Trip 13: From Yishpru Center (Paatei Modiin) to Kibutz Sha'alvim (April 30, 2020) Corona!

Trip 13:  From Yishpru Center (Paatei Modiin) to Kibutz Sha'alvim (April 30, 2020)  Corona!

Present:  Elli, Bruria, Cheftzi, Netanel

This Yom Haatzmaut was a very unique one.  There were no public bandstands, no parties, no get-togethers.   Prayers happened in groups less than 19 people, in open settings, each person 2 m apart from the other, while people wore masks and gloves.  The streets were mainly empty.  Also, there was a lock down for each citizen to remain within 100 m of his own house over Yom Ha'atzmaut, so people would not visit friends or leave their cities to visit family. 
When the following morning, the lockdown was lifted as well as permission granted to do sporting activities anywhere, rather than being limited to only 500 m from your home, we decided to hit the shvil for the first time in many weeks.  

Planning only begun that morning, upon later than usual wake-up.  Keep in mind that we had been home since a few days after Purim, it was more than 6 weeks later and we had gotten very used to late nights and rising later, as well.  Davening was still only permitted from one's balcony, no gathering was permitted even in the parking area, as it is today, now the eve of Lag Ba'omer. 

We decided to walk from Paatei Modiin to Sha’alavim, that way we would end up at my sister, Danielle’s house, and be able to see her.  At this point we hadn't seen her and her family in weeks due to lockdowns and other regulations.  We knew that we needed to keep a distance and hugging and kissing was out of the question.  Wearing masks and sitting 2 m apart, outtdoors, we were able to have a visit.  

We started in the afternoon, and it was a mild, sunny day.  The walk took only an hour and a half but it was a good way to get back into practice. 

Along the way, there was not so much shade for walking under,  but there were some shady bench spots with water every km or so.  These benches typically had been transformed into memorial spots for fallen soldiers with a photo and a story to go with it.  

We could have started at gimzu, or מחלף בן שמן  which would have lengthened the trip into our regular 10 km usual length.  
The views included wheat fields and blue sky, nothing too urban.  However,  the beginning section is at Yishpru mall where one could theoretically have had lunch, if it were not corona.  Currently only grocery stores are opened.

The entire length of this walk was on a dirt path with only gentle ups and downs.  It would have been perfect for a mountain bike.
 Click here for more pictures.

Trip 12: Banana Beach חוף הצוק to Kibutz Shfaim - 9 km

March 15, 2020

Present:  Andy & Chaya Rifka Katz, Talya Shaw, Leora, Bruria, Cheftzi, Netanel (7 people)

Another glorious day on the Shvil in March.  It was so interesting to do this section of the shvil one week after having done the Latrun - Mesilat Tzion Area.  Where one week ago we were in the mountainous foothills of the Judean Hills, this week we were in the very different landscape of the shore.  The area is flat and there are no hills and fewer pines.  

This section is mainly along the shoreline.  At times we were on a boardwalk, at times on the beach because the boardwalk is not uninterrupted.  It was interesting to pass the various different beaches between North Tel Aviv to Herzliya.  Once we left the beach and climbed up to Hertzeliya, there is a lovely section through a small village and the last 2 km are through a wonderful field of wildflowers and wheat on an ample dirt path.  

What is interesting about this field is that it is interspersed with unexpected large sculptures that complement the landscape. 

All along the beach, there are bathrooms and cold water coolers.  Early on you pass through the Herzliya Marina which is picturesque and holds restaurants and cafes.  In this section, one water bottle can be refilled again and again.

We started this section at around 1 pm and finished by 5:30.  Most of the group walked only 8.6 km.  Only myself and the Katz's walked the final stretch to retrieve the cars.  The 9 km really takes the edge off.  Somehow that last km pushes people just past their comfort zone.  If you can manage it, I think 8.5 km is a really nice day trip.  It leaves people with the urge to wake up the next day and do it again.  While 10 km leaves people glad to be done, and not willing to do it again for a while.

The weather was perfect, 19 degrees and partly cloudy.  At first, it felt a bit chilly to be by the water, but once we started moving we were comfortable in a long or short sleeve t-shirt,, with full-length pants, leggings or skirts.

I forgot to mention that the reason we were able to take this day off work and school was that school and work have been effectively canceled due to the Coronavirus outbreak world-wide.  We did see people along the way who chose to spend the day outside, on a picnic, or at the beach, keeping a social distance from one another is a lot easier out of doors.  The boardwalks and fields were so peaceful and quiet.  They were not entirely deserted, but the silence was a welcome change from the regular pace of life.  Although it is not clear how this global crisis will unfold, we welcome more opportunities to get out of doors and walk the shvil.

Perhaps due to the silence, we saw many beautiful birds that we are not used to seeing.  Among them the exceptional שלדג, Kingfisher, with its red beak and electric blue feathers.  Its call is loud and persistent and to see it is to gasp at its beauty.  

It was so nice to get a chance to catch up with my dear friend.  Each of the girls had a friend to walk with and Netanel was glad to flit and run between the pairs of us, engaging all of us from time to time.  A group of 7 is a nice size group.  

I can't wait to get right back on this pleasant and not difficult section of the shvil next week.  Here's a link to more pictures from this day.    More pictures of this beautiful day

Trip 11: Latrun to Mesilat Tsiyon:. March 2, 2020 (10 km)

Present:  Elli, Leora, Sara & Noam Wolf, Bruria, Cheftzi-va and Netanel.

Today was election day again!  This is the third election day in the last year, as the Israeli government is not managing to reform. 

It was wonderful to see so many people outdoors enjoying the glorious weather and the spectacular green expanses all dappled with red, pink, purple and yellow wildflowers which are common to this season.  It has been a very wet winter and the entire landscape is lush as a result.

As you will see from the photos the sky was blue and partly cloudy, and the weather cool and mild.  These conditions are ideal for walking.  

We kept things easy and simple by choosing a section close to home.  We have recently done some long drives and Netanel announced,. ''I'm not going anywhere far.''  We drove with our friends, the Wolf's, to put one car at the end of the trail and started the trail at the Latrun Monestary called מנזר השתקנים.  

The beginning kilometer, or two, was through beautiful fields and vineyards.  The trail also includes a spectacular lookout if the entire Latrun area.  We could see as far as Tel Aviv.  Next, you get to the edge of an interesting settlement called נווה שלום.  A mixed settlement of Arabs and Jews.  The remaining kilometers are all through mountainous forests.  There are comfortable paths, picnic tables, and shade throughout.  

A glimpse of the modern history and significance of this area is portrayed throughout the forest as you can walk the Burma Road which forged the Israeli path connecting Jerusalem to the rest of the country in 1948.   Throughout this path there are statues of old vehicles which stand along the Serpentine trail that vehicles used to transverse the area.  Maps and explanation plaques explain this, as well.

We didn't find a place to refill water so we knocked on a door in the Kfar Shalom settlement on the edge of the forest.  On a comfortable 10 m. Walk such as this one, on a cool winter day, 1.5 L is adequate.  We walked from about 1:30 pm -5:30 pm, at a leisurely pace, stopping frequently for photos, snacks and rests. 

photos of this glorious day

Trip 10: Ramat haNadiv to Meir

Present:  Elli, Tsvi, Tamar, Bruria, Cheftzi-va and netanel.

On Chanukah we decided to stray a bit farther from home. We were going to spend the night in chaifa so we looked for a section of the shvil which was close by. We started the day at Ramat haNadiv which is one of israels most beautiful cultivated parks.  There is adequate parking as well as many sights to see there. It's a beautiful place for picknicking.  There are water stations and very organized bathrooms.  It is a good place to start your day and if you have the time, a nice place to relax. The reason we didn't end there was because we preferred to walk in a downhill direction, but if you don't mind occasional intense uphil climbs then definitely do this part in reverse, starting at kfar shfaya and ending at Ramat haNadiv.

Some beautiful and interesting attractions we saw on the way were an authentic ship, from the Aliya Bet, clandestine Aliya to Israel in the time of the British rule and a very pretty מעיין built up into a wading pool,. In a shady, picturest area ideal for stopping and resting.   There was a gas station about one km from the starting point with clean bathrooms and water refill.

This section was 10 km long and it took us 4 hours at a very leisurely pace.  

Most of the way was comfortable trail and easily navigated dirt road.  This is a comfortable section for multi- age family members, even grandparents. 

The fact that it was winter made it that much more comfortable and enjoyable.  Ramat haNadiv is virtually inside of zichron yaakov.  This means that you are only 1-2 km away from beautiful cobblestone boutique shopping areas and restaurants if you wish to continue your day with sightseeing.  Zichron has interesting history to tell of the early Zionist settlement.  Tours are readily available of the מייסדים or founding fathers of the settlement.

Here is a link to pictures of this trip.  This is an excellent section to look forward to.

photos of that day

Trip 8: From Kibutz Sha'alavm to Latrun

Trip 8:  From Kibutz Sha'alavm to Latrun - April 18, 2019

Present:  Esther & Yechiel Erez (my parents!); Danielle, Anaelle and Odelia Singer; Netanel, Cheftzi, Bruria, Israel and Leora Davids

Distance 5 km (+ 2 more to get to the trail)

This trip happened a day before Passover of this year.  My parents had arrived for the holiday, just the day before and we realized that we had a golden opportunity to include them in part of the trail in a way that would be not too difficult or out of their way.

As they were staying with my sister, Danielle Singer, at her home in Kibbutz Shaalvim, we went to visit them there and we started the walk on foot from their home through the nature reserve next to it and onto the path.  The sky was blue with fluffy white clouds, the weather was beautiful, not too hot and not too cold and the terrain was familiar, as my son Israel, had hiked it before in his army service.

It was great family time and my parents managed the trip very well.

Here are some pictures:

Pictures of

this special Day

Trip 9: From Tel Aviv Reading Station to Banana beach 5 km

August 19, 2019

Present:  Shula Diena, Tsvi, Bruria, Cheftzi-va and Netanel Davids

After a whole summer of being out of the country, we have returned to the Shvil!  Although we prefer the cooler weather, we were looking for a short hike as our niece, Shula Diena, who was visiting for a few days from Toronto, wanted to go on a not too difficult hike. It was an opportunity to include another family member on our journey and she was eager to be a part of it.

We decided to tackle the first section along the sea shore of the Mediterranean.  We figured that the wind off of the beach, coupled with embarking at 4:00 pm when the heat of the day had passed would cushion the summer's heat.   As well, the knowledge that we could dip in the water whenever we liked was also very reassuring. 

It turned out to be just the perfect plan!  "מתחם רידינג",  "Reading station"is a lovely center on the beach with shops, restaurants and boardwalk, as well as a lovely park for families.  

We weren't sure if the entire segment which we planned to do was on the tayelet (the boardwalk) or if parts were on the sand.  It turned out that the beginning kilometers and the very end were on the boardwalk, but a segment of 1.5 km in the middle were on the sand.  If not, one could pick up the green rental bikes at the beginning and give them back at the very end, as there were stations at both ends.  Maybe one day, the boardwalk will extend from one point to the other.   There were multiple places to fill water bottles along the way with cold water.

Duchifat - Israel's national Bird

This segment was mainly flat and would have been perfect for our parents.  I plan to do the next 5 km from Banana beach (מחלף גלילות) in the North direction with my parents and / or my in laws when they come to Israel.  I will see if biking can be done, because I see the boardwalk continues North... the question is just how far.

Banana beach is an organized beach with bathrooms and restaurants and a lifeguard.  There is parking too.  There is also ample grassy area for picnic and Frisbee playing.  

Trip 7: Churvat Chanot (Moshav Mata) to Ramat Bet Shemesh

Present:  Netanel, Cheftzi, Bruria, Tsvi, Tamar, Leora
Friday Afternoon, 22.02.19
6.5 km

How to travel on a Friday afternoon and still eat 3 Shabbat meals, feeding 10 people at a meal.   (Read to the end to find out...)

This Friday's trip was delightful.  We are still in the gorgeous, green, flowering winter of Israel and we spotted many trees full to bursting their buds.  In another week, the whole horizon will be flowering, not only the "shkediah," almond tree who started flowering a month ago and has almost lost all its petals by now, to green leaves.  

From Hurvat Hanot to Ramat Bet Shemesh is almost all gradual downhill, on a flat gravel trail.  My parents would have enjoyed it, as opposed to other trails which can be very rocky and harder to navigate for people with knee trouble.  There was only one small uphill climb and the rest was gradual comfortable downhill.  Although it rained during the hike, it was a soft, light rain which only enhanced the smells and sights around us.  Nobody minded and the wet had evaporated by the time we were done.  We ended up a few km from home and because the walk was so gentle, we decided to simply continue to walk the rest of the way home!  The whole section was done in less than two hours! and it ended conveniently on Rd. 10, which is an easy place to hop a cab, back to Hurvat Hanot parking area, if you need to collect your car. 

Next Wednesday afternoon or Friday we plan to continue from our Southmost point, Southwards  ... we've got to pack in our kilometres before it starts to get hot again.  There is no comparing these trails in winter, to the same kilometres in Summer.  If only we could reverse the summer vacation and have more free time during the wondrous winter-spring season of Israel.

Cheftzi, 13:  " It was a  beautiful, easy walk.  Even though it rained lightly on us, it only made it fresher and prettier.  It didn't make us sopping wet and we didn't mind it.  

Pictures from that day:  from my camera;  

Making Shabbat for 10 in One Hour - in order to utilize Friday for walking on "The Shvil"

As I may have mentioned before, we have a large family.  We have 6 kids.  One is married and others sometimes bring their friends for Shabbat.  In addition, we have parents, friends and siblings who sometimes join us for the whole Shabbat or for Shabbat meals.  We want our home to be central in the lives of our kids, our friends and our families so that we can have that regular opportunity to relax together and reconnect with each other on Shabbat, enjoying good meals, and good times together, in a good atmosphere.  

Let it go without saying that having this wonderful weekend time, on a regular basis, does not happen on its own.  It requires a regular pace of planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning.  In addition, I work full time.  I leave the house at 7:30 and return most days by 3:00, picking up my 7-year-old from school on the way home.  One day a week I work until 4:00, getting home at 4:30.  On Friday mornings, which is my day off, as in Israel, the work-week is from Sunday - Thursday,  I often start the day with an hour or two of private tutoring.  Once that's over, I have a half an hour to have a leisurely coffee and breakfast with my husband or my older kids who are out of the house the whole week (army, Sherut Leumi, or University) and then an hour, or so, to cook before the younger kids come home from school and it's time for lunch.  Often, they make their own lunch, such as shakshuka or other easy things.  However, I find I can't really cook or bake during this time as the kitchen is too crowded and I can't concentrate.  In other words, I can do it, but it costs me my sanity, so I don't. 

A week ago, we had a large Shabbat, which was not unusual, however, it was an effort to pull off and it left me happy but exhausted.  I felt as though I would need two weeks to really recharge and gear up emotionally for more shopping, cooking, cleaning and hosting.  I floated:  "Let's skip next Shabbos?"  - but that was just meant facetiously...  as we are orthodox Jews and would never skip a Shabbat.  Besides being a time we treasure, it's a commitment that we are dedicated to and have been dedicated to it as a nation for thousands of years.  

Early in the week, I realized that the coming Shabbat (2 days ago) would be another biggy, as my married son and his wife would be coming, as well as my in-laws; in addition, all kids but one would be home.  My married son, Tsvi wanted to do a section of "The Shvil" on Friday and I wanted to be there, with them, too.  So I decided that I would simply SIMPLIFY.  Here's how.

Firstly, many hands make light work.  We have only 2 kids at home full-time, my 7-year-old, and my 13-year-old.  The 7-year-old does odd jobs like taking out the garbage, picking fruit from the trees and setting the table, while my 13-year-old does most of the family's laundry, folds it and puts it away which is a huge help.  

Secondly, I have 3 hours of cleaning help, weekly, which takes another load off my plate.  I still sweep, clean bathrooms, and am constantly cleaning up the kitchen on a daily basis, however, having the 3 hours of cleaning help relaxes me and makes me feel as though the house will be presentable to all the guests who will be sleeping over for at least 24 hours, during the course of the Shabbat.  She also prepares bed-rooms for guests.

As for food.  My husband does the shop which is a huge help.   

As for baking and desserts - I decided long ago that baking was for special occasions only and that I simply couldn't bake, as well as cook on a weekly basis.  We either skip dessert entirely, or else we put out fruit, tea, nuts, broken up slabs of chocolate, or store bought cake or cookies.  This week, my in-laws came for Shabbat and graciously brought cake and challah, so that was a great load off.

Now we get to the nitty gritty - the food preparation.  If 10 people are to sit 'round the table, TWICE or three times (the third Shabbat meal) in 24 hours,  together for a festive holiday meal (Shabbat), there has got to be plentiful, delicious, nutritious food.    Here's how I do it when I need a break.... (which is more and more often!)

Friday night menu:

First course:  Challa and avocado-tomato salad, tahini on the side

Second course:  soup (chicken, or vegetable)

Third course:  chicken, rice, green salad.

Shabbat lunch menu:

First course:  Challa, large tomato salad, tahini, chopped liver (for my in-laws!)

Second course:  chicken, rice, chullent and fresh, green salad.  

Soup:  On Wednesday, I make a huge soup, chicken soup, or parev, which will serve us for Wednesday night, as well as Friday night.  There is enough for plugging hunger holes in between, as well, such as Friday afternoon, or otherwise.  If it's delicious, and if there are plenty of other fresh things,  nobody minds.

On Friday, I cook 3 things:  

1.  A large tray, or two of chicken pieces which can serve the crowd both on Friday night and on Saturday lunch, rewarmed.  

2.  A large amount of rice (or couscous) which will also be served twice.

3.  A chullent, with a large piece of meat in it, cooked in a slow-cooker.  By the way, this part is extra and can be skipped entirely.

The rest of the food is made on Shabbat before the meals.  Although you cannot cook on Shabbat, you can prepare salads by hand (no machines or graters).  Again,  many hands make light work, and I've learned that my sons and daughters and guests enjoy fresh salads, even more, when they help wash and chop and season them themselves.  A table set by many can be set in 2 minutes.  If everyone does a 10-minute clean-up job right after Havdalla, this also gives a great jump-start to the weeks' duties.

Ten, 10 minute clean up jobs:

1.  Wash the silver

2.  Dry the silver

3.  Load or unload the dishwasher/s

4.  Spray and wash the tablecloths, then hang them to dry

5.  Take out all garbage and recycling 

6.  Clear the table from Seuda 3.

7.  Make the sandwiches for the next morning

8.  Sweep

9.  Wash the floor.

10.  Strip beds and run a load in the washing machine.

I assure you that nobody goes away hungry, quite the opposite.  The food is fresh, delicious, nutritious and seasonal because it is always centred around freshly chopped fruits and vegetables.    Nobody goes away with a stomach-ache from over-eating or for feeling the need to sample too many rich, unnecessary delicacies.  There is little food-waste.  Everyone feels happy and nobody (mainly me) is resentful and exhausted.  Everybody gets to enjoy Friday, rather than having to sacrifice the whole day to kitchen work.  

Seuda Shlishit:

Admittedly, I haven't yet gotten this one down to a T.  I'm kind of burnt out by this point in the Shabbat and I like to go to an afternoon "Torah shiur" which takes place just at the time of day that this needs to get prepared and laid out.  This week, just before leaving for my shiur I did cut up a lovely fruit salad, of strawberries, banana and oranges, enjoyed by all.  We washed, ate challah and I put out some spreads from the fridge.  One of my kids prepared a large bowl of tuna.  I had prewashed lettuce so I quickly put together a quick salad, and the left-over couscous was mixed with a can of chickpeas for an additional dish.  Again, with a plateful of green salad, tuna, couscous and chickpeas, nobody had any complaints.  Rounded-off by the fruit salad - it was practically gourmet.  I've been strongly hinting to my husband and kids that they should "take this on" and "make it their own" in regards to Seuda Shlishit, the 3rd meal - but until that happens, I'm prepared to just coast, pulling whatever we've got out of the fridge to go with the challah.  I've found that the less I worry about it, the more others tend to jump in and make it happen, which is just fine with me.  In the short winter Shabbats,  Seuda Shlishit, is just fruit and cake, as the day is too short to work up any sort of appetite.  However, the days have already gotten longer and as 5:30 comes near, everyone is glad to wash and sit 'round the table once more.

"TOVANOT - Insights for future trips:"

1.  Winter-spring is the time to hike in Israel, meaning (November - May, June)

2.  A litre of water is enough for a winter hike of 6-8 km.

3.  Very little food is needed for a 6-8 km hike.  We shared an orange (everybody eating one section) and split open a package of cookies... Everyone got one.  Nobody was hungry.  We had nuts, and more fruit, but nobody needed it.

4.  Use your Fridays, don't lose them.