Apr 2011
Candle to Candle
Wed April 06, 2011 Filed in: Israel 2010-2011
SCOTT’S BLOG
From Left to Right: Sibyl (Mom), Mark (Dad), Robin (Sister),
Abigail (Niece),David (Bro. in-law), Marti (Sister), Aviva and Me.
At the Western Wall in Jerusalem!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But first, a side note: A few interesting things happened between my last post and my family’s visit. At the moment I am much more excited to write about family. But just in case I do not get to it later, on March 8th I had the opportunity to visit the city of Hebron with my dear friend, Ariel Zellman. Ariel shared his expertise of the area and introduced us to his friend, David Wilder, who is a spokesperson for the Jewish residents of Hebron. Until I get the opportunity to write about my visit, read Ariel’s blog post about his interview with David this past August. In it he shares much of what he shared with me during our walk around the city.
The other brief excitement in our lives before family came was the holiday of Purim. Our celebration was festive and included a visit from our friend and biblical scholar, Dr. David Bernat. Together with David, Aviva and I spent Purim bouncing back and forth between festive meals with teachers, classmates and friends. I hope to share more details about Purim in Israel in another post, but for now see my photography page for a few pictures from the day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aviva and I shlepped a lot with us to Israel. However, there were a few things we had to acquire once we arrived. One small item we purchased was a Havdalah candle. Havdalah is the Hebrew word for separation. At the end of Shabbat and holidays, it is customary to mark the separation between the holy time that has passed (the holiday) and the profane that lays ahead (the rest of the week). At the end of Shabbat this separation is made over wine (wine is traditionally used to mark sacred times), spices (to carry the sweet smell of Shabbat into the rest of the week) and by lighting a candle (representing our ability to create fire, an act from which we refrain during Shabbat). After we moved into our apartment, we picked up an inexpensive havdalah candle at the supermarket. It occurred to us to hold out and buy something a bit prettier from one of the local shops, but in the moment utilitarianism won. We promised ourselves that when my family came to visit and we made our way up north to the Tzfat Candle Factory, we would buy something a bit more special. In the meantime, as Shabbat ended each week we would pour out a bit of wine, grab some fresh Louisa Verbena from our garden and light our simple braided candle...
My parents arrived at Ben Gurion Airport for their first trip to Israel on March 23rd. I waited somewhat impatiently at the arrivals gate for them and my aunt and uncle. I still find it hard to believe that they were really here. I joined them as the met their tour group and headed for Tel Aviv. After checking in to the hotel, their group had time to unwind at the hotel. We couldn’t have them sitting around on their first morning in Israel, so I took them around town. After checking out some cafes, Dizingoff and Ben Yehudah Streets and Kikar Rabin, we returned to their hotel to rest. Having left for the airport just after 4 am, I was thrilled to take a little nap.
I woke from my nap to the sound of my cell phone ringing. It was Aviva calling from where she was working in southern Jerusalem that day. She told me that there was a pigua, a terrorist attack, near the Jerusalem Central Bus Station. A bomb exploded outside of a kiosk on Shazar Street as a 74 bus passed by. One woman was killed and a couple dozen more were injured. Call me shallow or self-centered, but as much as I feared for those injured by the bombing, I also feared having to be the one to wake my parents and tell them what had happened. It wasn’t so long ago that my folks were fretting about my traveling to Israel as busses were blowing up on a regular basis. I finally get them here and there is an attack on the first day. I was frazzled, but pissed off even more so.
My family handled the event like pros. (I am deeply saddened that folks in this region have become “pros” when it comes to dealing with terror attacks.) They worried for my safety as I traveled back from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, but went on with their trip as scheduled, enjoying all there was to enjoy. With many thanks to God and hopefully without inviting the evil eye, Jerusalem has been free from attacks of this sort since the day of my parent’s arrival.
Two days later Jerusalem was preparing to host its first ever marathon. While we had many friends participating in the half-marathon that day, we left the city at 5:30 am to avoid getting caught in Jerusalem after all of the road closings. We had to go to the airport to pick up my siblings! On the way, we joined my parents and aunt and uncle at their hotel for breakfast and a trip to Independence Hall. Independence Hall is the only place in Israel to ever make me cry and it does so every time. When I imagine the excitement, the crowds lining the streets outside of Independence Hall and hear Ben Gurion’s voice proclaim, “אנו מכריזים בזאת על הקמת מדינה יהודית בארץ ישראל, היא מדינת ישראל/We declare the establishment of the Jewish state in the Land of Israel, to be called The State of Israel,” I am overcome with emotion and tears of joy and relief well up in my eyes. Partaking in the reenactment of that moment on May 14, 1948 alongside my parents was quite special for me.
Dad listens to tour at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv.
After Independence Hall we said a temporary goodbye to my parents and aunt and uncle so that we could go to Ben Gurion airport to pick up my siblings. Our apartment had been arranged to handle five adults and an infant, Shabbat meals had already been prepared and the last test would be to squeeze everyone and their luggage into the Mazda 5 we rented for the week. It was amazing to see Marti, Robin, David and baby Abby exit from the arrivals gate at the airport. We rushed to greet them and let the adventure begin.
Aviva rushes to greet the siblings at Ben Gurion Airport.
Auntie V and Uncle Scott welcome baby Abby to Israel!
With a very squished Aviva in the very back and lots of luggage on everyone’s laps, we squeezed into the car for the trip back to Jerusalem. We arrived, dumped the suitcases and took a walk up our street to try to grab a bite of falafel before our local falafel joint closed for Shabbat. We were fortunate enough that they had a few falafel balls and some kubeh soup left over. We set up shop back at the apartment and had lunch while everyone got reacquainted. That first Shabbat was really just about spending time together. We had nothing special planned. Just a day of chatting, resting up and walking around the town. It was really great to spend the time with my niece, Abigail. When we left her in the US she was just a month old! The ten month-old little girl who came to visit us was quite different! On Shabbat we walked from our apartment to Mishkenot Sheananim, up past Jaffa Gate and through Mamilla Mall until we headed back to the apartment for Shabbat Lunch. After lunch we took a walk to Gan Sacher to play on the playground and visit the Jerusalem Bird Observatory. We even saw the family of porcupines that live there!
Uncle Scott and Abby took a pre-Shabbat nap together!
After Shabbat, we marked our separation from this special Shabbat to a crazy week of touring with Havdalah. Our supermarket Havdalah candle had one more go remaining. At the end, the flame got so low that I fumbled it into the sink to extinguish it... We bundled up and walked to Ben Yehuda Street for shopping and an after Shabbat snack at Babette’s. Babette’s is a tiny storefront that serves up Belgian waffles smothered in all sorts of yummy combinations. Abby really enjoyed this part!
“Daddy chocolate finger painted on me!”
On Sunday morning we woke up early to head to Tel Aviv. We had breakfast on Dizengoff Street, stopped back at Independence Hall and then dropped by Old Jaffa for some pastries at Aboulafia bakery and a quick tour.
Chillin’ in Jaffa overlooking the city of Tel Aviv
Our next stop took us up north to the mystical town of Tzfat. We walked around the town, visited the famous synagogue of Rabbi Joseph Caro, window shopped at many of the town’s galleries and eventually made our way to the Tzfat Candle Factory. With a full week still ahead of us, Aviva and I finally got to pick out a beautiful havdalah candle... The girls bought some scarves and we caught a magnificent sunset up in the mountains.
Scarf shopping in Tzfat
Abby shops with Auntie V at the Tzfat Candle Factory.
Robin, David and Abby getting ready to watch a gorgeous Tzfat Sunset.
After leaving Tzfat, we headed way up north to Kibbutz HaGoshrim to meet my parents’ tour group. It was really nice for all of us to get to sit down and eat dinner together on kibbutz. The family reunion on kibbutz was not as exciting for me as I had been dealing with a cold and a bit of an ear infection. This was no problem with our amazing Israeli health insurance. I called and had a doctor make a house call at the kibbutz. He gave me some medicine to clear up the ear infection and I barely missed a beat!
Zeyde feeds Abby in the kibbutz dining hall.
Abby takes a break from eating to get kisses from Auntie V.
Then Abby played with Uncle Scott in the Lobby.
That night Abby had a sleepover with her Aunties and Uncle! Looks
like she had fun!
The next morning we drove to Binyamina and Zikhron Ya’akov for two winery tours. The first was at Binyamina Winery. To be honest, it was a bit underwhelming compared to many of the other wineries we’ve visited this year. However, our next stop at Carmel Winery was just the opposite. Aviva and I have enjoyed visiting wineries this year as a different way to get to know the Land of Israel and Israel’s history from a different perspective. We learned about Carmel Winery and its rich history and role in the building of the State of Israel. In short, Carmel Winery was one of the many ways that the wealthy European Baron Edmond de Rothchild supported the late 19th century zionists. Due to my brother in-law David’s work connections, we were wined and dined at the Carmel Winery. It was one of the best winery tours we’ve experienced in Israel. After touring a bit of Zikhron Ya’akov, we returned to Jerusalem that night.
On Tuesday morning we drove through the Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea and Massada. Marti and Robin (eventually Robin, after she began and wussed out) headed up in the cable car. David, Aviva and I climbed up the snake path to this last Jewish holdout of the Roman-Jewish war in 73 CE.
Siblings atop Massada!
Once on top of the mountain fortress, we toured around to see how the Jewish community lived there during the Roman siege. I think David, who had ascended for the first time, really got a kick out of all the archeology up there. Exhausted from the climb (some of us!) and eager to get into the Dead Sea, we descended via the cable car.
After working out a complex spa treatment/babysitting schedule at the Daniel Dead Sea Hotel, we took a ride to the water for a float!
Abby goes for a float in the Dead Sea! (Well, really on her daddy’s belly!)
For the following four days we would stay in the Jerusalem area. On Wednesday we joined my parents’ tour to visit the Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital, Har Herzl National Cemetery, and Yad Vashem, Israel’s national memorial to the Shoah. Each of these were moving in their own way.
Those Israeli men will flirt with American women of any age. Abby befriended
a soldier who was at Har Herzl practicing for Israel’s Memorial Day and
Independence Day ceremonies.
On Thursday we spent the day in the Old City. We met Mom and Dad’s tour early in the morning at the Western Wall. Afterward, we walked below the Old City to check out the Western Wall tunnels, the recently excavated underground portion of the Western Wall. After our tour we took a bit of time to shop in the Old City. That evening, we walked around the Jerusalem Shuk and had a delicious dinner at HaShipudia in the Mahane Yehuda area.
“Women of the Wall!?”
Abby gets a blessing from her Mom and Bubbe at the Western Wall.
Dad and Scott on the men’s side of the Western Wall.
The girls in the Old City.
With no preparations needed for our Shabbat meals, we headed to visit another two wineries on Friday in the Jerusalem Hills. Our first visit was Castel Winery. In my opinion, Castel is at least tied for the finest winery in Israel. We again got the first class treatment due to David’s work connections. The story of Castel is the story of the Ben-Zaken family of Castel in the Judean Hills. After opening a popular Italian restaurant in Jerusalem, Eli Ben-Zaken thought he would take a stab at winemaking. His talent is all self-taught and he has passed this on to his children who, under his supervision, run the winery today.
After Castel, we stopped by Kibbutz Tzuba to see their ancient wine press and make a few purchases from their winery store. After this short stop we dropped by Agur Winery to taste from their selection and to meet Shuki, an Israeli (though he speaks English with a Scottish accent) vintner and all around hysterical guy.
After returning to Jerusalem, we prepared for what would be everyone’s last Shabbat together on this trip. We again visited the Western Wall for Shabbat services and then joined my parents’ tour for Shabbat dinner at the Inbal Hotel.
Abby dances with Uncle Scott.
On Shabbat morning I ditched my siblings and went to take my parents for a special treat. We visited the Museum of Islamic Art that houses an exhibit of some of the rarest clocks and watches in the world. Knowing that my father has a thing for clocks and watches, I thought it would be a nice addition to their trip. After the exhibit, I returned to our apartment along with my parents. Together, the whole family took a walk to the Old City to see some of the Christian Holy Sites.
When Shabbat was over, we made Havdalah together in our apartment. Our first use of our beautiful new Havdalah candle seemed like a separation from super-Holy to the sadly-profane. Here we were having spent Shabbat in Jerusalem together as a family. The next morning, my siblings would be leaving the country.
On Sunday morning we returned to Ben Gurion Airport to send off the siblings back to the US. Aviva and I returned to Jerusalem, switched to a smaller rental car and packed some bags to go unwind in Eilat for two days with my parents and Aunt Gayle and Uncle Joel. This was a very special way to end this whole adventure. On our first night in the hotel, Uncle Joel asked me to officiate at an impromptu renewal of vows ceremony as it was his and my Aunt Gayle’s anniversary. He literally asked me in the elevator as we headed down for cocktails before dinner! I asked him for a few minutes to think. Minutes later I ran upstairs to grab a tallit, wine and to jot down a few notes. I came down and scoped out a spot in a corner courtyard of the hotel. It was quite a joyous moment and I was honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of it!
Impromptu “renewal of vows” for Aunt Gayle and Uncle Joel’s anniversary
Being the nerds that we are, Aviva and I went the next morning to check out JNF’s bird sanctuary in Eilat. Then we spent the day hanging by the pool and the evening walking along Eilat’s incredibly sketchy boardwalk. All in all it was a fun and relaxing way to end a crazy two weeks.The next morning we said goodbye to my Mom, Dad, Aunt and Uncle.
It was such a blessing to have my family here. Aviva and I are so thankful that everyone took the time and money to have such a special experience together. Aviva and I were very proud to have the opportunity to share the place we love with people we love. We had the solace of a gorgeous drive up the middle of the country through the desert and toward Herzliya where Aviva would stop to attend classes before we headed home to Jerusalem.
From Left to Right: Sibyl (Mom), Mark (Dad), Robin (Sister),
Abigail (Niece),David (Bro. in-law), Marti (Sister), Aviva and Me.
At the Western Wall in Jerusalem!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But first, a side note: A few interesting things happened between my last post and my family’s visit. At the moment I am much more excited to write about family. But just in case I do not get to it later, on March 8th I had the opportunity to visit the city of Hebron with my dear friend, Ariel Zellman. Ariel shared his expertise of the area and introduced us to his friend, David Wilder, who is a spokesperson for the Jewish residents of Hebron. Until I get the opportunity to write about my visit, read Ariel’s blog post about his interview with David this past August. In it he shares much of what he shared with me during our walk around the city.
The other brief excitement in our lives before family came was the holiday of Purim. Our celebration was festive and included a visit from our friend and biblical scholar, Dr. David Bernat. Together with David, Aviva and I spent Purim bouncing back and forth between festive meals with teachers, classmates and friends. I hope to share more details about Purim in Israel in another post, but for now see my photography page for a few pictures from the day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aviva and I shlepped a lot with us to Israel. However, there were a few things we had to acquire once we arrived. One small item we purchased was a Havdalah candle. Havdalah is the Hebrew word for separation. At the end of Shabbat and holidays, it is customary to mark the separation between the holy time that has passed (the holiday) and the profane that lays ahead (the rest of the week). At the end of Shabbat this separation is made over wine (wine is traditionally used to mark sacred times), spices (to carry the sweet smell of Shabbat into the rest of the week) and by lighting a candle (representing our ability to create fire, an act from which we refrain during Shabbat). After we moved into our apartment, we picked up an inexpensive havdalah candle at the supermarket. It occurred to us to hold out and buy something a bit prettier from one of the local shops, but in the moment utilitarianism won. We promised ourselves that when my family came to visit and we made our way up north to the Tzfat Candle Factory, we would buy something a bit more special. In the meantime, as Shabbat ended each week we would pour out a bit of wine, grab some fresh Louisa Verbena from our garden and light our simple braided candle...
My parents arrived at Ben Gurion Airport for their first trip to Israel on March 23rd. I waited somewhat impatiently at the arrivals gate for them and my aunt and uncle. I still find it hard to believe that they were really here. I joined them as the met their tour group and headed for Tel Aviv. After checking in to the hotel, their group had time to unwind at the hotel. We couldn’t have them sitting around on their first morning in Israel, so I took them around town. After checking out some cafes, Dizingoff and Ben Yehudah Streets and Kikar Rabin, we returned to their hotel to rest. Having left for the airport just after 4 am, I was thrilled to take a little nap.
I woke from my nap to the sound of my cell phone ringing. It was Aviva calling from where she was working in southern Jerusalem that day. She told me that there was a pigua, a terrorist attack, near the Jerusalem Central Bus Station. A bomb exploded outside of a kiosk on Shazar Street as a 74 bus passed by. One woman was killed and a couple dozen more were injured. Call me shallow or self-centered, but as much as I feared for those injured by the bombing, I also feared having to be the one to wake my parents and tell them what had happened. It wasn’t so long ago that my folks were fretting about my traveling to Israel as busses were blowing up on a regular basis. I finally get them here and there is an attack on the first day. I was frazzled, but pissed off even more so.
My family handled the event like pros. (I am deeply saddened that folks in this region have become “pros” when it comes to dealing with terror attacks.) They worried for my safety as I traveled back from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, but went on with their trip as scheduled, enjoying all there was to enjoy. With many thanks to God and hopefully without inviting the evil eye, Jerusalem has been free from attacks of this sort since the day of my parent’s arrival.
Two days later Jerusalem was preparing to host its first ever marathon. While we had many friends participating in the half-marathon that day, we left the city at 5:30 am to avoid getting caught in Jerusalem after all of the road closings. We had to go to the airport to pick up my siblings! On the way, we joined my parents and aunt and uncle at their hotel for breakfast and a trip to Independence Hall. Independence Hall is the only place in Israel to ever make me cry and it does so every time. When I imagine the excitement, the crowds lining the streets outside of Independence Hall and hear Ben Gurion’s voice proclaim, “אנו מכריזים בזאת על הקמת מדינה יהודית בארץ ישראל, היא מדינת ישראל/We declare the establishment of the Jewish state in the Land of Israel, to be called The State of Israel,” I am overcome with emotion and tears of joy and relief well up in my eyes. Partaking in the reenactment of that moment on May 14, 1948 alongside my parents was quite special for me.
Dad listens to tour at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv.
After Independence Hall we said a temporary goodbye to my parents and aunt and uncle so that we could go to Ben Gurion airport to pick up my siblings. Our apartment had been arranged to handle five adults and an infant, Shabbat meals had already been prepared and the last test would be to squeeze everyone and their luggage into the Mazda 5 we rented for the week. It was amazing to see Marti, Robin, David and baby Abby exit from the arrivals gate at the airport. We rushed to greet them and let the adventure begin.
Aviva rushes to greet the siblings at Ben Gurion Airport.
Auntie V and Uncle Scott welcome baby Abby to Israel!
With a very squished Aviva in the very back and lots of luggage on everyone’s laps, we squeezed into the car for the trip back to Jerusalem. We arrived, dumped the suitcases and took a walk up our street to try to grab a bite of falafel before our local falafel joint closed for Shabbat. We were fortunate enough that they had a few falafel balls and some kubeh soup left over. We set up shop back at the apartment and had lunch while everyone got reacquainted. That first Shabbat was really just about spending time together. We had nothing special planned. Just a day of chatting, resting up and walking around the town. It was really great to spend the time with my niece, Abigail. When we left her in the US she was just a month old! The ten month-old little girl who came to visit us was quite different! On Shabbat we walked from our apartment to Mishkenot Sheananim, up past Jaffa Gate and through Mamilla Mall until we headed back to the apartment for Shabbat Lunch. After lunch we took a walk to Gan Sacher to play on the playground and visit the Jerusalem Bird Observatory. We even saw the family of porcupines that live there!
Uncle Scott and Abby took a pre-Shabbat nap together!
After Shabbat, we marked our separation from this special Shabbat to a crazy week of touring with Havdalah. Our supermarket Havdalah candle had one more go remaining. At the end, the flame got so low that I fumbled it into the sink to extinguish it... We bundled up and walked to Ben Yehuda Street for shopping and an after Shabbat snack at Babette’s. Babette’s is a tiny storefront that serves up Belgian waffles smothered in all sorts of yummy combinations. Abby really enjoyed this part!
“Daddy chocolate finger painted on me!”
On Sunday morning we woke up early to head to Tel Aviv. We had breakfast on Dizengoff Street, stopped back at Independence Hall and then dropped by Old Jaffa for some pastries at Aboulafia bakery and a quick tour.
Chillin’ in Jaffa overlooking the city of Tel Aviv
Our next stop took us up north to the mystical town of Tzfat. We walked around the town, visited the famous synagogue of Rabbi Joseph Caro, window shopped at many of the town’s galleries and eventually made our way to the Tzfat Candle Factory. With a full week still ahead of us, Aviva and I finally got to pick out a beautiful havdalah candle... The girls bought some scarves and we caught a magnificent sunset up in the mountains.
Scarf shopping in Tzfat
Abby shops with Auntie V at the Tzfat Candle Factory.
Robin, David and Abby getting ready to watch a gorgeous Tzfat Sunset.
After leaving Tzfat, we headed way up north to Kibbutz HaGoshrim to meet my parents’ tour group. It was really nice for all of us to get to sit down and eat dinner together on kibbutz. The family reunion on kibbutz was not as exciting for me as I had been dealing with a cold and a bit of an ear infection. This was no problem with our amazing Israeli health insurance. I called and had a doctor make a house call at the kibbutz. He gave me some medicine to clear up the ear infection and I barely missed a beat!
Zeyde feeds Abby in the kibbutz dining hall.
Abby takes a break from eating to get kisses from Auntie V.
Then Abby played with Uncle Scott in the Lobby.
That night Abby had a sleepover with her Aunties and Uncle! Looks
like she had fun!
The next morning we drove to Binyamina and Zikhron Ya’akov for two winery tours. The first was at Binyamina Winery. To be honest, it was a bit underwhelming compared to many of the other wineries we’ve visited this year. However, our next stop at Carmel Winery was just the opposite. Aviva and I have enjoyed visiting wineries this year as a different way to get to know the Land of Israel and Israel’s history from a different perspective. We learned about Carmel Winery and its rich history and role in the building of the State of Israel. In short, Carmel Winery was one of the many ways that the wealthy European Baron Edmond de Rothchild supported the late 19th century zionists. Due to my brother in-law David’s work connections, we were wined and dined at the Carmel Winery. It was one of the best winery tours we’ve experienced in Israel. After touring a bit of Zikhron Ya’akov, we returned to Jerusalem that night.
On Tuesday morning we drove through the Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea and Massada. Marti and Robin (eventually Robin, after she began and wussed out) headed up in the cable car. David, Aviva and I climbed up the snake path to this last Jewish holdout of the Roman-Jewish war in 73 CE.
Siblings atop Massada!
Once on top of the mountain fortress, we toured around to see how the Jewish community lived there during the Roman siege. I think David, who had ascended for the first time, really got a kick out of all the archeology up there. Exhausted from the climb (some of us!) and eager to get into the Dead Sea, we descended via the cable car.
After working out a complex spa treatment/babysitting schedule at the Daniel Dead Sea Hotel, we took a ride to the water for a float!
Abby goes for a float in the Dead Sea! (Well, really on her daddy’s belly!)
For the following four days we would stay in the Jerusalem area. On Wednesday we joined my parents’ tour to visit the Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital, Har Herzl National Cemetery, and Yad Vashem, Israel’s national memorial to the Shoah. Each of these were moving in their own way.
Those Israeli men will flirt with American women of any age. Abby befriended
a soldier who was at Har Herzl practicing for Israel’s Memorial Day and
Independence Day ceremonies.
On Thursday we spent the day in the Old City. We met Mom and Dad’s tour early in the morning at the Western Wall. Afterward, we walked below the Old City to check out the Western Wall tunnels, the recently excavated underground portion of the Western Wall. After our tour we took a bit of time to shop in the Old City. That evening, we walked around the Jerusalem Shuk and had a delicious dinner at HaShipudia in the Mahane Yehuda area.
“Women of the Wall!?”
Abby gets a blessing from her Mom and Bubbe at the Western Wall.
Dad and Scott on the men’s side of the Western Wall.
The girls in the Old City.
With no preparations needed for our Shabbat meals, we headed to visit another two wineries on Friday in the Jerusalem Hills. Our first visit was Castel Winery. In my opinion, Castel is at least tied for the finest winery in Israel. We again got the first class treatment due to David’s work connections. The story of Castel is the story of the Ben-Zaken family of Castel in the Judean Hills. After opening a popular Italian restaurant in Jerusalem, Eli Ben-Zaken thought he would take a stab at winemaking. His talent is all self-taught and he has passed this on to his children who, under his supervision, run the winery today.
After Castel, we stopped by Kibbutz Tzuba to see their ancient wine press and make a few purchases from their winery store. After this short stop we dropped by Agur Winery to taste from their selection and to meet Shuki, an Israeli (though he speaks English with a Scottish accent) vintner and all around hysterical guy.
After returning to Jerusalem, we prepared for what would be everyone’s last Shabbat together on this trip. We again visited the Western Wall for Shabbat services and then joined my parents’ tour for Shabbat dinner at the Inbal Hotel.
Abby dances with Uncle Scott.
On Shabbat morning I ditched my siblings and went to take my parents for a special treat. We visited the Museum of Islamic Art that houses an exhibit of some of the rarest clocks and watches in the world. Knowing that my father has a thing for clocks and watches, I thought it would be a nice addition to their trip. After the exhibit, I returned to our apartment along with my parents. Together, the whole family took a walk to the Old City to see some of the Christian Holy Sites.
When Shabbat was over, we made Havdalah together in our apartment. Our first use of our beautiful new Havdalah candle seemed like a separation from super-Holy to the sadly-profane. Here we were having spent Shabbat in Jerusalem together as a family. The next morning, my siblings would be leaving the country.
On Sunday morning we returned to Ben Gurion Airport to send off the siblings back to the US. Aviva and I returned to Jerusalem, switched to a smaller rental car and packed some bags to go unwind in Eilat for two days with my parents and Aunt Gayle and Uncle Joel. This was a very special way to end this whole adventure. On our first night in the hotel, Uncle Joel asked me to officiate at an impromptu renewal of vows ceremony as it was his and my Aunt Gayle’s anniversary. He literally asked me in the elevator as we headed down for cocktails before dinner! I asked him for a few minutes to think. Minutes later I ran upstairs to grab a tallit, wine and to jot down a few notes. I came down and scoped out a spot in a corner courtyard of the hotel. It was quite a joyous moment and I was honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of it!
Impromptu “renewal of vows” for Aunt Gayle and Uncle Joel’s anniversary
Being the nerds that we are, Aviva and I went the next morning to check out JNF’s bird sanctuary in Eilat. Then we spent the day hanging by the pool and the evening walking along Eilat’s incredibly sketchy boardwalk. All in all it was a fun and relaxing way to end a crazy two weeks.The next morning we said goodbye to my Mom, Dad, Aunt and Uncle.
It was such a blessing to have my family here. Aviva and I are so thankful that everyone took the time and money to have such a special experience together. Aviva and I were very proud to have the opportunity to share the place we love with people we love. We had the solace of a gorgeous drive up the middle of the country through the desert and toward Herzliya where Aviva would stop to attend classes before we headed home to Jerusalem.
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