Feb 17 - Hike Ein Gedi Springs & R&R

Shalom!
Here we are overlooking the beautiful, blue, calm Dead Sea - the sun is shining and temperatures are warm.  We know that the weather will be drastically changing in the next few days - another cold and wet forecast for the rest of the week.  So - today we are taking in the sunshine.
Many of us got up early and took a morning walk along the beach and even did some exercises at the 'adult playground' on the beach.
The breakfast menu is a little different here than the City - more delicious coffee cakes, yummy dark rye bread, lots of salads and other fresh vegetables and waffles - similar to those in American hotels. Guess you would say the menu is a mix of Israel, Russian and American items.  There are many Russian Israelis here - and yes they were in the Dead Sea early in the morning - a little 'chilly' for our CAARI group!
After breakfast we left for our hike at the Ein Gedi Springs.  This spectacular Nature Reserve, has two year-round streams, the David Stream (named after King David)  to the north and the Arugot Stream to the south. Neil began our hike with a geological explanation and with a discussion about the 6 references in the |Bible to Ein Gedi.  He read the portion about King David and Saul in the Book of Samuel where King goes into a cave and David cuts of the corner of his robe.  
And then, we began our journey!  The reserve offers a number of trails, from easy ones to those for experienced hikers. We took the lower David Stream (described in books as easy). The trail passes waterfalls and pools, and leads up to the beautiful David Waterfall. Along the way are trees typical to the reserve, among them acacias, Christ-thorn and Egyptian balsam.

Although the trail is described as easy - guess for the younger more experienced hiker- but never-the-less, it was still challange as we walked up and down many stone steps of uneven heights - some railings, crossed water area and climber up and down the hilly paths.  The views were spectacular with the Dead Sea in view as you looked to the East and majestic mountains as you looked up to the West. Enjoy the many pictures of CAARI. It took us a little over an hour to do the hike.  As you can see in the pictures - there is always time for ice cream!
Back at the spa, some took advantage of the many spa treatments and a 'float' in the hotel's salt-water pool!  We are already feeling more relaxed!
Wishing you all well!
CAARI

Heading South - Dead Sea - Feb. 16

Shalom,
Hard to believe that we have been in Tel Aviv for 4 weeks - time marches on!  We said good-bye to those that were leaving at the end of the Tel Aviv Programs called Fig and Wheat programs  - we had such a great group!
Bags packed, loaded on the bus we boarded and headed south!  The day was partly cloudy - but no rain,  definitively cooler temperatures.
Our first stop was just on the outskirts of Jerusalem - a solemn visit to the the JNF 9/11 Memorial. Very moving and impressive.  Back on the bus and on to Qumran, the area where the 



Dead Sea Scrolls were found around 1947. The scrolls were found in caves in this archaeological sites, thought to be settled by a Jewish sect known as the Essences around the time of the Macabiis in the Second Temple Period aproximately 2200 years ago.   

Arrived at the Prima Dead Sea Spa for some CAARI R & R and to explore local area sites.

Community Service at Ichilov Rehab Center

‘A Personal Look’ by Anice Stark

For the past few years I have been volunteering at the Ichilov Hospital Rehab Center in Tel Aviv.   The CAARI group of volunteers arrives at the Center by taxi around 7:45 AM,

in time to set up the trays for breakfast.  The food tray  includes cereal, yogurt, olives, bread and tea or coffee.   There are 2 dining areas on the floor and several of the CAARI volunteers are at each of these areas.   After breakfast, we collect the trays and prepare for the second group to arrive.  We also do paperwork, preparing the materials for patient charts and assist the staff in other activities.  Then it is time to set up the trays for lunch!

Most of the patients have some type of physical injuries and need some kind of therapy.   They sometimes are taken to the therapy department.  We can assist by walking with them.  This year, we have a former physiotherapist who has been of great assistance to the staff.    

Many of the patients speak some English.   They always like asking what we are doing in Israel – the words ‘kola hakavod’ are always heard by us.  As we spend more time at the rehab center, more and more patients want to speak with us.

I have worked the same area all these years and always receive a lovely welcome by many of the staff, as well as two of the female doctors.   The gratitude of the staff is more than enough for me as both the welcome and goodbyes are heartfelt. 

Feb 13 - Caesarea in the 'elements'!

Winter has returned to Israel - not the kind of winter that they are experiencing on the Eastern US coast or even Canada - but for us - it is clouds, rain with thunder & lightening, temperatures in the 50's, with high winds!  So, as the postal service used to say "...through rain,, sleet and hail,,' CAARI continues to tour!

Today was just a half day tour of the ancient port of Caesarea.

From the port we drove a short distance to the wonderful Ralli Art Museum, founded by Harry Recanati. The Museum exhibits mainly Latin American and Spanish paintings and sculptures, as well as local archaeological artifacts from Caesarea  . The second museum exhibits 16th to 18th century paintings depicting biblical themes. Definitely worth seeing!
Back to Tel Aviv for a bit of shopping, rest and our traditional Shabbat evening.
Wishing all of you a Shabbat Shalom.

CAARI 2015