This Is What Jerusalem Looked Like Just Months After Photography Was Invented and eleven delightful Railroad trips to take in Israel

Yehuda Lave, Spiritual Advisor and Counselor MINDFULNESS ENABLES US TO BE WISER: We've all gained a lot of wisdom from all the experiences we have had. As we practice tuning into the SOURCE, we feel an ease, a flow, a flexibility and a sense of inner freedom that expands. We become more insightful about people as well as our own problems and challenges. We might even become aware of what the CORRECTIVE EXPERIENCE is that Hashem is "gifting" us with when He brings certain difficult people or painful illnesses or events into our lives. As we practice mindfulness, we become more intuitive about how we can turn these experiences into opportunities for growth. Love Yehuda Lave Last Shabbat we  read the Tora Portion בהעלותך - Be'Haalotkha.   In this Torah portion we are told about the children of Israel having the manna as their food and people complaining in regards with not having meat to eat. (where is the beef?)     וְהָאסַפְסֻף אֲשֶׁר בְּקִרְבּוֹ, הִתְאַוּוּ תַּאֲוָה; וַיָּשֻׁבוּ וַיִּבְכּוּ, גַּם בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, וַיֹּאמְרוּ, מִי יַאֲכִלֵנוּ בָּשָׂר   And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting; and the children of Israel also wept on their part, and said: 'Would that we were given flesh to eat! (Numbers 11:4).     G-d then tells Moses to gather 70 elders of Israel…   וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל-מֹשֶׁה, אֶסְפָה-לִּי שִׁבְעִים אִישׁ מִזִּקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, אֲשֶׁר יָדַעְתָּ, כִּי-הֵם זִקְנֵי הָעָם וְשֹׁטְרָיו; וְלָקַחְתָּ אֹתָם אֶל-אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, וְהִתְיַצְּבוּ שָׁם עִמָּךְ   And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Gather unto Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with thee.(Numbers 11:16).   Eventually G-d sent them quail as meat to eat.        There is a story told about a big dispute in one of the cities in Russia in regards with an appointment of a rabbi.   People in the city were fighting for a long time and could not reach an agreement about who should be appointed.   Eventually they turned to Rabbi Soloveitchik of Brisk to seek advice.   He told them:   In the Torah portion "Be'Ha'alotkha" the children of Israel complain about lack of food and Moses is told by G-d to gather seventy elders of Israel.      Rabbi Soloveitchik asked: What is the connection between the complaint of children of Israel about the food to the gathering of seventy elders of Israel?   And he then answered: When the children of Israel started to quarrel about the food and making a living, G-d gave Moses an advice:   Prepare a list of 70 elders to be appointed as rabbis and you will immediately see how the children of Israel will forget their worries about the food and making a living and will start dealing with job appointments…   11 delightful day trips on the Israel Railways train Forget your traffic and parking woes -- let the railroad take you and your family on off-the-beaten-track adventures in every corner of the land. By Jessica Halfin  JUNE 11, 2019, 7:00 AM Israel Railways photo by Eli Halfin Remember the good old days when taking a train was a glamorous adventure? While we are far removed from those times, modern-day trains, especially in Israel, have become an increasingly convenient, traffic-free way to travel. What's more, Israel Railways lines are expanding and improving every day. Now, more than ever, you can visit different corners of the country solely by train.   Here are our favorite 11 suggestions for a stress-free day trip (imagine, no parking!) out on the train. Jerusalem Gan Hachayot Hatanachi (Biblical Zoo) Station Clownfish at Jerusalem's Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium. Israel Aquarium. Photo by Omri Emodi Get out at this station in the Malcha neighborhood of Jerusalem, far removed from the city center where most tourists roam. Here you can have two extraordinary zoological experiences: The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Jerusalem Biblical Zoo) and the newly unveiled Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium. Wackier displays at the aquarium include a jellyfish gallery and clownfish bred on an Arava desert farm. There are thousands of live fish, sharks, corals and other sea animals in tanks representing the habitats of Israel's seas, as well as other features such as a stingray feeding pool and interactive water displays that allow you to feel like you are in the tank with the big fish. Moshe Dayan Station, Rishon LeTzion One of Israel's largest cities, Rishon LeTzion lies just south of Tel Aviv and is a heaven of beaches, shopping and entertainment. Get off the train at Moshe Dayan Station and you're just a 20-minute walk or 5-minute cab ride from Cinema City, a bustling hub of modern stores, eateries, a stand-up comedy club (for those who know Hebrew) and one of Israel's most up-to-date cinemas. Enjoy a VIP screening of a movie in a private room complete with snacks (we hear unlimited popcorn and coffee — and an order of nachos! — are included). Also just a 5-minute cab ride from the station is Superland, Israel's premier theme park filled with roller coasters, an ice-skating rink, bumper cars, water rides, and other adrenaline-inducing apparatuses. Or you can just head on over to the city's IKEA for a more tame (but no less fun) shopping outing and kosher Swedish meatballs. Afula Train Station A great day-trip destination in the North for families, Afula is probably one spot that missed the list of must-visit cities when you were planning your trip to Israel. However, this residential city, formerly a beacon of Israeli agriculture, has one family-friendly attraction that has the potential to keep you entertained all day long. Get off the train in the new Afula station, and walk across the main road to Rova Izrael- the city's brand-new neighborhood in close proximity to the expansive Afula municipal park. Inside the gates of the park you'll find entertainment for the whole family, including a skate park, shaded slides and other playground staples, a children's train ride (₪10), rock-climbing wall, amusement-park rides (for a fee), and a free petting zoo with a camel, ducks, donkeys, horses and other animals. Afterwards it's just a 10-minute walk to Emek Center Shopping(locals simply call it "HaMitcham," "The Compound") where you can shop and lunch till you drop. Catch the train back after a quick stop at the Kfir Brigade Monument down the main road on the opposite side. There you can pay your respects to soldiers from this IDF combat unit who fell in the line of duty, before heading back to the train by foot. Kiryat Motzkin Train Station Resident tigers at Hai Park, Kiryat Motzkin. Photo: courtesy Take the train to Kiryat Motzkin for an unlikely outing in the Krayot — the municipalities that make up Haifa's suburbs. Although more urban than you might expect, this area is filled with beautifully landscaped traffic circles (many encompassing the works of local artists) and the prized jewel of the region, the Hai Park Zoo on Hachashmonaim Street. Inside the entrance is a large playground followed by a zoo with exotic (some endangered) animals such as Asian elephants, giraffes, an impressive reptile collection, two newly acquired Barbary lions named Samson and Delilah, Siberian tigers named Sarah and Ana, and other predators. Not far from the zoo are many small parks, such as Park Fromer Or Haim. And be sure to visit the "motz-etz" in Gan HaBanim — a tree dedicated to helping little ones part with their beloved pacifiers once the time comes. Afterwards head to the nearby Kiryon Mall for an elevated meal by Israeli celebrity chef Moshe Segev at Segev Kitchen Garden North (192 Derech Akko, Kiryat Bialik), or catch the Metronit fast-track bus from outside the mall into downtown Haifa to dine at any of the many restaurants or street-food vendors on Namal Street or in the Turkish Market promenade. 5. Merkaz HaYeridim Train Station, Tel Aviv University Beit HaTfutsot exhibition on Bob Dylan. Photo by Shahar and Ziv Katz Get off the train at this North Tel Aviv stop, and after a small trek uphill you will be on the campus of Tel Aviv University, a great jumping-off point for exploring the newly updated posh neighborhood of Ramat Aviv or many area museums. Head down Haim Levanon Street from the front entrance of the campus to the Palmach Museum to learn interactively about Israel's early elite Jewish fighting force, or explore the Museum of the Jewish People (Beit Hatfutsot) on the campus. At Beit Hatfutsot you'll find a wealth of information including a permanent exhibit of replicas of world synagogues, and lighthearted exhibitions on modern Jewish heroes and global Jewish humor. American-Israeli comedian Benji Lovitt. Photo: courtesy Sign up in advance, and you can even get a personal tour of the latter exhibit from Tel Aviv-based American-Israeli comedian Benji Lovitt. Once you're done, head down the road (20 minutes by foot, or a few minutes by taxi) for luxurious lunching at one of the neighborhood's restaurants, such as Greco, which specializes in modern Greek tapas and drinks. Herzliya Train Station Herzl Water Tower in Herzliya. Photo via Google At this seaside city, we recommend you skip the crowded beach and upscale marina in favor of taking to the skies! Sky Trip allows you the once-in-a-lifetime experience of flying a plane, and its airstrip is less than a 10-minute cab ride from the train station. From there it's just an 11-minute cab ride to Beit Hapancake ("The Pancake House") which will help you refuel with some sweet treats following your flight. Once you fill up on pancakes, walk 15 minutes back to the train station. As you cross the Ayalon highway you will be face to face with Theodore Herzl (at least with a large artistic cutout of him) sitting atop the town's water tower just across from some of the city's top high-tech companies along the road at the Michlaf HaSira exit. Nahariya Train Station Get off at Israel's northern-most stop on the train, and it's just a 15-minute walk to the beachfront. There's a well-kept walking promenade extending north and south, and a newer promenade just to the south includes Promenade Challenges Park – including a new-age playground for children of all ages, a dog park, and of course the sand and sun. Set up an introductory diving lesson with Indigo Diving Club on the southern beach, or take a reflective moment at the monument to Naval Fighters nearby, set within rocky tide pools. On your way back up the coast to catch the train home, satisfy your appetite at one of the town's beach-side eateries, such as Mul Hayam (Facing the Sea) restaurant, which serves traditional salads and fish and meat dishes in a relaxed old-fashioned maritime setting. Sderot Train Station Hummus Shel Thina, Sderot. Photo: courtesy You've all heard about the turmoil of life in Sderot, a southern Israel city just outside Gaza that is plagued by frequent rocket attacks. It is a town that serves as a testament to Israeli resilience and can only be fully comprehended by those who visit, talk to its residents, and experience daily life there. For safe travel, of course, it's best not to go during times of flare-ups. This fortified train journey is a mere one hour from Tel Aviv, and just a 12-minute ride from the seafront town of Ashkelon, but it is certain to be a trip you won't forget. Take a guided tour of Sderot's protected playgrounds, Iron Dome battery and Black Arrow Memorial with tour guide and local rabbi Ari Katz, or explore the town's fully functioning college campus equipped with underground facilities. But don't forget to enjoy the lighter side of the city, which can be easily experienced at the best hummus shop: Hummus Shel Thina. Have a chat with its young owner, local resident Amit Yesodi, who has spread her good will through hummus far beyond her hometown to Israel's largest cities, including Beersheva, Jerusalem and soon Tel Aviv. Haifa Bat Galim Train Station Get off the train in Haifa's Bat Galim station, and you'll be getting a look at one of the city's up-and-coming neighborhoods. You'll be surprised to see the rundown urban landscape next to Rambam Medical Center quickly give way to a stunning newly constructed beach promenade. Strolling down the walkway, you will see blossoming seaside flowers and plants next to the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Don't miss out on Haifa's cable car ( rachbal in Hebrew), which takes off from Shawatina Restaurant on the Bat Galim Promenade and takes you on a 5-minute journey up Carmel Mountain to Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery from which you have a panoramic view of the Haifa Bay. Upon your return to terra firma, walk south on the promenade to the main Haifa beach area, where you may catch a beach-side meal, cold beer or fruit shake, before riding back home from the Haifa Hof HaCarmel station (that is, if you'll ever want to leave). Tel Aviv HaShalom Train Station Outside HaShalom train station by the Azrieli Center in Tel Aviv. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90 The train station's exit leads you inside one of Israel's largest malls, where you can aid Israel's economy or just window-shop or grab a bite to eat. If you're feeling fancy, skip the food court and dine at the mall's kosher gourmet restaurant 2C, which sits high above it all on the 49th floor. Or, for the ultimate foodie experience, head over to nearby Sarona Market, where you can roam the gourmet food stalls on your own, or take a guided tour filled with small bites and historical background through the Taste of Sarona Tour led by local foodie Erez Dayan of Siyur Sipur travel company (tour available in English). Israelis and tourists at Sarona Market, Israel's largest indoor culinary market, in Tel Aviv. Photo by Miriam Alster/FLASH90 Rehovot Hadar Train Station History buffs would be sorry to miss out on a visit to the Weizmann House on the Weizmann Institute of Science campus in Rehovot, central Israel. Just a 12-minute walk from the Rehovot Hadar train station, the historic house affords a look into the past in one of Israel's leading research institutes. There stands the former home of scientist Chaim Weizmann, Israel's first president. The house of the first president of Israel, Chaim Weizmann, inside the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot. Photo by Lior Mizrahi/Flash90 The house is preserved complete with all his former belongings, including his Lincoln car parked out front, flourishing gardens, and his wife Vera's bakeware in the kitchen. Pay your respects at the Weizmann memorials just outside the house, before continuing on to discover the many corners of this beautifully manicured campus, or grab a bite not far away at Moo and Moo, a specialty beef restaurant and butchery that takes pride in aging and serving the highest quality Israeli-bred meat available. A New Cultural Center Is Pisgat Ze'ev Is On Its Way!   Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion: "The new cultural center in Pisgat Ze'ev will serve the residents of Northern Jerusalem and the entire city as a whole. The center, which was built at the highest quality, will have a multitude of resources and will provide an optimal viewing experience for its visitors. This new project will serve as a lively cultural center and a home for the performing arts." The Jerusalem Municipality is currently completing the construction of what is now known as the Mann Auditorium which will be located in the center of the Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood. The cultural center will be used for municipal cultural performances and activities, operated by the Jerusalem Municipality. In addition, various workshops will be held at the center to develop various artistic fields, both locally and not. In addition, it will host large shows and serve as a social and cultural anchor for the Northern Jerusalem area. A coffee shop is planned to be in the building, which will operate during the day and will provide services to the visitors. In addition, a state-of-the-art recording studio for young artists has been installed around the building. The Mann Auditorium was designed by architect Alex Ostrovsky. In the Ramot neighborhood, a cultural structure similar to the cultural center in Pisgat Ze'ev is also being built, as well as in East Jerusalem, to continue to propel advancements in cultural centers and events. The opening of the Mann Auditorium will take place in the coming months.   Attached are pictures from the new culture hall in its final stages of construction - credit to the Jerusalem Municipality.                       This Is What Jerusalem Looked Like Just Months After Photography Was Invented A look at the city when it was still a poor and neglected town at the remote edge of the Ottoman Empire, through the lens of two legendary photographers By  Daniel Tchetchik  and  Dr. Gil Weissblei  Jun 02, 2019 Exactly 180 years ago, in the summer of 1839, Jerusalem became the first site in the Land of Israel to be documented with a camera. It was only a few months after practical photography was invented in Paris. In the coming years, there was a steady increase in the number of photographers who came to Jerusalem from Europe with various types of cameras. Biblical landscapes, the cradle of Jesus' birth and especially the city itself assumed a real and concrete shape for the first time. >> Subscribe for just $1 now Through the lens of the camera, a small, neglected and poor town at the remote edge of the Ottoman Empire became a magical city where time stood still, full of shadows and secrets. Everyone who came to the Middle East visited Jerusalem. In fact, Jerusalem was photographed more than any other place in the region during that period. >> Seen from above: Shedding new light on familiar Israeli landscape ■ 'I'm 33 years old and I've never been on a plane': The Palestinian photographer at the Gaza border ■ 'I can't look at the sea, my son is there': Refugees' tragic odyssey to Europe, in photos There are thousands of negatives and prints of Jerusalem from those years, made using various techniques, in Jerusalem's National Library of Israel. Some were created by professional photographers who offered their wares to Christian pilgrims and tourists, most of whom did not have a camera. These works reflect the "Orient" and the spirit of the Bible. They are often empty, spacious landscapes, perhaps due to the difficulty of photographing passersby with the long exposures necessary for the glass plates that were coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. Occasionally, when the composition demanded it, one can actually see the Jerusalemites of those distant days, extras within a glorious setting. Here are the works of two legendary photographers: Felix Bonfils and Luigi Fiorillo. Photos courtesy of the National Library of Israel. Daniel Tchetchik Haaretz Contributor See you tomorrow blie neder Love Yehuda Lave View this email in your browser You are receiving this email because of your relationship with Yehuda Lave, Spiritual Advisor and Counselor. If you do not wish to receive any more emails, you can unsubscribe here. 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