Iri and Saralee Kassel. Iri is the former executive director of the Israeli Reform Movement and they are dear friends.
In March 2013, I went to Israel to participate in the Israeli Reform Movement’s “Ride4Reform” bike ride. This was my 8th time participating in this event. I have the distinction of being the top fundraiser for this bike ride. All funds raised are used to support the programs of the Israeli Reform Movement.
This bike ride is a five-day off-road ride. Each year, it follows a different route. This year we starts in the northern Golan and ended in Caesarea.
I also attended the Bat Mitzvah of my dear friend, Hannah Goodman, from Toronto. Part of her family lives in Israel. She celebrated in Toronto on Monday morning at her home congregation (Holy Blossom Temple), then flew to Israel and we celebrated again at Robinson’s arch in Jerusalem on Thursday morning.
Hannah and her family: Avra, Mark and her sister, Sarah Rosen.
Hannah Goodman and her mother, Avra Rosen.
Hannah Goodman with her father, Mark
Bat Mitzvah of Hannah Rosen at Robinson’s Arch – Jerusalem
The walls of the Old City of Jerusalem
Jaffa Gate, approached from the new Mamilla Mall. Jerusalem.
Goodman/Rosen dear family friend: Mai Levy. Mai lived with them while she was a volunteer “young emissary” in Toronto for a year. She is a delight!
My dear friend, and surrogate mother, Nancy Ruth.
Carmel Market – Tel Aviv. They have the most beautiful things!
Carmel Market – Tel Aviv
Carmel Market – Tel Aviv
Me and my rental bike on the ride. The chain was terrible and it took them until the last day to fix it!
Old men playing “sheshbesh” (backgammon) on the beach in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv-beach
Tel Aviv – beach
Tel Aviv – rental bikes
Our bikes, during a break, on the ride.
Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee)
Old doors of an early Jewish settlement near the Jordanian border
Me and our terrific bike leader outside a winery during one of our stops.
Higzit Rail Bridges – near the Jordanian border
Our bikes, during a break, on the ride.
First Day of bike ride – the Golan Heights. Me, Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell and Dalya Levy.
Michal and David Benninga. Dear friends who live in Jerusalem. He is an awesome cyclist!
