New Friends and Ancient Cities

Despite the slight chill in the air the group assembled at the early hour of 6:30 am in the hotel restaurant for our final meal at the Renaissance Hotel. Bright and early we were on the bus heading north toward Hadera. Our first stop of the day was at a high school in Hadera where we were scheduled to participate with the Atidim Program that gives assistance to students. Our task was to meet with students who were preparing for oral English exams and let them practice their English.

We were ushered into the school’s library and were pleased to meet in small groups with students who were bright, enthusiastic and interested in practicing English and meeting us. It was fascinating to learn about the lives of these young people and we all made new friends instantly. The teachers were inspired and dedicated and spoke to us about how valuable it was for us to have time with the students.

Before leaving we made a special presentation of a gift to Atidim students who were graduating High School this year. Our gift of toiletry kits that they would need for the army would mean that their family’s would have one less expense before their children went off to serve their country. [Special note to our new friends in Hadera: We do plan on emailing and keeping in touch but email acccess is not really available to all of us until we return home to the states. L'hatzlacha on your exams!]

Upon our departure we exchanged email addresses with our new friends and we look forward to a long friendship with these outgoing and special students. Many of us were so impressed that we hope that we can establish some kind of regular relationship with the Atidim program so that we can continue to interface with the future of Israel.

One very nice experience while at the High School: Einat Dahari (our now famous shlicha) helped to arrange a visit by her mother and brother. Aliza and Ori it was wonderful to meet you! We knew all about you both already but meeting you was very special. Thank you for stopping by.

Ceasaria (our next stop) was beautiful and historic. Located on the Mediterranean this Roman ruin took us back to ancient days of Herod’s rule in the Holy Land. Our guide, Aryeh gave us an excellent synopsis of the site and we learned much.

Our next stop was for lunch – a quick falafel in a mall food court – before continuing to Haifa and a tour of a mixed Jewish/Arab neighborhood. Then it was up to the famous Bahai Temple in Haifa where participants had a unique option – rather than just look at the shrine and view we were offered the chance to hike down the 700 steps of the Bahai Gardens. What a hike is was! The view was stunning and surprisingly 700 steps goes by pretty quickly.

It was about a two hour drive to our hotel in Tzfat where we settled in and had dinner. Although we arrived after dark it is clear that the Rimmonim Hotel sports some beautiful views and we look forward to gathering for an early morning davening to appreciate our surroundings. We can already feel the special ruach kedosha (spiritual energy) that we will experience with tomorrow's sunrise.