Rabbi Lutz's Israel Trip Blog
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Day 8: Eilat, Camel Rides and Reform Kibbutzim
Today began with a desert adventure, riding a camel trail. Now riding camels is not like riding horses … first they are much taller, second there is that big hump and third … well, they don’t walk like horses. Unlike horses, camels move both legs on the same side of their body at the same time (horses move one leg on each side at the same time) This makes camels sway back and forth, like a boat. So, at first there is that uneasy feeling that you are about to fall off. But, after you get used to it … it’s not all that bad really.
We then traveled back north a ways to visit Kibbutz Lotan. The kibbutz is comprised of about 50% American immigrants and 50% native Israelis. Almost all the American immigrants are individuals that grew up in Reform or Conservative youth movements in America and moved to Israel.
We ate lunch in the kibbutz dining room with the members of the kibbutz. Then we received a brief orientation the kibbutz and it’s industry. This small Reform kibbutz is doing some amazing environmental work in the Arava. In fact, it is work that is being recognized internationally. After listening to all the things they are doing, we all started wondering what more we could do both to support the kibbutz, connect our children and theirs AND do more environmentally at TAS. (I’m sure you will hear more about that!
Then it was back to Eilat (after one more stop for ice cream and milk shakes at KibbutzYotvata) to enjoy swimming and the Red Sea. By the way those of us who did swim in the Red Sea (as was pointed out by our guide Hillel) have completed a trifecta, we have swum ‘med, dead and red.’
To understand Eilat, imagine Palm Springs, in the summer, on the ocean (temperature and environment wise …) 115% in the shade with a cool refreshing ocean in which to swim. There are huge hotels here … packed presently with Israelis – who I am sure get the same good summer discounts you can now get in Palm Springs. In the winter this place is packed with tourists from the Northern climates who come here to get away from Winter.
Comments:Yeah, Rabbi Lutz... what a great idea. Let's do a video! Maybe we can get the schleppers to perform.
Breaking News! Breaking News!
Robin Gore to the rescue!!! She has graciously taken over my responsibility and will be doing the announcements on the 11th.
Thanks Robin!!
Shelly
Hi... this is Lori. We love reading your daily notes. We all sit at the computer looking over each other's shoulders to take a peek a boo at the pictures. We are so enjoying it!
Also wanted to let the Snows and Albans know that they were missed on the 4th. It wasn't the same because they weren't there! Also, tell Alyssa that Jamie hasn't stopped talking about "Pirates 2". She totally loved the movie.
Keep the pictures and comments coming...
Lori
Hi All,
Just as everyone else, I am enjoying your e mails. Especially the pictures. I noticed that mostly kids from your group were in the Red Sea. Is that true, or did it just happen to be the picture you posted? I am curious to know if you guys have been swimming in the ocean, and if so, is there still a huge problem with "Meduzah" (jelly fish). It seems as though the two times in my life that I've gone to Isreal, I couldn't really enjoy swimming in the ocean because of all the Meduzah stinging me. I hope it is not the same for you guys. How long are you going to be in Eilat?
Anyway, my love to all of you who know me, and even those who don't.
Laurie
Just some Camel humor
You always hear that a camel can go 500 miles without water.
How come nobody's ever bothered to see how far they can go WITH water.
A mother and baby camel are talking one day when the baby camel
asks, "Mom why have I got these huge three toed feet?"
The mother replies, "Well son, when we trek across the desert your
toes will help you to stay on top of the soft sand".
"OK" said the son. A few minutes later the son asks, "Mom, why
have I got these great long eyelashes?"
"They are there to keep the sand out of your eyes on the trips
through the desert"
"Thanks Mom," replies the son.
After a short while, the son returns and asks, "Mom, why have I
got these great big humps on my back??"
The mother, now a little impatient with the boy replies, "They
are there to help us store water for our long treks across the desert,
so we can go without drinking for long periods."
"That's great mom, so we have huge feet to stop us sinking, and
long eyelashes to keep the sand from our eyes and these humps to
store water, but... Mom?"
"Yes son?"
"Why the heck are we in the San Diego Zoo?"
Pretty corny, huh
Oh Boy, Camels! :) I can't wait to get there now. For those that know me, you can only imagine what I'd look like trying to climb up onto a camel's back :) Too funny. I want to see pictures!!!
Lila - for some reason I have never received any e-mail from your Pierce account, past or present. Maybe you have the wrong email address in your address book?? it's ron@sarfaty.us if you have time to check. If not, I'll look forward to your email when you are safely back home. I love you, and miss you and am so happy you are having a wonderful time.
Our love to Shel, Alyssa and Jackie and we'll see you all very soon.
Rabbi - How does one claim citizenship in Israel? I would love to have dual citizenship if thats possible.
Watching CNN non-stop and wishing you all were home. Just tried calling Cheryl and Brian's cellphone but there was no answer. I know the cell phones don't work in all areas. I remember that from when Geoff was there in December. We know you are all ok but just wish we could turn on the news and see dancing, shopping, and peace.
Stay safe...love Lynn
According to the itinerary I received from Lila, they are in Haifa now (I'm praying they've headed due South). I have the phone number of the Hotel they are at and have called twice and left messages for them. I hope to hear something back soon as I am a basket case. Anyone wishing to call can dial the Dan Panorama Haifa direct @:Post a Comment
01197248352222
Prayers to all.
Ron and Jean
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