Today's Journey by Amy Glaser, Marilyn Oser, Bernie Hulkower and Anice Stark

Dear Friends and Family,
Here are the thoughts about today's travels by a number of the CAARI participants.
Amy Glaser - Boston area

I (Amy Glaser) would call today - 'From Holocaust to Hope at Hadassah and JNF (Jewish National Fund).

Love to my family - enjoying your comments!

Marilyn Oser (Port Washington)
This was a day of remembering. In the morning, after a sumptious Israeli breakfast, our group visited the world headquarters of the Jewish National Fund. We viewed their "Golden Books", a collection of annual volumes going back to 1901 and the founding of JNF. Each is a tomb of enormous size and impressive verses, tooled in painted leathers covers. Each documents important donations made in honor of individuals, and documentation includes the honorees names, date and places of birth and often a photo. It was very moving to see these tributes. It was fun - as well to see a small exhibit of blue tzedaka boxes so familiar worldwide, dating from early in the century up to recent times - and one even made by Tiffany!
Next, or our itinerary was Hadassah Hospital where we visited the Chagall Windows, a reminder of the 12 tribes - the sons of Jacob. Chagall's evocative work makes for a beautiful place of visit and contemplation in the midst of the hive of activity that is in the hospital. The afternoon was dedicated to Yad Vashem, which means a memorial to the names. This is always a sobering experience, sober yet somehow uplifting, too, in its commitment to preserving the memory of all those who died and to telling their story with dignity and integrity.

For the entire day I was reminded again and again of the strength of our Jewish Community.

Bernie Hulkower- Port Washington
Our trip started in Jerusalem where winter has delivered harsh weather in past visits. Thankfully, these first two day have been pleasant with temperatures in the 60's with sun. Today, we went to Hadassah Hospital where we visited the Children's Pavillon (in addition to the Chagall Windows). It was an eye opener. Each room has a bed for a parent so that the child need never to alone. They also provide teachers so that the child held for a prolonged period need not fuall behind in school.
It was also made clear that the hospital is OPEN to people from all faiths. This is an impressive place!

Anice Stark - Toronto, Canada
It was another lovely day in Jerusalem - perfect weather for touring. Our visit to Jewish National Fund World Headquarters was very meaningful to Arnold and me. Each book, with covers beautifully designed by artists, is a history of the Jewish People going back to 1901. One of the books, that brings you to tears, is the one that has Bar Mitzvah aged children - many who perished in the Holocaust.
Our visit to Hadassah Hospital began with a video about the Hadassah's work and it's vision for the future. It is impressive to see their contributions in the medical field. And then to see for ourselves, the Mother and Child Unit - is truly amazing. After lunch, we headed to Yad Vashem. This year we divided the group so that those that have been there before visited several exhibitions which we have never seen before. The collection of art by painters who perished in Theisenstadt was amazing. We also visited the synagogue which has some artifacts from synagogues that had been destroyed. What made our visit special was the warm reception we received from Mr. Shaiya Ben Yehuda, Director of International Development, who spoke to our group. He made us feel very special and we appreciate the time he took to be with us.

CAARI 2010 Arrives in Israel by Roberta Jacobs - Boston

Dear Family and Friends
We arrived in Israel Sunday - had our welcome dinner at the hotel. This gave us all to chance to meet each other and play "Jewish Geography"! Yes - there are many connections. The group is terrific, congenial, knowledgeable and all of us have one thing in common - we are happy to be in Israel. We are HOME!

What a first day! First of all, the weather is beautiful - sunny with temperatures in high 60's. Doesn't that sound nice? The Program Director, Susan is delightful and organized. Neil, our guide, is thorough, flexible and a wealth of knowledge. We began the day with a view of Jerusalem from Mt. Olives, followed by a tour of the City of David - amazing what they have found - artifacts from 5000 years ago. We walked down steps viewing the various layers of civilizations and through the water tunnels from time of Abraham. We were all in awe with what we saw. But, the highlight for me was going to the Wall. It was dusk, the sun setting and a perfect way to end a day! But - our day didn't end there - in the evening Ido Aharoni, from the Foreign Ministry, spoke to the group about how Israel is viewed and what is being done to change this. Good discussion!

Enjoy, the pictures!
Shalom from Jerusalem,

Roberta

CAARI Program 2010

Dear CAARI Participants, Family and Friends,

Shalom and welcome to the CAARI 2010 Blog! On January 10th CAARI participants will arrive in Israel to begin their 7 week CAARI experience. They want to share with you their journey and will be using the Blog to describe their daily accounts. We also are part of FACEBOOK this year - join the CAARI Group! If you wish to leave a comment on the blog, just click on "comments" at the end of the text and pictures!

Warmest Regards,

Susan Horwitz (Program Director)

Nahum Eisenstadt (Director - Tourism)

Salute to CAARI 2009

Thank you for coming to Israel. We know that these were difficult times and salute your dedication and committment to Israel!! As we traveled through the country, you touched the hearts of children, patients, parents, teachers and so many people. They thanked you for coming and doing what you do. We echo their sentiments.

Next year - Jerusalem

Susan, Neil and the CAARI staff at Gil Travel and Kenes Tours

Jerusalem - March 2 & 3

Dear Friends,
The skies have cleared - a little - but it is still quite chilly. Our day began at the Herzl Museum on Mt. Herzl. Another outstanding audio-visual presentation of the history of Zionism and Theodore Herzl. From there we visited Yad Vashem. Always a moving experience. Some of us had been there several times so Neil took us on a special to see Holocaust art and other special exhibits - certainly a day for reflection.
Our evening was one of celebration as we had dinner at one of Jerusalem's newest restaurants - Angelica's - a dining experience! Of course, we had some time to sing some new lyrics to our favorite "CAARI" Song". Thanks to Joni, Irwin and Doris - Marcia always adds a new verse on tune and to our dear Noami. There are no words for this special talented lady!

Tomorrow is our last day of CAARI 2009 - and we will visit another new site - a salvage dig. We will be sifting through the fill that was taken from Temple Mt. (Solomon's Stables). From there we will visit the Jewish Quarter and depart.
L'triot to our friends. We are anxious to see you and share our pictures and stories about our trip! It was fabulous!
Regards from Jerusalem,

CAARI 2009

Jerusalem Days - March 1

And the Rains Came...Jerusalem
Dear Friends,

It was inevitable - the rains! Yes, we need them in Israel, but couldn't they have waited another few days! Well, rain doesn't stop CAARI!! Under wind, rain and dark skies we donned warm clothing, hoods, rain hats and umbrellas (anything to keep warm and dry) and we made our way to the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens - one of JNF Canada's funded projects. Usually we see all the beautiful spring flowers - but this year we couldn't walk through the gardens. Instead, we had a excellent lecture by Dr.Michel Avishai, former Director of the Jerusalem Botonical Gardens and Professor at Hebrew University. Somehow, between the rain drops we got back on the bus and visited the Tropical Conservatory - so we did get to see some gorgerous orchids. From flowers to history - as our next stop was the Begin Museum. This is one of Jerusalem's newest museums and they have developed an incrediable audio visual production on the life story of Prime Minister Begin. It gave many of us a new appreciation of this special statesman and his contribution to building the State of Israel. Once outside the museum Neil gave us a short tour of archeological finds that were discovered when they were building the museum. Where does he FIND these places?

Our day ended with my our favorite speakers - Gil Hoffman - Jerusalem Post journalist. Gil brought us up-to-date in the coaliltions talks going on. Who knows - these are interesting times!

Warmest Regards,
The CAARI Family

Jerusalem Days

February 26 - Around the City
Thursday was our first full day in Jerusalem. First stop, Yad Lakashish - a non-profit community agency founded in 1962 – called a Lifeline for the Elderly – we would prefer that they use the term ‘seniors’! The philosophy of this organization is based on the idea that purposeful recreation and activities of self-help can the elderly and disabled lead a life of meaning and dignity. Over a hundred “seniors” from varied ethnic and social backgrounds, speaking many languages, including immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and South America now have a reason to get up in the morning and a place to go to share their artistic talents in a productive and meaningful way. All workers receive a small stipend for their work and benefit from a wide-ranging social support network.
The Program director took us through the various workshops (where we had an opportunity to see their creative work. We also got a chance to speak with the participants - did you know that our group is multi-lingual? Mark was speaking Spanish to a woman from South America, Nettie spoke French to another person, Bernie and Sonny were conversing in Yiddish, Noami in Hebrew and the rest of us in English! What a treat for us! Not to mention – that we had a chance to purchase some of the original works of art!

Our next stop, was the Russian Compound in a place known as the Prison Museum of`Underground Organizations. This was constructed in 1858 as a hostel for Russian Pilgrims. During the British Mandate Period it was used a prison for both criminal and political prisoners – those that fought for the Hagana, the Etzel and Irgun. We heard interesting stories about their who they were, what they did and why they were there. We toured their reconstructed cells, kitchen, workshops – we saw how they lived. Our exceptional guide told us about the Rabbi Aryeh Levin (known as the father of the prisoners)who would come every week to meet with the prisoners and how he brought comfort to their lives. And…of course the famous story of Meir Feinstein and Moshe Barazani. This is a place not to be missed!
Our lunch place was the Machane Yehuda Market – one of the busiest places in Jerusalem on a Thursday afternoon – you can buy ANYTHING and for a good price! The vegetables and fruits are gorgeous and tasty – not to mention the halva – one of CAARI’s favorites. In the evening Davna, from KKL, spoke to us about the land issues in Israel. We are looking forward to a free day on Friday to wander around the city, shop, eat and enjoy the ambience of Jerusalem!
Shabbat Shalom,
Your CAARI friends!