creative jewish mom

Getting To Know Lake Merrit, in Oakland California

On our stay in Oakland California for three weeks this past summer, we had the joy of getting to know Lake Merrit! I visited Lake Merrit many times as a child, and even took sailing lessons there, but this was really the first time that I was able to explore it from every angle. As it turns out, Lake Merrit, while not all that large, is the largest urban lake in the United States, and greatly enjoyed by the inhabitants of the city, who come to run and walk around the perimeter on a paved trail, or enjoy the grassy areas and other amenities. We spent several days exploring Lake Merrit, and have fond memories or our city vacation which included a little bit of lake!

At the Lake Merrit sailing club one can learn to sail, starting with the smallest single sail boat out there, called an El Torro, I believe, though experienced sailers can rent sun fishes as well as slightely larger sail boats. Paddle boats are also available for rent, and this is the perfect place to learn to sail as there's enough wind but not too much to make it scary. Plus, the water isn't deep, so in the event of capsizing, one can very likely even stand up. Next time I think I'll plan ahead and take some private sailing lessons to refresh my memory, and then rent a sailboat, much more fun than a paddle boat!

Then again, there is also a rowing club, and I imagine one can learn to row, for some real exercise!

The historic rowing club building is now a very well designed upscale restuarant (not kosher) and they were so very nice about letting us use the bathrooms, plus that enabled me to take a look around!

There are many grassy areas around the lake, though unfortunately the Canadian Geese have made quite a mess of things, so one will need a blanket to sit on the grass.

The historic Dunsmuir House is not open to the public as I believe it once was, but nonetheless a stunning example of a free-standing Victorian home.

The views as one explores the perimeter of the lake are quite beautiful, this one looking west.

An apartment building which is a reminder of Oakland's rich history as an upscale suburb of San Franciso.

Looking across the lake with the sailing club in the foreground and the Kaiser buildings on the right.

The lake was fairly recently converted into a salt water lake, (connecting it to the San Francisco Bay) making it more ecologically sound and a much better environment for wildlife. Look at this pelican!

And of course, not to forget the lawn bowling club and it's gorgeous historic building! One can learn to lawn bowl or just come to watch on weekends. (There is also a lawn bowling club in Golden Gate park with free lessons, check it out!)

And last but not least, a visit to Lake Merrit with children, might include stopping by Fairy Land, a park for kids with all kinds of structures and play areas dedicated to Mother Goose. So brush up on those historic tales if you want your kids to get something out of it, and it's a sweet place for kids say up to ages seven or eight, and my kids ages 8, 9, and 11 at the time enjoyed it, but weren't ecstatic, then again their knowledge of Mother Goose is almost zero.

Note: One of my favorite memories from childhood was the rock-a-bye-baby up in the tree, but that has been taken down as the rhyme is actually dreadful, as really are many of the Mother Goose rhymes, so interesting that this was considered material for children!

So that's it for Lake Merrit, a nice place to visit if you'll be spending time in the East Bay area of the San Francisco Bay area. Oh, and there's also a bandshell where one can enjoy concerts on Sunday at noon I believe, so keep that in mind!

A Trip To The Orthodontist In The Golan Heights!

A view of the top of the Kinneret (Lake Tiberius) from Moshav Ramot, Western Golan Heights

Who would have thought that a visit to the orthodontist would mean getting acquainted with a gorgeous moshav on the western border of the Golan Heights? Not me. Don't orthodontists see patients in city offices? Here in Israel, one should always expect the unexpected, including getting care from a top notch city orthodontist who happens to see patients once a week in the Golan Heights, lucky for us! Now we don't live in the Golan heights by any means, and its an hours drive from our home, but I have to say, going to the orthodontist is going to be a great way to get to know a region of the country that we have yet to explore. Sometimes crooked teeth and even an underbite which requires attention from the age of eight, can also include good things. Sigh.

Like a chance to see dates turned bright red by the sun, a first for me.

And gorgeous golden fields on the edge of the Kinneret near a nature preserve we had hoped to visit, though it was closed. I saw all these stunning views and silhouettes of weeds from the car window, so naturally I just had to jump out and capture this fall glory. Fortunately my husband agreed to stop the car, though surely did not see the beauty I saw in these weeds, wow.

Hey, those are the mountains that I'm always taking pictures of as a backdrop to my Kinneret photos, now seen from the north. (Check them out as seen from Tiveria, the second photo down in my post here.)

A closer look at those mountains that I had mistakenly thought were Jordan, though are infact part of the Golan Heights. Silly me, next time bone up on your geography a bit.

Weeds never looked so gorgeous in the setting sun.

And Queen Anne's lace the last of the weeds to bloom in the early summer, looks fabulous now. I did pick one to shake and see how much mess it would make as a dried bouquet, and decided against bringing any home.

Ahhhh, fall in Israel, at long last I know exactly where to find it.

Due to orthodontial technology, which does not involve braces with rubber bands anymore (or rather should not, on account of a new system in use for 10 years already) we will only need to pay a visit every two months instead of every month. Certainly more convenient and cost effective, and we will still have plenty of opportunity to explore this amazing and inspiring region. Despite all the complaining I do in my head regarding the challenges of living in Israel, I have to say, at this moment I feel truly blessed that we are able to experience this beautiful land every waking moment.

A Visit To Rachel's Tomb On The Busiest Day Of The Year!

Historic images of the gravesite of Rachel

Today is the memorial anniversary for Rachel Imeinu, affectionately referred to as Mama Rachel. While the Jewish people have more than one mother, Rachel, on account of the trials and tribulations she faced during her life has become the universal Jewish mother, the one that a person would be inclined to go to for comfort and to shed some tears. And let me tell you, last night at her gravesite, in Beit Lechem (Bethlehem) not far from the edge of Jerusalem, tears were indeed shed. Many many tears.

My daughter and I embarked on a trip from our home in the North of Israel to reach Rachel's gravesite on this very day (Jewish days start at night, so we arrived actually last night) and we don't regret one moment of the long bus ride or the discomfort of being squeezed into a tight crowd, it's all part of the experience.

More recent images of Kever Rachel, though today the site is unrecognizable on account of huge security walls and a new structure for safety that encloses the original tomb building

Since the time of her burial, more then 3000 years ago, the Tomb of Rachel has always been a special place for prayer.  Rachel, who was childless though eventually gave birth to Yosef and then Benyamin, has become a symbol of hope for childless women, and all those in need of special blessings. (Who isn't in need in this day and age?) Rachel reminds us of the power of prayer, and thus, today (since prayer on the day that marks the anniversary of passing is much more powerful) tens of thousands will visit her gravesite to quite simply pray, for themselves, for their loved ones, for the Jewish people, for the world.

Now I'll have to admit, that actually getting to the tomb to give it a kiss is quite a challenge, on account of huge crowds that must all pass through a small door. Of course there is lots of security on hand (as well as a first aide station) to control the crowds, but that doesn't mean that it goes exactly smoothly.

Phew, we made it inside, and are on our way to the tomb!

Each woman is allowed only several seconds, and is then physically directed to move on and continue her prayers outside. An experience that's incomporable but not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or don't like being touched or scrunched or elbowed. And certainly not recommended for small children, even my daughter at age 11 was a bit short to be in such a crowd. But not to worry, she had a meaningful experience and will make sure we go again next year!

At the moment she's copying the school lessons she missed on account of being out of school yesterday for the trip, and today on account of arriving home at 2am and the ensuing exhaustion. Her mother isn't exactly full of energy either!

A Visit To Point Lobos State Reserve, Monterey, California

The Point Lobos State Reserve, just 3 miles south of the city of Carmel in Northern California is a truly a jewel, and well worth the three or so hour drive south if you will be visiting the San Francisco Bay Area. We combined our overnighter with a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and wished we had planned to stay in the area for several days, and there is so much beautiful nature and California history to enjoy.

Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos, which means "Point of the Sea Wolves", because the sound of the barking sea lion colonies on the rocks carries inland. The reserve has often been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System," and I can certainly vouch for that!

The view looking south down the rugged California coast is stunning and I regretted not having time to take a drive to explore those areas beyond, which are part of a well known region called Big Sur.

One of the reasons to visit Point Lobos is to see the sea lion colonies in the distance, though the flora is stunning as is the whole area which one can explore through various trails on the headlands and down to the water's edge.

The trails and rocky areas which one is allowed to explore are not difficult, but certainly not stroller friendly or for those with difficulty walking. The water worn rock formations are simply gorgeous, and my kids were so very excited to explore such an interesting place.

We arrived around 4pm, just in time to enjoy low tide, more access to rocky areas and some tide pools! The park closes at 7pm, and while we had enough time to explore the shore, we could have spent several more hours exploring the Cypress grove hike as well as a historic whaler's cabin within the reserve.

wow.

And more wow.

In one spot there is access to a gorgeous beach covered entirely in pebbles, and not far from the famous golfing area named Pebble Beach.

I'll admit, I couldn't stop thinking about pebble mosaics!

But don't forget to look up to witness gorgeous sites like these pelicans skimming the ocean surface.

From the headlands above, one can spot sea lions in small groups, like those here, or a large colony beyond, which was too distant for me to capture with my lens. Bring binoculars!

The headlands are packed with flora is many beautiful shades.

I was grateful that these European tourists has the good sense to wear such bright colors that truly looked fantastic in my foggy day photos!

Goodbye Point Lobos. We will be very happy and grateful indeed for an opportunity to visit again some time. And thanks so much to my mother for planning this little trip for us, as she wanted to share with her grandchildren a place that is very special to her! I hope I can be such a fantastic grandmother some day!

For more information about Point Lobos and camping in the area, visit the official Point Lobos website.

A Climb Up The Enchanting Filbert Steps On Telegraph Hill, San Francisco

At long last I had a chance to re-visit one of my very favorite places, the Filbert Steps, on Telegraph Hill in my beloved San Francisco. I always had a feeling that I had left my heart on these steps, and yes indeed I have reconfirmed this sentiment. Best of all, I was so very relieved to see that this unique spot really hasn't changed a bit over the last 20 0r so years. I once lived in San Francisco for a few years and I used to torture myself by walking all the hills and steps I could find and boy was this an amazing find that I visited often!

On previous visits to San Francisco with my kids I would point up to Coit tower from the Piers on Market Street and say, let's go up there! I was always met with groans, so this time I took things into my own hands and said "we're going, you're gonna love it!" Hup two three, off we go. Now where were those steps exactly? Phew, I found them, and our little adventure began. (The steps are a continuation of Filbert Street on the steep Eastern slope of Telegraph Hill.)

Note: As you can see by the tour bus parked at the bottom in the above photo, tour groups take their folks down the stairs, but that isn't nearly as much fun! 

Working-class Italianate style cottages were built on boardwalks pre 1900's, and exist today almost exactly as they did when first built. Of course the lush greenery is something the residents have worked hard to establish and maintain, in its heyday the hill was strewn with trash! There is no car access to these homes, who access is the Filbert Steps, either from above or from below, which is just across the street from Levi Plaza, (you know like the jeans.) This neighborhood was spared in the earthquake and subsequent fire of 1906 due to the gallant efforts of many of its inhabitants.

 Isn't this garden absolutely gorgeous? And it smelled heavenly too......

 Filbert Steps is packed with charm.

Oh my, be still my beating heart (on account of all those stairs, ya know) this is breathtaking!

And if your address is Napier Lane, you can be assured that you are living on an authentic boardwalk!

When you reach the first actual city street, Montgomery Street, be sure to notice this fantastic streamlined moderne deco building with it's original sgrafitto reliefs that depict the building of the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

Continue on up folks, almost there!

Just look at that stunning view and a tiny peek in the distance at the new section of the San Francisco Bay Bridge, completed though not open just yet. 

And what might that be peeking above the trees, a large fire hose? No, the resemblence is purely coincidental, this is Coit Tower, built in 1933 with a bequest from a wealthy patron to beautify the city of San Francisco.

Whether or not you choose to go up in the tower (we didn't the line was too long) do enter the lobby and take a look at the interesting historic depression-era (via the New Deal federal employment program for artists) murals which I believe were recently restored having almost succumbed to the San Franciso fog and the wear and tear of life.

 Hang out a bit at the base of Coit Tower........

And take a good look at the foggy view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Now you have two choices, either go down to Grant Street, turn left and walk for about fiveteen minutes into Chinatown (via Little Italy) where you can get a bite to eat (there's even a kosher restuarant!) or if you'd like to return to your starting point, it just so happens there's a parallel set of stairs called the Greenwhich Street Steps, which while not as charming are certainly interesting as well and worth going down. They will take you to a point just a block or two away from your starting point.

So if you're ever in San Francisco, do stop by the Filbert Steps and leave your heart there too.

A Refreshing Mountain Stream In Shefer, Northern Israel

On the last day of Passover vacation we took a little trip to a refreshing mountain stream, which collects in what appears to be a gorgeous though man-made pond, and the kids had fun playing in the freezing cold water. I did stick my feet in, but that was more than enough refreshment for me! We pass this small township called Shefer (which is part of the Galil HaMerom, Northern Israel) all the time, but only recently learned that within there was a lovely little spot worth visiting!

Shefer is right across the street from Amirim, which is more well known, though both are gorgeous and both have many little vacation cabins and such, with fabulous views and lots of nature! Shefer is just down the hill from Meron, and about a twenty minute drive from Safed.

And while I don't know too much about it, just beyond this lovely spot is a trail that one can take for a half hour or so hike down to the area known as Parod, just down the hill by car. And, there is a concert area and vacation cabins just beyond in an area within Shefer called Hemdat Yamim. So to find this little jewel, follow the signs that point you in the direction of Hemdat Yamim, and you'll be sure to find it! Enjoy, I know we'll be back again, certainly in the heat of summer! And maybe we'll see you there too!

A Visit To Devorat HaTavor Bee Farm In The Foothills of Mount Tabor

Today, the second and last day during the Passover holiday in which we'll have time for full day family outings we took an hour drive from home to a village in the foothills of Mount Tabor (Kefar Tavor), to visit a small operating bee and silk worm farm called Devorat HaTavor.

We enjoyed our visit to this casual and family friendly farm, geared towards educating visitors about honey bees and silk worms, through a variety of presentations given by pleasant tour guides. 

There are goats to feed in the yard, and we all fell in love with this sweet baby goat!

Part of the tour includes some craft activities for kids, though it was our idea to make the bee's wax candle craft with multiple wicks so we can use the candles for havdalah!

The bee farm is located on a large plot of land, and loved this row of cacti!

And just next door is another tourist attraction site for kids and a family camping area, though can't quite remember its name, something with the name aitz (tree, wood) in it.

Once outside the premises of the bee farm, I took a little walk down the road and realized what an amazingly beautiful location this is, with stunning views.

I never realized that wisteria has such an amazing smell, and suddenly I felt transported to lazy summer days in the country somewhere, anywhere......

The sun was setting as we headed home, and a great time was had by all, though I think my husband enjoyed himself more than any of us! Oh and we did buy some raw honey to take home for some sweet memories of our visit, yumm!

A Visit To Madatech, The Israeli National Museum Of Science in Haifa!

Passover is a time for family outings, and the whole country is on vacation, so it's no surprise that we weren't exactly the only ones who thought of visiting Madatech, the Israeli National Museum of Science, Technology and Space, in Haifa. I'm happy to report that the place was packed with families interested in nurturing their children's understanding of the world around them through science. 

The museum is housed in an impressive example of Israeli architecture, a building designed by the German Jewish architect Alexander Baerwald, and built around 1912, though due to a number of circumstances the Israeli Technion, the first Israeli institution for higher education, did not start accepting students until around 1925. You can read more about the history here.

The historic building houses many interesting exhibits that can be enjoyed at all levels, with many many hands on type displays to engage children. This room with a very tall ceiling was the perfect space for an aeronautics exhibit.

We also enjoyed the room of mirrors and this print of an optical painting. This boy (not mine) happened to be wearing a crocheted yarmulke that was such a great compliment to the painting that I had him pose for me!

 I loved the exhibit room where concepts that required darkness were explained.

One of the very special features of the museum is the outdoor "science park" built in a large courtyard space between two of the museum buildings. Through well designed and large interactive exhibits, the park's goal is to explain the scientific principles underlying the discoveries of a number of giants whose breakthroughs shaped the course of science. I'll admit, we didn't even have time to explore these concepts, but my kids loved the exhibits!

 Climb into the world...........

 ........sit inside the sun and turn the steering wheel to control the earth's orbit.........

......peddle on a gyroscope helicopter of sorts! And then, after you've stretched your legs a bit and enjoyed the outdoors, head back inside into the space exhibit in the new building just beyond the science park.

All in all, I'd say this museum is certainly a great place to visit, though one should go well rested and with the idea that it will take many many hours to actually go through all the exhibits and explain the concepts to your kids. (All the exhibits are in hebrew, english and arabic.) I'll admit though that due to time constraints, the main concept that I tried to explain to my kids is that at a museum one must read the signs to understand what one is looking at! Better luck next time.....they were more interested in pushing buttons and grabbing levers than reading the explanations, alack alas.

This is the kind of place one could visit many many times and little by little learn many of the scientific concepts by supplementing with some reading at home. Hmmmm, since this museum is not exactly around the corner, but rather an hour's drive away, I guess I'm gonna have to start doing quite a bit of supplementing at home to fill my little ones in on the wonder's of the world! (And hey, a little review certainly won't hurt me either!) 

Through The Woods & Into The Meadow In Northern Israel

Two weeks ago, on a Friday afternoon that wasn't packed with things to do, as it usually is, I took a little hike with my three youngest on a nearby trail that meanders down the hill, with gorgeous views and so many things to enjoy, especially since the weather was absolutely perfect!

Ahhhhh, a taste of forest, with meadows beyond. Meadows filled with what? Yes, brilliant red poppies!

And not just poppies, horses too, squeel! Imagine fields filled with poppies and a trio of horses running on what appears to be a soft green carpet......divine! Not to mention that one of the horses is a foal, double squeel!

Many species of wild flowers dot the landscape this time of year, and I love pointing them out to my kids!

And look at that view of Mt. Meron, stunning!

 Oh my, and we have encountered some serious poppy territory.....

 and a closer look at one of my most favorite times of year!

We pass a grove of olive trees on the way.......

 and try to avoid stepping on some more precious wild flowers.

And before we head home, we get just as close as we possibly can to those enchanting white horses, and make silent promises to come back another day for a longer visit. Who can resist a spring time walk in the meadows in Northern Israel, not me! Well, not me unless of course Passover cleaning is occupying all my spare time, which happens to be the case at the moment! 

Visiting The Jordan River and The Kinneret (Sea of Galilee)

The northern tip of The Sea of Galilee, our beloved Kinneret.

First of all, chodesh tov, wishing you all a joyful new month as we welcome the month of Adar, the month on the Jewish calendar that is all about simcha, joy! Yesterday my kids all had a half day of school in honor of Rosh Chodesh, so we took a little trip about thirty minutes from home to see some water! And specifically to see the Jordan river where it empties into the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and to also witness the great fact that after many years of drought, the Kinneret has returned to a normal level, a truly happy situation!

 I love wild grasses, and these are stunning!

As you can see, it was a beautiful sunny day, and green grass covers the hills as spring approaches. I always love little colorful balls, and these yellow ones are precious!

And here it is my friends, one of many pipes that enable the Jordan river to empty into the Sea of Galilee, the Kinneret!

And here is a last look at the tranquil Jordan river just before it meets the Sea of Galilee. Such a beautiful place! I always forget how much I love water, and how calming it is to simple take a few breaths and enjoy this beautiful area! I think we'll be taking quite a few more trips to enjoy nature this year, so stay tuned!

You can see photos from a visit to a more northern portion of the Jordan river here. And photos of all of our adventures around Israel here. Enjoy!