Shalom,We had a wonderful Shabbat weekend! We began Friday with a CAARI speaker, Amotz Asa El – a leading journalist. His subject – “A New Middle East?” Nothing could be more relative and informative regarding today’s current situation. If any of you are interested in reading his column you can follow him on http://www.middleisrael.com/
Most of us took advantage of the sunny, warm weather and strolled through the city – some of shopped, explored Mechane Yehuda (the shuk/marketplace), visited with family and friends and attended evening services in area synagogues. Saturday, many of us walked the city, attended services and enjoyed a walking tour and visits with family and friends. All of which prepared us for our week in Jerusalem.
Sunday morning clouds were prevalent, and rain predicted, but that didn’t stop us. First thing in the morning, we headed to Hebrew Union College where we met Rabbi Shelly for a tour of the campus and Skirball Museum. Rabbi Shelly gave us a better understanding of the growing Reform community and the related religious issues in Israel.
From there we walked to Jaffa Gate and met with a representative from Jerusalem Foundation who is working with JNF on a project to restore the outside City Walls around Jaffa Gate and the green area adjacent to the walls. This is one of JNF – Toronto’s project.
Our day was not yet complete or the rain and winds over. We persevered through lunch at Mamila Mall and continued our tour of Jerusalem’s Artists Colony, known as Hotzot Hayotzer. We met very talented artists and saw their extraordinary crafts – from silver smiths, to modern jewelry with Roman glass, to paintings. We learned about their current situation regarding the eviction of this 40 year old area which was set aside for them by the former legendary mayor Teddy Kollek. The quality of their work is incredible and meeting them was very special. We wish them much luck and support in the attempt to remain in this area.
Well, that is that for the weekend and Sunday. Stay tuned for our next few days.
CAARI 2011
Sunday morning clouds were prevalent, and rain predicted, but that didn’t stop us. First thing in the morning, we headed to Hebrew Union College where we met Rabbi Shelly for a tour of the campus and Skirball Museum. Rabbi Shelly gave us a better understanding of the growing Reform community and the related religious issues in Israel.
From there we walked to Jaffa Gate and met with a representative from Jerusalem Foundation who is working with JNF on a project to restore the outside City Walls around Jaffa Gate and the green area adjacent to the walls. This is one of JNF – Toronto’s project.
Our day was not yet complete or the rain and winds over. We persevered through lunch at Mamila Mall and continued our tour of Jerusalem’s Artists Colony, known as Hotzot Hayotzer. We met very talented artists and saw their extraordinary crafts – from silver smiths, to modern jewelry with Roman glass, to paintings. We learned about their current situation regarding the eviction of this 40 year old area which was set aside for them by the former legendary mayor Teddy Kollek. The quality of their work is incredible and meeting them was very special. We wish them much luck and support in the attempt to remain in this area.
Well, that is that for the weekend and Sunday. Stay tuned for our next few days.
CAARI 2011