Friday in Tel Aviv

First Day of Touring

          The day began with the extensive Israeli hotel breakfast.  The one here at the Dan Panorama is as good as any I can remember.  The assortment of foods, the service, the room, and view in the dining hall were all excellent.  Everyone arrived on time for the bus and we drove over to Rothschild Blvd. for our first destination.  Uri began with an explanation of the mixture of architecture especially the Bauhaus style brought over in the late 1930’s from Germany.

          We crossed the street and entered Independence Hall.  The introductory film was new and neither Jan nor I had seen it.  Our docent was one I had not had before.  She gave some of the less written about incidents surrounding the use of the building which was the original home of Meir Dizengoff when Tel Aviv was founded, just over a century ago.  It then became an art museum when it was used for the historic ceremony.  It returned to being a museum until 1978 when it became Independence Hall and allowed people to come and learn about the declaration of the State of Israel.  It is difficult for one to be unaffected when they pipe in Ben Gurion’s words and the recording of Hatikvh as it was performed by the orchestra on that historic day, May 14, 1948, Hay, Iyar 5678, just before Shabbat (the day I was born and the British finally left).

          Since it was raining on and off we didn’t want to chance walking in the Levinsky Market area and getting soaked so we switched plans and went to the Rabin Museum. For me along with the entire group, except for Jan, this was our first time visiting this new museum.  It is quite impressive and powerful in its message both in regards to Rabin’s life and death as well as the history of Israel during that period.  It also had signs putting the dates into perspective with what else was happening in the world.  It has self-guided headsets that were a bit inconsistent when they worked but overall that did not destroy the experience. There is also a lovely view of Tel Aviv from the porch area. 

 

The group found this to be a meaningful and informative experience, helping to put many things into perspective about the history of Israel while opening up many questions and areas for future discussions.

          Our next stop, since the rain had abated, was at the top of Nahalat Binyamin and the Shuk HaCarmel (Market).  Nahalat Binyamin is a walking mall that on Tuesdays and Fridays has many crafts people selling their wares in open air stalls.  It also has cafes and other stores.  Being 2 days before Purim, there were many people, adults and kids, dressed in costumes and plenty of stores selling various items that can be used to dress up the holiday. 

The group wandered around on their own enjoying the atmosphere and leisure.  A few of us stopped at a Druze pita maker who filled this special type of flat pita with labena (a kind of cheese/yogurt), zatar (an Israeli spice made with hyssop and other herbs), olive oil, and parsley. Yum!!!

          Back at the hotel our last three participants arrived.  Welcome Marcia, Mona and Mark.  Marcia and Mona had to be driven to Syracuse to get their flight to Philly.  Then their plane was delayed at takeoff due to an incident and closing of one runway.  We are so glad they have arrived safely and will enjoy the rest of our journey together.

          For Shabbat services we went to Beit Tfila Yisraeli.  His is unique highly spirited and very musical service for non-traditional Israelis.  It is not Reform or Conservative but has the feel of creative camp services with a lot of singing and a unique variation of tunes.  Due to the upcoming holiday of Purim there was a festive atmosphere, the leaders were wearing costumes and some of the music was done with Broadway tunes as well as Beatle’s music.  The rabbi, Esteban, is from Argentina originally.  Jan and I met his brother when we were in Sao Paulo, Brazil.   L’cha Dodi was sung to “Doe a Deer, “My Favorite Things, as well as music from Grease.   We all enjoyed this service.  During warmer months they hold the services on the port of Tel Aviv and often thousands are in attendance.

          We returned to the hotel for a scrumptious Shabbat dinner, which was an extensive smorgasbord.  We all enjoyed.  Some of the group joined us for an oneg with a night cap and good conversation back in our room.

Shabbat Shalom