The best part of the bus - without question - is the woman in the photo above - Esti. Esti is simply hysterical - we decided that she is the "frum Joan Rivers.". Not only did she entertain us with her one-liners, but she shared what's important to her and encouraged us to share as well. Holly and I will miss her!
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Bus
Our final day . . .
We started our day with class at the hotel, then we had four hours to spend the rest of our shekels. And spend the rest of our shekels we did.
At 4 pm we left the hotel for the final time. We drove to Rachel"s Tomb, outside Bethlehem. The tomb is in Palestinian territory, so the security was full-blown. Two armed soldiers boarded our bus to accompany us.
After we had the opportunity to visit and pray at the tomb, we left for our final dinner at Gavna, a restaurant in Gush Etzion. The view of the lights of village below was beautiful - I'd love to see it in the daytime.
This dinner was an opportunity to celebrate the JWRP and to thank the women who made it all possible. Our DC group presented our city leader, Rebbetzin Ruth Baars, and the head of the JWRP, Rebbetzin Lori Palatnik, with gifts - and we presented the JWRP with a gift in their honor, so that another woman can have this experience next year.
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Supporting the Israeli economy!
As we sit here on the bus, wrapping up our trip with a visit to Rachel's Tomb, we just wanted to let you know that we successfully supported the Israeli economy during our time here! I can't even estimate how much money was spent by the 100+ women on this trip - almost every one of us is heading home with a gorgeous new piece of jewelry!
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Monday, November 8, 2010
It's almost over!
As quickly as these days have gone, I can't believe that this trip is almost over!
This morning, we took two classes. Then we had some free time, which we spent in the Old City.
We all met at 1:15 p.m. at Mamilla Mall and departed for our afternoon activities.
Our first stop was an army base, where we delivered packages to soldiers training there. I'll never forget my conversations with and the smiles of these young men who are risking their lives to protect Israel. Please check out Thank Israeli Soldiers for more information about the great organization that is supporting the Israeli military.
We delivered bags filled with snacks, flashlights, socks, gloves, etc. to these young men, who were most appreciative. We also brought letters written from children at home, which some of the soldiers read aloud to the group. The children expressed what we we were all feeling in our hearts -- our pride in these young men and our prayers that they stay safe.
I think we all could have stayed longer at the base, but it was time to move on to our next destination -- a tour of a beautiful mikvah in B'nai Brak. Aside from its beauty, what makes this mikvah special is that they also offer spa services. I won't go too much into what a mikvah is, but if you're interested, you can google it for lots of information.
After the tour, we returned to Jerusalem, and several of us went to a delicious restaurant, RYU --sushi/asian with an Israeli influence.
Time now to pack -- we have one more day here, and then we depart for home at 1 a.m. on Wednesday.
This morning, we took two classes. Then we had some free time, which we spent in the Old City.
We all met at 1:15 p.m. at Mamilla Mall and departed for our afternoon activities.
Our first stop was an army base, where we delivered packages to soldiers training there. I'll never forget my conversations with and the smiles of these young men who are risking their lives to protect Israel. Please check out Thank Israeli Soldiers for more information about the great organization that is supporting the Israeli military.
We delivered bags filled with snacks, flashlights, socks, gloves, etc. to these young men, who were most appreciative. We also brought letters written from children at home, which some of the soldiers read aloud to the group. The children expressed what we we were all feeling in our hearts -- our pride in these young men and our prayers that they stay safe.
I think we all could have stayed longer at the base, but it was time to move on to our next destination -- a tour of a beautiful mikvah in B'nai Brak. Aside from its beauty, what makes this mikvah special is that they also offer spa services. I won't go too much into what a mikvah is, but if you're interested, you can google it for lots of information.
After the tour, we returned to Jerusalem, and several of us went to a delicious restaurant, RYU --sushi/asian with an Israeli influence.
Time now to pack -- we have one more day here, and then we depart for home at 1 a.m. on Wednesday.
Bet Shemesh, Part Two
After we left the Youth Center, we drove a short distance to a Women's Holistic Center, also in Bet Shemesh. We were treated to a truly special evening. First, we learned about the center, which provides classes for local women. Next, an Ethiopian woman who was carried on her mother's back through Ethiopia to Sudan to immigrate to Israel sang for us. Then, we were provided with a feast prepared by two local women, of Ethiopian and Morrocan/Spanish descent. The vegetarian meal was definitely different than anything Holly and I had eaten before. I probably only tried about 50 percent of the foods offered (I am not an adventurous eater), but everything I tried, I loved! My favorite thing was the soup, and I believe that I'll be getting that recipe!
After dinner, the Ethiopian woman gave us all a dance lesson, which was hysterical. Video of that lesson is posted here. Then, another woman performed the Ethiopian tea ceremony (unfortunately I wasn't close enough to get a good look) and then there was time for shopping (of course) for jewelry made by a local woman.
Truly a special evening!
After dinner, the Ethiopian woman gave us all a dance lesson, which was hysterical. Video of that lesson is posted here. Then, another woman performed the Ethiopian tea ceremony (unfortunately I wasn't close enough to get a good look) and then there was time for shopping (of course) for jewelry made by a local woman.
Truly a special evening!
Bet Shemesh
Our local Jewish Federation has a partnership with a city in Israel, called Bet Shemesh. Bet Shemesh is located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and is surrounded by an absolutely gorgeous area (kibbutzim, vineyards, etc.)
The city of Bet Shemesh has a very large immigrant population, including immigrants from Ethiopia, who came over in Operation Moses and Operation Solomon. One of the Federation's projects in Bet Shemesh is a Community Center for Ethiopian Youth. The women on our mission from DC had the opportunity on Sunday to visit the youth center, help plant a garden, distribute sports balls and craft supplies, and visit with the teens who spend time at the center. It was such a fun experience! It's amazing to see what is being done there. The center is a converted bomb shelter.
I'm going to try to attach a fun video of our time there. Hopefully you will see it below!
The city of Bet Shemesh has a very large immigrant population, including immigrants from Ethiopia, who came over in Operation Moses and Operation Solomon. One of the Federation's projects in Bet Shemesh is a Community Center for Ethiopian Youth. The women on our mission from DC had the opportunity on Sunday to visit the youth center, help plant a garden, distribute sports balls and craft supplies, and visit with the teens who spend time at the center. It was such a fun experience! It's amazing to see what is being done there. The center is a converted bomb shelter.
I'm going to try to attach a fun video of our time there. Hopefully you will see it below!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Blogging from the Bus
What an amazing day! (I feel like I've been using the words amazing, incredible, fantastic over and over again!)
We started the day at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum. It has been completely redone since I was here with Larry in 1998. The museum is so emotional, especially the Children's Memorial.
A woman from our group is the woman daughter of Holocaust survivors as well as a therapist who specializes in trauma victims. She talked to us for about 15 minutes, and it was incredibly moving.
There were many groups of young Israeli soldiers touring the museum. We learned this week that the army takes these young soldiers on field trips, including to the Old City, so that they can understand what they are defending.
We're heading back to the hotel now. I plan to blog more and upload video this evening.
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Saturday, November 6, 2010
(Continued)
Oops - blogging from my Blackberry is a little challenging.
Anyway . . .
The Clamans hosted all 100 + of the JWRP women this evening, as well as a lovely couple from Florida who were in Israel celebrating their 50th anniversary. There was also a former soldier there as well. Both Pamela (pronounced Pa-may-la) and Aba spoke, and we all enjoyed delicious raw vegetables, hummus, salads, and challah rolls.
After dinner we went on the rooftop to end Shabbat with Havdalah. This is a beautiful service - and to experience it on the rooftop of the most incredible home in the Old City with views of all of Jerusalem was something we will never forget.
Singing and dancing followed. Singing Hatikvah, arm in arm with our new friends, was a very moving experience.
I haven't described Pamela yet. You really need to see her. I took tons of pictures tonight, so when I get home, I'll be able to show you. Pamela looks like an exotic movie star from another era. She's tiny, with a huge turban on her head and phenomenal clothes. Tonight she was wearing a gold brocade button-down robe. She has a very dramatic air about her, and she's like a celebrity. She's so passionate about their work with the soldiers and about her life. I'd love to have the opportunity to speak with her in a more intimate setting. Hopefully our paths will cross again.
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Anyway . . .
The Clamans hosted all 100 + of the JWRP women this evening, as well as a lovely couple from Florida who were in Israel celebrating their 50th anniversary. There was also a former soldier there as well. Both Pamela (pronounced Pa-may-la) and Aba spoke, and we all enjoyed delicious raw vegetables, hummus, salads, and challah rolls.
After dinner we went on the rooftop to end Shabbat with Havdalah. This is a beautiful service - and to experience it on the rooftop of the most incredible home in the Old City with views of all of Jerusalem was something we will never forget.
Singing and dancing followed. Singing Hatikvah, arm in arm with our new friends, was a very moving experience.
I haven't described Pamela yet. You really need to see her. I took tons of pictures tonight, so when I get home, I'll be able to show you. Pamela looks like an exotic movie star from another era. She's tiny, with a huge turban on her head and phenomenal clothes. Tonight she was wearing a gold brocade button-down robe. She has a very dramatic air about her, and she's like a celebrity. She's so passionate about their work with the soldiers and about her life. I'd love to have the opportunity to speak with her in a more intimate setting. Hopefully our paths will cross again.
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What an experience!
I'm going a little out of order here, but I want to write about our experience at the ebd of Shabbat today. We went to the home of Pamela and Aba Claman for the third Shabbat meal and for Havdalah.
Pamela and Aba Claman are Americans who became religious later in life and moved to Israel. They live in the most incredible home in the Old City. There really are no words to describe their home, but I will try. They purchased an apartment building that would ordinarily be four apartments, and they renovated it into one fabulous home. Everything is in the Moorish style, with amazing details everywhere.
The Clamans have devoted themselves to the support of Israeli soldiers. They have an organization, Thank Israeli Soldiers, http://www.thankisraelisoldiers.org, that provides care packages to the soldiers and also provides other support. The Clamans open up their home to guests for Shabbat every weekend and
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Pamela and Aba Claman are Americans who became religious later in life and moved to Israel. They live in the most incredible home in the Old City. There really are no words to describe their home, but I will try. They purchased an apartment building that would ordinarily be four apartments, and they renovated it into one fabulous home. Everything is in the Moorish style, with amazing details everywhere.
The Clamans have devoted themselves to the support of Israeli soldiers. They have an organization, Thank Israeli Soldiers, http://www.thankisraelisoldiers.org, that provides care packages to the soldiers and also provides other support. The Clamans open up their home to guests for Shabbat every weekend and
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Ben Yehuda
We've been to Ben Yehuda several times during this trip. I'm most excited about the lyre menorah I purchased!
Right now I'm sitting outside "King David Treasures" while Holly and her mom shop inside. Displayed outside are kippot, including a Chicago Bears kippah, Sponge Bob kippah, and even a Diego (from Dora the Explorer) kippah.
The street is alive with music from street performers and young adults enjoying the start to a new week. Shavuah Tov!
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Friday, November 5, 2010
Preparing for Shabbat
This morning, we went to the Aish HaTorah building for a class on challah baking. We each made a challah - mine was the traditional braided 6-strand, and Holly made a flower-shaped one. It was really fun to learn how to make challahn and we plan to get together at home to make challah as well. (You are all welcome to join us!)
After our class, everyone ran off to get in some shopping before Shabbat. We went with Holly's mom to Machane Yehuda, a great marketplace in Jerusalem. We could have spent hours there, but with Shabbat starting so early here (candle lighting is just after 4 pm), we had only a short time. The market is a fantastic experience - tons of stalls with foods (nuts, fruits, breads), clothing, Judaica, etc. I found the most awesome and random thing - a Rutgers Football kippah!
Now we are getting ourselves ready to welcome in Shabbat with singing and dancing. We'll be "unplugging" in honor of Shabbat, so no updates until Saturday night.
Shabbat Shalom!
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After our class, everyone ran off to get in some shopping before Shabbat. We went with Holly's mom to Machane Yehuda, a great marketplace in Jerusalem. We could have spent hours there, but with Shabbat starting so early here (candle lighting is just after 4 pm), we had only a short time. The market is a fantastic experience - tons of stalls with foods (nuts, fruits, breads), clothing, Judaica, etc. I found the most awesome and random thing - a Rutgers Football kippah!
Now we are getting ourselves ready to welcome in Shabbat with singing and dancing. We'll be "unplugging" in honor of Shabbat, so no updates until Saturday night.
Shabbat Shalom!
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Thursday, November 4, 2010
Masada, the Dead Sea, and Abraham's Tent
My internet is slow tonight, and my computer is running out of power, but I wanted to give you a quick update on our day:
We left Jerusalem at 7:15 and headed south to Masada. What an incredible place! The last time I was there, Larry and I climbed up and made it to the top to see a gorgeous sunrise over Jordan. This time, we took the cable car up. We had a fantastic guide (he was also one of the speakers yesterday - here is his website: http://www.kenspiro.com).
After Masada, we took a short ride to the Dead Sea. We covered ourselves in mud, then floated in the salty dead sea. It was probably a hysterical sight -- 100 women, many religious, floating and laughing and having a fantastic time. (Note to Heidi -- I got mud on my white hat! I'll tell you the whole story of that when I get back.) Shopping for Ahava products and lunch followed!
We showered and dressed and got back on the bus for a ride to a very unique place. We went to Abraham's Tent for camel rides and dinner. Riding the camel is easy -- it's just when the camel stands up and sits down that's a bit freaky -- and we had some very funny moments. Dinner was nice, and then we headed home.
After a quick change, we headed out to Ben Yehuda street for some more shopping. It was a successful trip!
More tomorrow!
We left Jerusalem at 7:15 and headed south to Masada. What an incredible place! The last time I was there, Larry and I climbed up and made it to the top to see a gorgeous sunrise over Jordan. This time, we took the cable car up. We had a fantastic guide (he was also one of the speakers yesterday - here is his website: http://www.kenspiro.com).
After Masada, we took a short ride to the Dead Sea. We covered ourselves in mud, then floated in the salty dead sea. It was probably a hysterical sight -- 100 women, many religious, floating and laughing and having a fantastic time. (Note to Heidi -- I got mud on my white hat! I'll tell you the whole story of that when I get back.) Shopping for Ahava products and lunch followed!
We showered and dressed and got back on the bus for a ride to a very unique place. We went to Abraham's Tent for camel rides and dinner. Riding the camel is easy -- it's just when the camel stands up and sits down that's a bit freaky -- and we had some very funny moments. Dinner was nice, and then we headed home.
After a quick change, we headed out to Ben Yehuda street for some more shopping. It was a successful trip!
More tomorrow!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Jerusalem - The Old City
What an incredible and exhausting day! One hundred women walked from the King Solomon Hotel to the Aish HaTorah building in the Old City. This spectacular building overlooks the wall and has the most spectacular views from the rooftop. Check out our picture posted in a post below.
We took two amazing classes -- first was Lori Palatnik teaching "The Kabbalah of You." I found it to be fascinating - she is an incredible speaker. The second class was with Rabbi Ken Spiro -- the class was called "WorldPerfect." I'm too tired to write about the details of the classes tonight, but I can't wait to buy his book when I get home.
After the classes, we were each given a gift from the JWRP -- a siddur (prayer book) with our name on the cover. Siddurim in hand, we headed out to Ha Kotel -- the Western Wall. What an incredibly moving experience to pray there with so many other women. I placed my prayer in a crevice among the thousands that are aleady there. I was also happy to deliver the written prayers from friends that I brought from home. (Funny story -- when going through the very tight security at El Al at JFK, I was asked "Did anyone give you anything to bring to Israel?" I mentioned the notes, and he had me pull them out of my bag to show them to him.)
After a short time at Ha Kotel, we had some free time for lunch and shopping. I bought something for J that I am very excited about. I'm not going to mention it here, because I hope he's reading my updates!
At 4 p.m., we met up with the rest of the DC group and half of another city's group to meet our tour guide for our tour of the Old City. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Jerusalem. She's also an archeologist -- so our tour of the tunnel underneath the wall was truly special. (Those of you who know of my extreme claustrophobia probably wonder how I could possibly have done the tour . . . let's just say I was more than a little freaked out, but I'm so glad that I did it!).
Exhausted after all the touring, Holly, her mom, and I left the Old City for dinner and more shopping. We have to cut through a beautiful, high-end mall (Mamilla) on our way back to our hotel. :)
Tomorrow -- Masada and the Dead Sea.
We took two amazing classes -- first was Lori Palatnik teaching "The Kabbalah of You." I found it to be fascinating - she is an incredible speaker. The second class was with Rabbi Ken Spiro -- the class was called "WorldPerfect." I'm too tired to write about the details of the classes tonight, but I can't wait to buy his book when I get home.
After the classes, we were each given a gift from the JWRP -- a siddur (prayer book) with our name on the cover. Siddurim in hand, we headed out to Ha Kotel -- the Western Wall. What an incredibly moving experience to pray there with so many other women. I placed my prayer in a crevice among the thousands that are aleady there. I was also happy to deliver the written prayers from friends that I brought from home. (Funny story -- when going through the very tight security at El Al at JFK, I was asked "Did anyone give you anything to bring to Israel?" I mentioned the notes, and he had me pull them out of my bag to show them to him.)
After a short time at Ha Kotel, we had some free time for lunch and shopping. I bought something for J that I am very excited about. I'm not going to mention it here, because I hope he's reading my updates!
At 4 p.m., we met up with the rest of the DC group and half of another city's group to meet our tour guide for our tour of the Old City. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Jerusalem. She's also an archeologist -- so our tour of the tunnel underneath the wall was truly special. (Those of you who know of my extreme claustrophobia probably wonder how I could possibly have done the tour . . . let's just say I was more than a little freaked out, but I'm so glad that I did it!).
Exhausted after all the touring, Holly, her mom, and I left the Old City for dinner and more shopping. We have to cut through a beautiful, high-end mall (Mamilla) on our way back to our hotel. :)
Tomorrow -- Masada and the Dead Sea.
Jerusalem
This morning we are taking classes, and then we will visit the wall and do the tunnel tour.
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tsfat
We are at lunch now at a banquet spaced called Red Kahn. It is like stepping back into history - stone, arches, and stained glass. There is a man outside grilling fresh pita. The best hummus ever, salad, salmon, rice and lentils, and green beans - quite the feast.
There are performers dressed in "spiritual, earthy-crunchy religious Jew" garb (that description was the subject of an interesting conversation at the table), playing soothing music and singing. And we are getting a history of the area.
We'll have time for shopping after lunch, and then we are off to Jerusalem!
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Monday, November 1, 2010
Good morning from Tiberias!
After a long journey (plane ride, 2 hour bus ride), we arrived in Tiberias at about 8 pm last night. Our destination - Decks restaurant, right on Lake Kenneret. We ate, we danced (video to follow later), and we enjoyed our first night in Israel.
A short bus ride later, we were at our hotel. It was so dark out, we had no idea what our surroundings were like. Imagine our surprise when we woke up to the most incredible view! (Check out the picture in the post below.). It's so beautiful, it doesn't seem real. For me, seeing the view this morning was when I really got that "wow! I'm truly in Israel" feeling.
We're now waiting for our first of many classes during this trip. I can't wait to hear Lori Palatnik speak.
Later - Tzfat.
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Driving across Israel
We're on a bus with women two other cities heading from Tel Aviv to Tiberias. The other bus has the women from the other two cities. Our tour guide seems to be quite engaging. It's dark out already, so I don't really see much out the window of the bus.
We're headed to dinner and spending the night in Tiberias.
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We're here!
My phone is in desperate need of charging, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to post today. So excited!
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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Boarding the flight!
There has been some interesting people watching here at JFK. A flight to Abu Dhabi is departing at the gate next to ours. Several woman whose completely cover up from head to toe - with just a slit for their eyes. We are wondering what makes a woman do that rather than just cover her hair. Does anyone know?
We are now boarding our flight! It's going to be a long one! We are hoping to sleep . . .
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We are now boarding our flight! It's going to be a long one! We are hoping to sleep . . .
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Our Journey Has Begun!
We've made it to NYC . . . On a bus to another airport for our flight to Israel!
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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Saturday, October 30, 2010
One more sleep . . .
I'm so excited! I can't wait. Think I better start putting things in my suitcase . . .
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Take two . . .
Due to technical difficulties, I deleted my first attempt at this blog and started over.
Hoping this one works, as I'm leaving on Sunday!
Make sure to check back and follow my inspiration . . .
Hoping this one works, as I'm leaving on Sunday!
Make sure to check back and follow my inspiration . . .
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