Thursday - Tefen Industrial Park & visit to Old Gesher

Today we departed the Pastoral Hotel for our last day of touring the north.  We had a fabulous experience this past week, with lots of wonderful memories.   We enjoyed the hotel, the musical weekend, the relaxing spa treatments that some of had and all of us enjoyed the beautiful array of foods on the buffet. 


After breakfast, we loaded the bus with the luggage and  departed for Tefen,  a Hi Tech Research and Manufacturing Zone,  built according to the model of Steph Wertheim. There are four others like this one in Israel. The one we visited employs people from the surrounding Misgav Region and Sachnin Valley.  We were welcomed by Rachel who explained the model to us and we saw a short movie about Steph Wertheim, who made came to Israel on the 5th Aliya with his parents.  They came to Israel from Germany. we briefly toured the interested Open Museum which tells the story of those that came to Israel from German speaking countries.  

We had a special treat, as a new art exhibition was opening over the weekend and we got a sneak preview.  The exhibit was by Nina Recanati Dearling.  Amazing!  

From there we drove an hour south to Gesher, a Kibbutz from 1920's that has survived until today. It sits on the Jordan River and endured hard battles in 1948.   WE had a picnic lunch - the sun finally came out!  Our guide gave us an overview of the Kibbutz with emphasis on the power plant that was built there ins the 19 20's,  

We arrived in Tel Aviv,  where we will be for the next four week.  We met new people who have joined the program.  Friday was a free day, with sunshine and it was great walking around Tel Aviv.  We enjoyed a Shabbat dinner followed by a creative Oneg Shabbat.  

Sunday will be our first day of community service.  

L'hitriot
CAARI 2018

Wednesday - Golan and Hula Valley

Today, we began our day by driving to  Kibbutz Ein Zivan.  This is where one of  Israel's premier chocolate factories is located, known as De Karina. 

First, we sampled 'a box of chocolates'.   This was followed by a workshop where we made our own chocolates.  The creative CAARI group donned hats and began working with the chocolate, white, dark and milk chocolate, making their own individual chocolate gems!

Monday- 15 January - Hike & Visit to Malkia & soldiers

Description and more pictures to follow

January 14 - Winery Visit and tour of Naot Shoe Factory

Description to follow

Sunday, January 14 - Jeep Tour along Northern Border

Thunder, lightening, and  rain, but that didn't dampen the CAARI spirit!  We came prepared!  

Following breakfast, we departed for Kibbutz Meron HaGolan, where we will meet Ilan Shulman, a company commander in a reserve Paratroop Battalion,  with a MA degree  in Mideast Studies.   We  explored the Kunetra Valley, with it lush orchards fields, and panoramic view of Syria, in 4X4 jeeps to learn about complexities of the region - the  geopolitical nature of the region.  And, they are complex! 

Ori and his 'girls"

Saturday January 13 - Shabbat

Perfect sunny winter day!  Temperatures in high 60's.  This is a day that we enjoyed doing our own thing. Some took walks, some rested up and others enjoyed Mozart - another classical concert followed by a 'light snack"! 

In  the afternoon, some of us toured the Kibbutz.  Our guide was perfect for our group - knowledgeable with a great sense of humor.  Did you know that the Kibbutz was named after a Jewish Prime Minister of France back in the late 20:s?  We enjoyed a lovely walk around the kibbutz along the River Jordan.  Beautiful scenery and serene or Pastoral, some may say!


Neil conducted Havdalah - very memorable - dinner and rest for a busy week. 














Shavuah Tov!
CAARI 2018