Shapiros in Rosh Pinna

Day 22: Upper Galilee. The morning started with another great breakfast with Nilli and another affordable car repair: Five dollars for the local shop to bend back the piece of metal that was making the bad news. Then we all got in the car with Raz and drove around the lower Galilee. This area of Israel is quite beautiful agricultural land, with a number of small mountains providing great views. We started at the Rimon Winery which makes wine from pomegranates; great health benefits and pretty good to boot. We then saw the Hula Valley and learned of its history from swamp to producing row crops. We picnicked by the river and then drove past Quiriat Shemona to Metula, the northern-most part of pre-1967 Israel, which is literally a dozen yards from Lebanon. The scene was remarkable in its stillness and peacefulness, and absent watching the UN trucks patrolling you would never know you were standing in an area subject only to a cease fire.

The day ended with a treat that we all loved. We went to a nature area in what was Syria prior to 1967 called Ein Tina. We drove on a road which we are sure the rental company would not have appreciated, and then hiked just a few minutes to a small stream. We then all entered the stream and began hiking through the water upstream. The current was strong, giving the kids a run for their money, and the water was up past Esti’s waist. As we moved upstream we then reached a hill and continued to hike up the stream, climbing under a low and extensive canopy of wild fig trees, eventually reaching a bit of a waterfall, in which the kids played. Then, we went back down almost the same route. All in all, it was refreshing, fun, and a great way to end the day!

Day 23: Shabbat in Rosh Pinna. Shabbat came at a good time – we were ready for a break and did not want to rush off for touring. We slept late (or at least Scott and some of the kids did!) and then met Nilli for a leisurely breakfast on the balcony at 9:30. After breakfast we did some school work and then everyone jumped in the pool. The water was great and refreshed. After breakfast we hopped into the car with Nilli and drove a mile or two to visit a friend of hers that owns a ranch. We visited with horses, puppies, roosters, and doves, and then saw the custom wine cellar and walked through vineyards and orchards. After the visit we returned home for some lunch and more swimming. Then some more school work and more visits with Nilli. We think she has adopted our children and we wonder whether we will be allowed to leave tomorrow!

In the evening we decided to walk around old Rosh Pinna. It was built about 14o years ago by Romanian Jews that were hoping for a new life. As we walked past the original synagogue, we notice a few orthodox men hanging around the door looking anxious. We guessed correctly that they needed another participant to make a minyan (in Judaism, it takes 10 Jews – for Orthodox 10 men – to be able to say certain prayers). Scott volunteered to join them and he made the minyan. In return, he was honored with the first Torah blessing for the afternoon (Mincha) service. After services we walked around some more, enjoyed the views and the weather, and then returned to Nilli’s to pack for Tiberius.