Over the past few days CAARI took a trip to Megiddo, celebrated Tu B’Shvat, visited JNF forests, and even went shopping at the mall!

Meggido Tour
by Rosalie Whitehill

Friday was another beautiful Israel day....and we started early for our trip to Megiddo. We had two great people accompany us: our coordinator, an incredibly knowledgeable archeologist who had been recruited in 1992 to work on the dig at Meggido, as well as our usual guide, a wonderful man who filled in the archeologist’s lecture with facts about the surrounding hills and territory and their relationship to Biblical text. It was such a clear day that we could see the towns of Afula and Nazareth. I learned more than I ever thought possible -- about the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, the history of Meggido, as well as archeological techniques.

We spent a few hours being guided through the digging areas at Meggido and saw remnants of civilizations from the 9th century to the 7th century BCE. It was really fascinating when you are lucky enough to have people who know so much about the particular digs. The water tunnels were closed, but our guide had arranged for them to open the exit end of the tunnels so people could get a sense of what they were like. I had been to Meggido about 30 or 40 years ago and most of the archeological stuff was new to me. I remembered mainly the water tunnels. What an experience the morning was!! On the way back to Tel Aviv, we stopped at a mall in Hadera (just north of Herzliya) where everyone ate at a terrific Israeli food court. The day was really special and I feel so fortunate to be here with this group.

Highlights
by Wendi Lyles

Last week, we headed north passing the Sharon Plains and saw Mt. Karmel. Along the way we passed wildflowers that only grow in Israel. The day began with fog and mist, but ended with nothing but blue sky and sun. We arrived in Zichron Ya'acov, a village filled with love in the air and cobble stones. I adored the place; did not want to leave. This town is where the 1st Aliyah took place in 1881 by a group of Romanian Jews; they came to create a Jewish state by way of working hard. These Jews came to prove everyone wrong. It’s a miracle that anything came to be because back then everyone called the area a wasteland. Aronhnson House is from that era and it is preserved today on top of a hill -- a must see! We also visited the Aliyah Museum and a Farmers Market in the park.

We also worked… not in the schools, but the Ben Shemen JNF Forest, which is the first forest in Israel. In the afternoon we visited Neot Kedomim and had lunch in a forest there. We made pita bread over an open fire by the help of a Bedouin husband and wife who work at the forest. We made zatar with wild hyssop which are the herbs grown in the forest. You pound them together so they turn into a fine flakey dust which we mixed with fresh olive oil from the olive trees. At the forest the cats and deer roam free. We experienced the oil press. Did you know 17 uses are mentioned in the bible for olive oil? The fruit and vegetables are to die for in Israel: giant carrots, sweet oranges, cucumbers, pomegranates and figs are everywhere.

Thursday, after a wonderful time teaching in my school, Amiel Ramban, we went to the Jaffe Institute to pack food boxes to be delivered to needy families. We were quite proud of what we accomplished, packing 50 boxes filled with all kinds of food with essentials like oil, flour, and pretzels. Guess a snack is good for everyone!

Friday was spent with Archeologist Norma Franklin who is Director of the Meggido Expedition. Meggido is located on a hill with magnificent views of Mt. Karmel, Jordan, Mediterranean Sea, Jezerel Valley, and Afula, Nazereth. We received a private tour of the water tunnels, caves, and Gates of Solomon. Each day I am more amazed!

Meggido
by Pauline Delson

Friday morning everyone was on time for the bus - we now have 45 people, as 18 people joined us yesterday. It was a sunny, clear and crisp day. Norma Franklin, an archeologist, was our guide - a woman with a love and knowledge on her subject. We walked on roads that were built thousands of years before the Common Era. We viewed "digs" from the 7th - 10th century, down to the Bronze Age. The Jezerel Valley was green and spread before us. We were surrounded by mountains with names that we recognized from the Bible. It was truly a memorable experience.

Tu B’Shvat
by Esther Katz

The rain, clouds, and mud did not dampen our spirits on Tu B’shavat, nor did it dampen the spirit of the country. For days before and days after the holiday thousands of children were going to the JNF forests to plants trees. We joined high school students from Tel Aviv, Petak Tikva and Rehovet planting in the VERY muddy soil!! That didn't stop us from having fun. In the evening CAARI enjoyed our traditional Tu B’shvat Seder reminding us of our heritage and the importance of our environment. The JNF-KKL workers did a terrific job preparing the areas for planting - all you could see was a mass of JNF flags and small samplings!