Israel – Part 2

So what did we do with our final 2+ days in Israel (read Part 1 HERE)? A lot (after our visit to Eilat). Our wonderful guide Aryeh had a sudden and unexpected departure to deal with a family matter, so he arranged for driver Younes to shuttle us to Jerusalem. Younes was only too happy for the gig – in fact, he and his wife spent the night in Eilat and considered this bonus time to spend together away from their many children (I think 5).

Younes drives a passenger van which frankly provided great comfort for the 4-hour trek when one factors in our luggage.  We actually made the drive faster and without stopping (our choice), but with some interesting sites pointed out along the way.  Masada was one and an enormous phosphate plant was another — Israel essentially pioneered desalination.

Below, the historic Masada site — proud to say I climbed up on my first trip in 1983!

We had a particular goal in mind:  to arrive in Jerusalem as early as possible that Friday.  Sundown was one of the earliest times of the year (approximately 4pm).  That means all of the shops were closing at 2:30 pm. In order to visit the shops we had earmarked, we needed to hustle.  We did just that, by essentially dropping everything at our hotel, The Inbal, before heading out.

Below, not all soldiers are the same — obvious from this example at the checkpoint into Jerusalem

Our first stop was a beautiful jewelry store Sam had visited on a previous trip. We enjoyed chatting with the owners, but had to make a dash to a Judaica shop for arguably more important purchases.  As parents who desired to raise children with a commitment to Judaism, this was a moment of parental pride for the hubby and me seeing Sam & Hannah make important purchases for their respective homes. The shop owner echoed those very sentiments. I acquired some Shabbat candlesticks and boxes of Hanukkah candles.

And then the city promptly shut down.  It is stunning to see Ben Yehuda Street (below) — a large pedestrian zone filled with shops — essentially empty but for a few souls trying to get somewhere to observe the Sabbath.

Multi-generational family heading home for Shabbat

From there we went to The Western Wall, timed well for the beginning of the Sabbath. It is truly the place where one goes in Israel, for Jews and Christians alike. It is separated by gender so Hannah and I shared time on the women’s side while Bruce and Sam did the same with the men.  One can pray, one can just sit, one can leave notes in the crevices of the wall. It was an agreed-upon “high point” for all of us when we shared what was the best of this trip.

The sun is about to set at the Wall — the women’s side is to the right of the white umbrellas – men’s on the left. 

Younes drove us back to our hotel (he would also transport us the next morning to Tel Aviv). And then we had to figure out dinner. The choices were slim — an immense buffet at the hotel which was not of interest or leave it to Sam to source somewhere else. He did exactly that and we loved Katy’s Restaurant which has been around since the 70’s and remains open on Shabbat. It was a delicious choice — not just somewhere to get fed with few options.

Below, a couple of “characters” bond at dinner; delicious lamb chops followed by strudel for dessert

Once again, we moved locations — to our final stop in Tel Aviv.  A Saturday in Tel Aviv is a completely different experience than it is in Jerusalem — with plenty of restaurants open and/or walking along the lively Tayelet (waterfront). A great many hotels face the sea, including the Renaissance where we stayed (view from the room below).

Below, something one doesn’t see in the US — transporting sleeping babies in a rolling crib while out shopping.  I think it’s pretty smart!

With a great stroke of good fortune and timing, we found our family and that of our beloved friends Beverly & Rabbi David Woznica in Tel Aviv on the same day and free for dinner.  So we gathered at a highly recommended restaurant – Claro – for a delicious dinner and a very lively discussion of our respective experiences.  Their time in Israel was both business and pleasure, having just visited Azerbajian in the course of David’s rabbinic work.

Finally, it was time to say farewell to Israel after a whirlwind week and a promise for another return trip in the near future.  Best money spent?  The “Escorted Passenger Service” departure option at Ben Gurion Airport which provides assistance through the maze of checkpoints required to leave the country.  That saved us unknown time and effort.  Todah rabah (thank you very much), Israel — we loved every moment.  Next stop — Paris.

Below, our tiny escort — a native of Ukraine — has been on the job for 8 years and she was excellent!  Strictly kosher airport food:  Moses Air (love that name)