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Social Activities (tentative)

The Israel Festival is happening in Jerusalem between May 24 and June 22, 2008. It brings to Jerusalem groups of high-class performers from all over the world, which are commonly very good. The director of the festival, who is also a friend, says that the highlights this year are: Les Art Florissants (June 22, 20:30), and Grupo Corpo (June 12, 21:00 and June 13, 14:00). Tickets will be distributed by Dikla on Thursday, June 12. His other recommendations includes Songs at Night (June 15), Henri Oguike Dance Company (June 16 and 17), Bill Frisell Quartet (Jazz, June 17), Once in the Galilee (Jazz, June 18), Debka Fantasy (June 18 and 19). But there are many other attractions, including free Jazz (goes well with beer) every night at 10:30pm in the Jerusalem theatre.

Wednesday, June 11: Dinner at Darna

Friday, June 13: Old City and Holy Sepulchre
14:30 - 18:00 --- A guided tour for liturgical music in the Armenian and Christian quarters of the Old City, ending with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (at about 17:00) for their traditional Friday afternoon festivity. Make your way to the Old City on your own (by foot, taxi or car), and meet the guide (Nehama Shafran) in Zion Gate, near the south-west corner of the city, at 14:30. The guide fees to be paid by the participants will be collected by Rachel (100 shekels per particpant).

Saturday, June 14: Trip to the Ela Valley region
08:20-18:00 -- This region in the foothills of the Judean mountians, where the famous battle between David and Goliath is said to have taken place, is often undeservedly ignored. The many archaeological sites attest to thriving communities in the area from biblical times, through the Helinistic, Roman and Byzantine eras up to the present day. Underneath the rocky terrain, countless natural and man-made caves and caverns lie hidden, and these were used by the local population over the centuries for shelter, defense, congregation, agriculture and burial. In recent years the soil and favorable climate have turned this area into a "Little Toscany", dotted with small vinyards and boutique wineries.
The trip will include the Beit-Guvrin National Park, the site of an ancient settlement dating back to biblical times, a visit a small winery in the area for a tour and lunch in the family-run restaurant which boasts a beautiful view of the area. The adventurous among us can explore a cave used for shelter and defense which involves a lot of crawling through tight places.
Comfortable shoes, hats and drinking water are desireable. Sun protection may be useful.
The bus and guide fees are paid by the IAS workshop.
Departure by bus from Mishkenot at 8:20, and from Ganei Moria at 8:40.
Lunch will take place at 14:00 in the Shterenbach winery, and will cost on the order of 100 shekel each (depending on what one orders). There is a 19 shekels entrance fee to the national park in Beit Govrin. Return to Jerusalem is expected at about 17:30.

Sunday, June 15, 8:00pm: Dinner at Terasa (sel-paid)
If interested in participating, please tell Dikla or add your name to the list on the door at the meeting room.

Tuesday, June 17, 8:00pm: Workshop dinner in Eucalyptus (all paid for)

Friday, June 20: Beach Party and Seafood Dinner
15:00 --- Depart Jerusalem to the beach of Bat Yam with an arranged minibus.
16:00 - 19:00 relax, swim, play ping-pong, row on a kayak and enjoy beer on the beach.
19:00 --- dinner in Mushon the Fisherman.
22:00 --- back in Jerusalem.

Saturday, June 21: XXX
XXX

Monday, June 23, 8:00pm: Dinner at Adom (self-paid)
If interested in participating, please tell Dikla or add your name to the list on the door at the meeting room.