wine industry in Israel.   This way,  we were able to taste a variety of wines from Vineyards throughout the country.  L'chaim to  CAARI!

February 6 - Visit to Beit She'an

The bus is packed and we are ready to leave our Galilee 'home',  Kibbutz Ma’agan.   

Our first stop is Naharayim, also known as the Island of Peace.  This  site is dedicated to 7 girls, from a girls’ high school from Beit Shemesh.   They were on a class trip on March 13, 1997, when a  Jordanian soldier opened fire on the children, killing seven girls. 

A memorial was erected in memory of the murdered girls,  made up of seven hills of dirt surrounded by grass, with the name of each girl written in flowers on each mound   Every year,  families and friends gather together in Naharayim in memory of the girls.  Next week is the memorial.    

Neil, our guide,  was explaining about the curator and said that she comes everyday to tend to the memorial garden.  To our surprise she was at the site and we were able to speak to her.   

Then on to Beit She’an to, the largest archaeological sites, in the Middle east.  The spectacular ruins of the glory that was the Roman and Byzantine city of Bet She’an.

The  spectacular ruins of the glory that was the Roman and Byzantine city of Bet She’an. Rising above them is the tel on which Biblical Bet She’an stood. Neil took us on a highlight tour including:

1. The entrance plaza – model of the Roman-Byzantine city and view of the site.

 2. Roman theater – the spectacular remains and reconstruction of the 2nd century  and used today for concerts and various productions. 

 3.   Western bathhouse – the ruins of the large bathhouse of Bet She’an, in use during the Byzantine period. The remains of the bathhouse offer an opportunity to get to know this aspect of life at that time.

 4.   The reconstructed cardo (Palladius Street) – a street paved with basalt stone.  An incredible site!

Back on the bus, for a scenic view of the Jezeral Valley. 

The bus climbed up and around Mt Gilboa.  Spring flowers are beginning to sprout,  with patches of the colorful cyclamen and the first leaves of the famous Gilboa iris, soon to be blooming.  This area is steeped in Biblical history from the time of King Saul.  We arrived at the site at the same time 2 buses with school boys arrived for a walk the site.   It was great to see how, in the middle of the day, Israelis enjoy nature and biblical history.  The is one of JNF Canada’s Projects.  Great view of the valley below!

Off to lunch and then Tel Aviv where we will meet new participants and continue our volunteering and exciting program for the next weeks.  It has been an exhilarating CAARI experience in the Galilee. 

Shabbat Shalom to family and friends!