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| Happy 2011 everyone! The power point presentation from our Israel trip is now available for $18 - please send a check to Cong Sinai, 55 Old Gate Lane, Milford 06460 and write 'pps' in the memo.
Nov 18 - final entry for this blog. We are home, safe and sound, each one of us transformed in some way by our experience. More about that in a moment, but let me tell you about our last day in Israel. As you can already guess it was too jam packed to even write a blog entry! We checked out of the Prima Royale hotel and headed down to the Dead Sea region. The drive from Jerusalem takes less than an hour, during which we drop 4,000 feet in elevation, and pass from a modern, highly developed city through some of Israel's most barren areas. Along the way we passed Bedoin encampments complete with goats and camels. (Remember the test blog I wrote before the trip "we saw camels" - we really did!!) Sand dunes, craggy rock outcrops, and scrub vegetation are punctuated by lush crop fields thanks to irrigation. We arrived at Masada - the last stronghold against the Roman invasion in 70 c.e. Four intrepid souls climed the snake path to the top, the rest of us took the cablecar. Reuven, our guide, deftly led us through the ruins there, telling the story of the community that lived successfully up there for three years before choosing death over Roman enslavement. As always, he concluded with a spiritual charge to appreciate freedom, and what others have done to pave the way for us. Wending our way back down to the Dead Sea we headed for a hedonist's play groud: the Dead Sea Spa. Mud baths, floating on thick salty water, massages, and hot tubs left us relaxed and refreshed. Back up to Jerusalem for our farewell dinner at Olive and Fish, a funny name for a meat restaurant. Words of appreciation were spoken all around. We said farewell to Dan, Diane and Janis who were headed to Jordan, and the rest of us trucked off to Ben Gurion Airport. We parted from our driver Itzik, and guide Reuven with much gratitude for their part in our successful trip. The flight home was long but uneventful. So here we are, back at home, but not the same people we were just 12 days ago. Each of us has begun the process of reviewing the trip, identifying highlights, turning points, favorites, and memorable moments. Just as important, we have begun to list the things we did not get to do due to time constraints. And perhaps a begun to imagine the next visit. We have already begun working on a presentation to which everyone is invited - Weds Dec. 8 at 6:00. We will have dinner, light the menorah, and share more of our experiences and photographs with you. Please join us! Nov 16, 2010 - my apologies for not blogging yesterday - will try to catch you up today. Yesterday's theme was The Modern State - we were treated to a tour of the Supreme Court building - a masterpeice of architecture. The shutterbugs had a great time there. A short walk away stands the Knesset and the Menorah - symbol of the Jewish State. Talk about a photo-op.  Lunch at the Mall with all of its trendy stores and a food court (kosher Burger King) was followed by a spectacular view of the entire city of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Dinner was served outdoors on the patio at Anna Ticho House, and the final event of the evening was a light and sound spectacular at the Citadel capturing the history of Jerusalem. We sat in the courtyard of this archeological dig-turned-musem as images appeared and moved across the ancient stone wall. Breathtaking! Our day began today with the Chagall windows at Hadassah Hospital (The Hadassah members among us felt a special pride in this institution which does so much for so many.) Then the group split - one choice was Yad VaShem - the holocaust museum, the other choice the Israel Musem. Two very different experiences, each adding a different element to the trip. Then we were off to Neot Kedumim - a biblical landscape reserve where we were treated to lunch made entirely from ingredients mentioned in the bible and grown on their property. One of the Neot Kedumim guides took us out into the reserve where we learned about making olive oil and grinding zatar a.k.a hyssop or sumac, an herb in the same family as oregano. Wild sage grew along the path, and herd of fallow deer grazed nearby. Back to Jerusalem for dinner (yes, we were eating AGAIN!) and the last night before departure. Got to get up early and pack - tomorrow morning we head to Masada and the Dead Sea area, and then off to Ben Gurion Airport for a flight home.  Nov 14, 2010 - Everything we have done before today was a prelude to this most important tour. As we prepared to enter the Old City of Jerusalem we read the lyrics to "Jerusalem of Gold" and as we crossed the threshold of the Dung Gate the words of Psalm 121 came to life: "We now stand within your gates O Jerusalem, a City reunited and whole, where the tribes of Israel made pilgrimage...Pray for the peace of Jerusalem..." Tears of joy and anticipation flowed freely. Our route included the Davidson archeological garden, Robinson's arch, the Western Wall, The excavation tunnels, and a tour of the Jewish quarter. The place was hopping with activity - groups of soldiers in training, school kids, and tourists vied for space to hear the history etched in the stones, Travelers came from many countries, they were Jews, Christians and Hindus, they were young and old, religious and secular, all came to be transformed by the sights For 8 hours we walked and climbed (Jerusalem has a myriad stairs) - every step deepening our appreciation for our history and heritage, It was worth having sore feet,and tired legs!. Nov 12, 2010 - Our first stop took us to Emunah Center, a residential facility for children. We came bearing our bags full of costumes (thanks to Amanda Portoff) as well a host of other goodies for the kids. But we walked away much richer people after having met the amazing staff and two particularly outstanding students. We were treated to a premier performance by one young woman with a angelic voice singing her own composition (She is going to start booking dates in the US, I put our cong on the list!) A shortage of time prevented us from seeing the whole campus but we did get a quick look, and many of us expressed interest in returning there to visit or to volunteer. Next up was Bet Shean - a Roman village which was destroyed by earthquake, whose ruins are being reconstructed. Those Romans thought of every thing and spared no expense. - they even had public toilets that flush. Heading south, but in no way down, we entered Jerusalem just before Shabbat. Nothing compares to the first sight of the Old City, the golden time, the tower of David's citadel, the crenalated walls. Our hotel is nearby, most of us went to the Western Wall - the Kotel for Fri evening prayer - a spiritually commanding, even overwhelming experience. We enjoyed dinner together at the hotel. This morning we headed to Mevakshei Derekh, a congregation currenly aligned with the Reform Movement. After services we sat with members of the congregation to eat lunch and learn about congregational life for the non-Orthodox in Israel. It was truly eye opening, This evening we meet up with friend og Congregation Sinai - Tikvah Shapiro. This free night will be good for shopping and eating out. Below are water buffalo at the Hula Nature Reserve. We tried to bring one home, didn't fit in the suitcase
Nov 11, 2010 - One of the great joys of returning to this country is watching it develop. About half of our group has been to Israel at least one other time. It is inevitable that they will have seen some of these places before. Nonetheless, each of these places has added some new element. At Tzippori there was the addition of an enclosure over a mosaic that was previously exposed. Today at The Hula Valley Nature Reserve we were treated to a brand new movie about the migration patterns of birds. But not just a movie - it was a 3-D movie, the seats tilted giving you the feeling being in flight, a shpritz brought the sea spray, and the sensation of rats running around us made this group of adults scream like schoolkids! But a walk around the bird sanctuary restored tranquility, and gave us a new appreciation for Israel and it's natural habitat. On to Har Bental, the military outpost at the Syrian border, and a different kind of appreciation - for the valor of soldiers who give their all under dire circumstances which makes it possible to be in Israel today. We enjoyed a much needed rest after that, some went swimming in the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). Dinner was another food orgy - good thing we are walking miles every day! Last stop of the day hot springs, to refresh body and soul. Tomorrow - costume delivery! then on to Jerusalem for Shabbat. Because Shabbat begins so early I may not be able to blog until Sat. night, have no fear, I will get you caught up!! Nov 10, 2010 - another glorious day both weather-wise and the sights we took in. We left Haifa early to take in a quick look at the B'hai Gardens and learn a bit about that faith. After winding our way down to sea level we headed to Tzippori, the site of an ethnically diverse community from the 1st to 5th centuries. The mosaics were outstanding. After stopping in a mini-market to try our hand at grocery shopping Israeli-style, we headed the Circessian Village of Kfar Kama - a tiny Muslim community ousted from their homeland near the Black Sea, which found asylum in a tiny country that understands what it means to be in exile. Fascinating culture. The late afternoon was spent in Tzefat - starting with a visit to American born artist Avraham Lowenthal, then a tour of Old Tzefat, and a bit of shopping. We ate dinner in nearby Rosh Pina. Now we are at Kibbutz En Gev on the shores of Lake Kinneret (aka Sea of Galilee) where we will spend two nights while we tour this area. Sorry, no pictures tonight - will send some tomorrow. Memorable quote "What happens in Tzefat stays in Tzefat" (Harlene LeVine). Nov 9, 2010 - what a packed day! We started here at Ceasaria - ancient seaport that was crucial to the success of every invader, today we saw the hippodrome and theater. Here we get our introduction to the site.  following Caesaria we head north to the border with Lebanon to Rosh HaNikra, a cablecar takes us down to the grottoes. Spectacular views! and finally we visit Acco - like Ceasaria, a seaport which was prime real estate. A sound and light show introduces us to life in the Turkish bath house. And what better to end the day with - a little shopping! We spent the night at swanky Dan Carmel in Haifa (there was chocolate and fruit waiting for us in the room!) and we start again early tomorrow morning! Nov. 8, 2010 - our first full day in Israel! The weather is amazing, the early risers were up and walking the nearby beach promenade, which is packed with walkers, runners, and bikes. Tel Aviv even has gym equipment built into the promenade - imagine an outdoor gym courtesy of your town council! The tour day started with the Eretz Israel Museum, dedicated to preserving and teaching about the material culture of the land over the last 3,500 years. Restored ceramics, preserved glass, and mosaics and a replica of an ancient mud-wall house were on this journey back in time. Next we were treated to the newest Tel Aviv museum, dedicated to the history of the Palmach, Israel's early strike force. It is a light and sound show which will leave you speechless and grateful that there were those young men and women willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to give us the Israel we have today. After a group trip to find a 'caspomat' - an ATM machine which dispenses shekels - we had an hour to find some lunch and window shop. The last stop on our tour was Independance Hall, the site of the announcement of the establishment of the State of Israel. A very moving day all in all. Since we were free after that some people met up with friends or relatives living in Israel, others formed small groups and headed out to make their own Israel experience. Jaffa is particularly beautiful at night, so it was no surprise to run into others from our group enjoying Israeli night life. More tomorrow as we leave Tel Aviv and head up the coast. Heard you got some slushy snow, wish you were here with us!  Reuven shows us on the map where the population of Ancient Israel settled. Eretz Israel Museum. Below: the gangs all here at Dizengoff's home, where the State of Israel was declared. Nov 7, 2010 - we arrived safe and sound, met up with Janis and our bus driver Itzik, and guide Reuven. Took a long time to get through passport control, and nearly left two of us behind accidentally. But we all made it onto the bus, and after a quick freshen up, went to dinner at a Yemenite restaurant Maganda. The food was delicious and more than plentiful. We got back to the hotel which is a short block from the beach. A few went for an evening stroll (temp in the mid 70s at 10 p.m.). Need to get some sleep so that we wake up on the right clock and ready for tomorrow's tour of Tel Aviv. Pictures tomorrow too! our hotel  l-r: Itzik the driver, Reuven the guide, Dana (in the back) Harlene, Mark, Roberta
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