Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

Episode Three: From Israel, With Love Cathy and I arrived in Tel Aviv late Friday afternoon. After securing our rental car and with the help of Google Maps, we made our way to Jerusalem in a wind and rain storm. (Picture: it’s dark, it’s raining, it’s windy and Cathy is at the wheel. ) We arrived at the hotel travel weary, but in one piece. We were welcomed by the staff at the lovely YMCA Jerusalem with a glass of refreshing cherry juice, awed by the exquisite décor of the hotel. Dinner was mouth-watering as we dined on roasted eggplant, salad and mujaddara, a delectable lentil and rice dish. Saturday the wind, rain and cold continued so we spent the morning at the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book. The Israel Museum is the largest cultural institution in Israel and is ranked among the world’s leading art and archeology museums. What an extraordinary museum that showcased a wide variety of exhibits from the fun and interactive wireless connections to the outdoor sculpture garden with a couple of Picasso’s, a Matisse and a Rothko sprinkled along the way. The most awe-inspiring was the Shrine of the Book, home of several exceptional archeological finds: The Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare ancient manuscripts all housed in a building shaped like the lid of a scroll jar. After leaving the Shrine of the Book, we made our way through the outdoor garden where we came upon Love which overlooks Jerusalem in her stunning and majestic glory creating a moment filled with amazement that I won’t soon forget. Miss an episode? Check it out here! After 13 years with the Jewish Federation, the unflappable Jodi Phares is embarking on her FIRST trip to Israel! Join in on the experience as she details her visit to our Western Galilee Partnership2Gether region and brings our overseas connections a little closer to home.  ]]>